220 swift starting loads?

[Beardogs]

WoodChuckwhacker, because I like them. They work perfectly well. Ive reached way beyond 300y with the 40g's. Cheers

 

[WyleWD]

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.
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

Just a couple of tips for you. First, find out for sure what twist the barrel is. Having a look at the bore's condition if you don't know the round count on the barrel might be a fair idea as well. Second, if you get great groups using Varget in the Swift you're among the first I ever heard of that did. 4064, R15, 4320 might be better choices in my experience.

My current swift really likes the WW760, H414, and N550 powders but then again I'm shooting 50-55gr bullets through a 26" 12 twist barrel. JME. WD

 

[deadeye4]

r17-42.5gn 55nosler bt @ 3950fps bugholes @ 200yds with an occasional flyer in the 1" area@200yds

 

[Gary in MD]

Would agree that 55 grain bullets started at 3800fps - 3900fps are the way to go!
They pack a lot more punch and do more damage at the longer ranges than the 40s do.
Gary

 

[Coolhand]

I have two .220 Swift Ackleys , having tried ALL the available 55 grain projectiles, the 55 grain Sierra Green Tip produced the best results using RL17 from a 1:14 Krieger barrel producing an average velocity of 3900 fps , I can get better velocity figures but I see no need.

regards
Mike.

 

[RGRobinett]

I have two .220 Swift Ackleys , having tried ALL the available 55 grain projectiles, the 55 grain Sierra Green Tip produced the best results using RL17 from a 1:14 Krieger barrel producing an average velocity of 3900 fps , I can get better velocity figures but I see no need.

regards
Mike.

Deadeye4 & Coolhand are onto something here - RL-17 should be kept a deep dark secret!
Via our .220Ackley Swifts, with Rl-17, we typically get very pleasing precision, & 120-140 FPS more velocity, as compared to our "old standby" powders: H-414; Win-760; & AA2700.
Of course, all of those are very good too. RG

 

[Coolhand]

Deadeye4 & Coolhand are onto something here - RL-17 should be kept a deep dark secret!
Via our .220Ackley Swifts, with Rl-17, we typically get very pleasing precision, & 120-140 FPS more velocity, as compared to our "old standby" powders: H-414; Win-760; & AA2700.
Of course, all of those are very good too. RG

RG ...... I liked the results with RL17 so much , I bought every canister of it I could find ended up with 18 pounds. My buddy who shoots a 22/250 Ackley gets great figures with RL15.

regards
Mike.

 

[Coolhand]

Bear, why are you loading 40 grain bullets in a .220 Swift?? That combination is all noise and no performance. At 300 yds, it's no better than a .223.

Try some 50gr or 55gr polytipped Sierra Blitzking bullets and reach way out and touch something

WoodchuckWacker , my standard advice to anybody who has a 22/250-.220 Swift or variants thereof , that complain about accuracy issues , Sierra Green Tips are your benchmark , out of two different barrels they consistently outperform all other 50-55 grain projectiles. That is not to say others are 'poor' performers but the Sierras just squeeze the group size down to OMG level.
Both my Ackleys are hunting rifles and all loads are seated to mag length. One day if I decide to bother I may just install a single shot follower and play with the seat depth but when you have two rifles that shoot 0.4 groups well is it necessary?

regards
Mike.

 

[A_Gamehog]

Nosler has the 220 swift using their 40 grain bullet, lists H-380 as the "most accurate" powder to use. That and Sierra are my benchmarks. But in this point in time depending on your use, ball powders like H-380 change POI with temp. and the production lots vary, IMR-4064, IMR-4007 also work well. R-15, R-17 are stable at all temps. like the Hodgdon extreme powders. If you like ball powders try Ramshot's Big Game, works well in my 22-250 also. Tiny groups are easy. Big game has a burn rate similar to H414.