To get right to the point: If you already have 223, 222, and 220 Swift calibers can you you think of any situations where a 22-250 might provide some performance improvements in the things you would normally shoot with these calibers, over the others mentioned? I think I am aware of any perceived or real disadvantages the 22-250 might suffer, but I guess what it amounts to, is there a spot it could fill better than the others? I am not experienced with the 22-250 to consider myself as having the slightest clue. Thanks for all comments.
Asking for opinions
- Thread starter cuznguido
- Start date
TAJ45
Silver $$ Contributor
In my mind, powder capacity is covered.
The question would be bbl tw - heavier pills. What twist is the Swift? If it can't handle some 70+, then a 22-250 in an 8, 9 tw may be desirable - do you want to load for another cal, brass etc or play that cost off to a new Swift bbl twisted for your long range needs. Choices, choices. Fun, fun
The question would be bbl tw - heavier pills. What twist is the Swift? If it can't handle some 70+, then a 22-250 in an 8, 9 tw may be desirable - do you want to load for another cal, brass etc or play that cost off to a new Swift bbl twisted for your long range needs. Choices, choices. Fun, fun
I don’t have a Swift. A couple friends do and I haven’t seen anything they can do that my 22-250 can’t. The thing my 22-250 has going for it is you can get brass for it most anywhere, anytime. With the Swift? Not so much. You say you are aware of disadvantages of the 22-250 and then end your post with not having the slightest clue. So.... what are those disadvantages of the 22-250? Yes, I have several 223s in various twists and chamber dimensions as well as a 222. They are obviously not in the 22-250 league and the 222 and 223 aren’t that far apart unless you get into special long range competition guns. I have no desire for a swift, but then again I have a 22Br and a proprietary 224 wildcat based off the 308 case too.
TAJ45
Silver $$ Contributor
I would not want to take a 2 fitty out for serious squirrel shooting - unless I owned a bbl co and a lathe. Definitely not dog towns in the old days unless I had three or so to rotate through.
In a word, no.
B23
Gold $$ Contributor
From the sounds of things, I'll assume you won't be or you don't reload, yes? If you don't reload and you are shooting factory ammo, the 22-250 has nothing on your 220 Swift and if you are happy with your Swift, unless you are just looking for us to give you an excuse and help you justify a new rifle purchase to yourself, you really have no need for a 22-250.
If you are a reloader and this will be a custom or semi custom build, rather than a off the shelf bought gun, then their are some benefits to the 22-250
BUT, as I always say "NEED" is and never will be, at least not for me
a prerequisite, so if you kinda have a hankering for a new rifle and you're looking for a little push, shove, or kick in the pants to help move you along, I am always more than ready to help folks spend their hard earned money for a new gun purchase, so in saying that, you absolutely "need" a 22-250. 
If you are a reloader and this will be a custom or semi custom build, rather than a off the shelf bought gun, then their are some benefits to the 22-250
BUT, as I always say "NEED" is and never will be, at least not for me
a prerequisite, so if you kinda have a hankering for a new rifle and you're looking for a little push, shove, or kick in the pants to help move you along, I am always more than ready to help folks spend their hard earned money for a new gun purchase, so in saying that, you absolutely "need" a 22-250. 223AI with an 8 twist barrel and get rid of the rest. Maybe keep the 222
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
Heck, I actually only NEED one gun. All the others are simply to be used in various types of fun; and that type of fun changes from month to month.
And then, think about how many 22 LR's most of us have. Same cartridge, many different types and uses. jd
And then, think about how many 22 LR's most of us have. Same cartridge, many different types and uses. jd
I've owned a 222, 223, 22 - 250 and 243. (still own several 223's and 243's)
In the late 60's I was a one rifle guy out of financial necessity - a 243 and used it successfully on everything, i.e. varmints, predators, deer. But that's another topic.
I shot the 22 250 for years hunting ground hogs. It's far superior to the 222 and 223 beyond 250 yards. Mine was a Rem 700 Varmint model, 90's version with the old good trigger and a sub 1/2 moa rifle with tailored reloads. The problem for me was I also shoot a lot at the range practicing off my shooting cross sticks - besides being fun - it keeps me sharp for varmint and predator hunting. It wasn't long before the barrel when south (groups opened to about 1") at about 2,500 and continued to decline.
After evaluating my needs and hunting situation, I determined that the 223 Rem is capable of handling 95% of my varmint and predator needs especially shooting off a shooting stick which limits my capability to about 250 yards give or take. Because of current farming practices on the farms I hunt it's rare that I get a safe shot opportunity over 275 yards. For example in 2019, my longest opportunity was 261 yards - which I made
with my 223 Rem heavy varmint rifle equipped with a Douglas match barrel. So I sold my 22 250 about 5 years ago rather than rebarrel it - still not sure that was a good move. 
However there is a place for the 22 250 for guys shooting long range with expensive reliable dial up scopes and shooting off a portable bench in the field. If that's your game then I would definitely opt for the 22 250 with a heavy varmint 26" length barrel. But that kind of hunting (off a portable bench) doesn't appeal to me - I like to roam around and like the flexibility that shooting sticks give me albeit with the price of limiting my effective range.
In the late 60's I was a one rifle guy out of financial necessity - a 243 and used it successfully on everything, i.e. varmints, predators, deer. But that's another topic.
I shot the 22 250 for years hunting ground hogs. It's far superior to the 222 and 223 beyond 250 yards. Mine was a Rem 700 Varmint model, 90's version with the old good trigger and a sub 1/2 moa rifle with tailored reloads. The problem for me was I also shoot a lot at the range practicing off my shooting cross sticks - besides being fun - it keeps me sharp for varmint and predator hunting. It wasn't long before the barrel when south (groups opened to about 1") at about 2,500 and continued to decline.
After evaluating my needs and hunting situation, I determined that the 223 Rem is capable of handling 95% of my varmint and predator needs especially shooting off a shooting stick which limits my capability to about 250 yards give or take. Because of current farming practices on the farms I hunt it's rare that I get a safe shot opportunity over 275 yards. For example in 2019, my longest opportunity was 261 yards - which I made
with my 223 Rem heavy varmint rifle equipped with a Douglas match barrel. So I sold my 22 250 about 5 years ago rather than rebarrel it - still not sure that was a good move. However there is a place for the 22 250 for guys shooting long range with expensive reliable dial up scopes and shooting off a portable bench in the field. If that's your game then I would definitely opt for the 22 250 with a heavy varmint 26" length barrel. But that kind of hunting (off a portable bench) doesn't appeal to me - I like to roam around and like the flexibility that shooting sticks give me albeit with the price of limiting my effective range.
Gary in MD
Gold $$ Contributor
It won’t offer anything extra unless it’s a fast twist and can shoot the heavy vld bullets.
But that’s no reason not to get it if you see one you like...
But that’s no reason not to get it if you see one you like...
No. The 220 Swift will do everything the 22/250 will do plus a little more. Go to the Hodgdon on-line reloading site and compare bullet weight and velocity between them and you will see that there is not enough difference to bother with having both. Both will burn out barrels fairly quick if subjected to extended firing without cooling.
drover
searcher
Gold $$ Contributor
I'd definitely opt for a faster twist than norm on the 22/250 as you will otherwise just be shooting those same light bullets - just faster. There are perhaps better compromises that won't heat your barrel as much and lighter recoil such as the newer .22 Nosler or Valkyrie. Faster twist in the 22/250 opens up a new chapter. Once you make the commitment to a faster twist to shoot those heavier bullets - then you have the dilemma of other calibers that are equal to or better than 22/250. Distance being shot, rate of fire and what you are shooting at would sway my decision.
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