what bullet in 220 swift

[JohnD]

“As good as the Swift is, I think that the Ackley Improved version would be simply incredible!”

Keith you are so right. I’ve always kept a Swift or 2 around and got a wild hair of getting the AI version. Used it on prairie dogs with 50’s and 55’s when fire forming then went to the 65 gr. Sierra with formed brass. Accuracy in this particular barrel was astonishing and was like a laser. If I missed inside of 450 it wasn’t the gun‘s fought. AI,ing the Swift case takes to a whole new level and eliminated trimming. Accuracy did start to fade at about 1200.

John

 

[17VLD]

Well.... the OP hasn’t been back on since his initial post so....
55 grain Sierra spbt backed by 38.5 of IMR 4064.
View attachment 1245938

Gary,thanks for posting some great pics.Beautiful wood on that Jackson,love the country in your neck of the woods,really miss prowling northwestern Jersey with my .222 for chucks.Never got a Swift till I got out west,glad I finally did

 

[Firearmsunlimited]

OP, as was previously stated, the bullet brand, shape or weight has nothing to do with barrel life. If you are concerned about barrel life stay in the middle of the recommended load range.
As it relates to accuracy you must first determine the rate of twist of your barrel before you select the bullet that you intend to use then check the Berger bullet stabilization program. The next two things that will impact accuracy are bullet seating depth, which you will have to experiment with. Neck tension is another factor that will impact accuracy. Traditionally .002 seems to yield best accuracy. A couple of things that are particularly critical to the Swift due to its high velocity and 21 degree shoulder that allows the brass to flow quite a bit is the trim to length needs to be kept at 2.196 (.015 short of SAAMI chamber length) and bump the shoulders .004. If you don't have a shoulder bump die set up your full length die. Shoulder bump should be done after every firing and length trimming, if required, after every 2nd firing. Best of luck with your Swift.

 

[RegionRat]

@Firearmsunlimited , the OP has been quiet, they haven't been seen since 2021.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Probably already rebarreled, assuming they were stocked up on supplies prior to the pandemic induced shortages!

Frank

 

[kochie]

I like the Nosler 55 grain BT, Fed 210, 44 grains of IMR 4831. Maximum load, right out of the Nosler manual. For best groups a 100, my rifle likes the Hornady flat based soft point, cheap too! Same load as the Nosler.

My vote for 55 gain bullet & varget

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Stick to single base, extruded powders at reasonable velocities- dont get the barrel too hot and keep it clean and there is no reason to worry about barrel life.

 

[freebird22/250]

My Win. Mod. 70 Heavy Varmint shoots a 50 Gr. V Max or 52 Gr. Match bullets with 38.0 N-150 in tiny groups.

 

[White Eagle]

My M/70 Featherweight likes 55 grs. and h414
just got back from the range 1 hole groups
mine likes 60 gr V maxes with rl 19

 

[1lessdog]

I shot Hornady 52 gr Match HP. I shot a Ruger 77 with 1 - 14 twist at right at 4000 FPS. I used them on Coyotes and they hit like a hammer . I have shot 100's of Coyotes and had very few runners.

 

[centershot]

I always loved the old calibers. Started with the .300 H & H and when a member on this forum had a .220 Rocket barrel for sale for a Savage, I thought what the heck. I borrowed a friends bore scope and found there was a nasty carbon ring right at the chamber. Short stroke with J B removed it. Could not believe how well it shot! Used several powders with 52 Bergers. Also like 53 Speer. Just as most have stated, it likes 4064 and 760, especially 760. I only shoot three shot groups, but have had a fair number at quarter inch. Shoots the best with 43 grains of 760.
Right now the temps are perfect in Arizona to test her out. The barrel stays cool to the touch. Hope to try it out on prairie dogs next year. It will be a third rifle so will not shoot it hot.
Nice to see there is still a following for this great cartridge!!