220 swift starting loads?

[Swift4Yotes]

I am loading for my new 700 Varmint SF in Swift. I am using H380 and bought a swift because I wanted a fast Coyote load. I am wanting to shoot 55 grain V-maxes and or Nosler BT's. I had some loads of 42 grains of H380 and 55 v-maxes with a CCI 200 primer that were loaded by a very reputable loader. I had them for a bull barrel custom bench gun built on a Mauser action which would clover leaf them. These showed no signs of pressure in that rifle as far as cratered primers, or smiley faces etc. I see Hogdon shows 42.5 grains as a max load and recommends dropping 10% as a starting load and I realize less may result in better accuracy but I want loads at least 3800 fps so if 55's won't shoot good at that speed then I am going to go to a different bullet. With that said I don't want to waste time chasing a load that isn't what I am after. I see Nosler shows a max load of 40 grains with there 55 Ballistic Tip so I loaded some at 39 grains and some 55 V-maxes at 42 grains along with some 50 v-maxes at 42 grains. I am just curious why the big difference in max loads by different bullet manufactures. Do they know these bullets won't stabilize at that speed or do they build different pressures? I think they are all rated for the high fps induced rotation. Speer gives a max load of I believe 43 grains of H380 for their 55 grain bullets. So can anyone give me any info or good advice. I also realize I need to watch how close I get to the lands. I am seating off an ogive measurement and will keep them at least .010" off the lands. My starting ogive measurement is with the 55 V-max seated with coal of 2.680. THANKS!

 

[Barlow]

I never used H380 in my Swifts. I used IMR4064 with 50-55gr bullets. My standard load was 39grs for around 3900 mv with the 50's. Just start low and work up watching for pressure signs, and it's a big help to chronograph them. Having said all that, I would settle on your most accurate load, your swift will not let you down. Good luck, Barlow

 

[Swift4Yotes]

Now with the 55 Nosler Bt's your load would be a full grain over max. Apparently some bullets have more bearing surface and create higher pressures.

 

[CatShooter]

Different makers have different max loads because they do not use the same rifles to test with - ALL rifles (like women) are different, and no two will give the same velocities or pressures, with the same loads.

 

[snert]

I have a Swift with a generous chamber. I have never hotrodded it. I shoot 55 grain Vmax and 40 grains of H380 over a Federal match primer and it is a dream. Plenty of speed without the maximum velocity, documented accurate to 700 yards on chucks and have a confirmed crow at 529 yards.

I like H380 for this cartridge as it meters well, but do realize it is temp sensitive and in hotter weather you may have a bit more pressure. I keep my load average and look for 3650 fps or so.

I find the Swift to be a fine coyote rifle to about 400 yards with this heavier Vmax. if I hunted winter coyotes here in teh east, I might think of a heavier bullet, but wonder about stability in my barrel.

I tried the Nosler 55 in my gun but it simply did not shoot as well as the Vmax.

 

[Swift4Yotes]

I guess there isn't much difference in drop between 3650 and 3800 fps. I am now wondering if I should back it down to about 3650 for starters. I just figured if one bullet wouldn't work at around 3800 then a lighter one might. Probably not much difference in coyote killing energy out to 400 yards with either. Whatever the load I won't settle for less .5" or better at 100. I miss enough all by myself I don't need any more variables lol! Thanks for the input so far guys!

 

[40X Guy]

If you can source some H414 powder try a starting point of 41.5-42.0 grains, and work up in .2 increments. My current Swift that i had rebarreled with a Broughton 13 twist is using 42.9 grains under 55 Nosler BT's and 210 GMM primers in Winchester brass. One of my older Nosler load manuals lists a max charge of 44.0 of H414 but pressure started to rear its ugly head in this new barrel at anything above 43.0. In this rifles previous incarnation with factory Schneider barrel ( Winchester M70) in a HV configuration I could run the 44.0 load at close to 4100 fps. New barrel I am right at 3988 with the 42.9 load. Accuracy is outstanding. I put them at .010 off the lands and then go out and have fun. IMR-4064 would be second choice for powder. 38-39 grains is where you want to be with IMR-4064. IMO there are better powders than H380 especially if looking for the speed that the mighty Swift is capable of..

Frank

 

[Barlow]

I use 38grs of 4064 with the 55gr Hornady for 3706 MV in 24" Ruger 77. Some of my books show 39 is max others 38. Individual rifles make take more or less. I had an old friend here in town who got me started on swifts that used 41.2 grs of 4064 behind 48-50 gr R.B. Sisk game bullets in a pre 64 model 70 and a real early dog leg Ruger 77. Killed deer like lightning. Barlow

 

[Swift4Yotes]

What do you guys feel the best indicators of pressure is?

 

[Barlow]

Hard bolt lift is a no no. Barlow

 

[Swift4Yotes]

Lol ya I knew that but I was hoping for signs that would keep me from that stage. Is cratering and smileys minus a few tenths of a grain a good method? If I find a .5" load I am not going to push much more but I would like to get all the speed I can without pushing the envelope.

 

[40X Guy]

Another powder you may want to consider if you can find some is IMR-4320. Personally i have never tried it but have read of many who love it in the Swift.

Frank

 

[snert]

I think .5 is very do-able with a Swift. I am discontent when mine shoots much bigger than a smidge (scientific term) more than 1/4 inch 5 shot, cooled barrel groups. This is with an old 10X Weaver T.

However, MY rifle is weird and finicky. On a clean barrel it will not group but strings vertical until round #6-8 and then it settles in for 1/4 inch groups for about another 12-14 rounds, then goes to heck in a handbasket. So I have learned to clean it lightly, and not worry too much. At the end of the year I scrub it real well then in spring I "fireform" new brass to get it "conditioned" for a summer in the chuck fields. Lord pity the coyote that wanders by.

When it shoots, it is a dream to shoot. Simply makes me smile and smile some more.

 

[22DASHER]

If you have access to some H414, I would definitely give it a try in the Swift. I have had a couple of them and they loved a stout load of H414 with 55 Grain Nosler Ballistic Tips.

 

[Kermit in Va.]

Mine shot IMR 3031 GOOD.
Shot the old Lyman starting load best.
33 GRS. at I think 3500 .
Tried up to about 35 and it just opened up .
I'm sure it would have found another node but
It shot so good at 33 didn't figured I needed the extra speed.
Wish I still had it...


Kermit

 

[JohnD]

AA2700 is a good one. I shot 4064 and 414 more years than I care to remember.
The Swift powder discussion came up on BR Central and several members
raved about 2700. I gave it a try and my old Shilen barrel turned in about a
.180. One guy also said the barrel wear between 4064 and 2700 was like the difference between night and day though you can't prove it by me as I have no borescope.

Good luck with your Swift, John.

 

[Beardogs]

Hi guys.

Just reloading my swift. Using Varget and 40g Vmax. I've done my pressure testing and my max load will be 40.9g.

Now going to load up some rounds and fine the best accuracy node. What increments do most guys do? I know my safe pressure so loading for accuracy now. Was going to start at 37g and work up in .3 or .4 grain increments to 40.9

Cheers

 

[Beardogs]

Ok thanks give that a try.

 

[Beruisis]

.5" is doable. Last weekend I took mine out for first time with reloads.
Best load was with 52 gr Bergers with RL15, BR2 primers. 1/2" group.
I'd like to try that AA2700 however.

 

[Beardogs]

Ok well I took the swift out today with my new loads. I feel the results were inconclusive, only my second reloading project. Using a Rem 700 varmint 24in fluted barrel, not sure of twist. Used once fired Norma brass trimmed to 2.195 and COAL of 2.680. Used varget powder and 40g Vmax. I loaded up five rounds of the following with following results.


38g 1.035 more vertical spread
38.4g 1.009 --- .541 round group
38.8g 1.094 --- .665 round group
39.2g 0.984 --- .632 round group
39.6g 1.306 - round group
40g 0.645 round group
40.4g .930 round group
40.8g 1.024 more vertical spread


Its an old barrel so I’m taking that into account, but I had hoped for better groups. All groups, grouped well, reasonably circular groups, pretty much clones of each other, just varying in size.


With the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups. I had four very tight holes and a 5th hole about half inch left and half inch down, all three identical. Not sure why. If I take away that 5th bullet the groups were as above.


So my question really is, what next? I’m thinking I will redo 40g and 40.4g and also 38.4 and 38.8g

Cheers