22-250 vs 220 Swift

heritage1550 · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:18 pm Post subject: 22-250 vs 220 Swift

Any thoughts on which is the better caliber? Either case all rounds will be hand loads using 55 grain NBT for varmits and Sierra 65 grain Gameking for pigs and occassional deer. Thanks.

Handloader · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: 22-250 vs 220 Swift

Objectively: there is so little difference in actual field useage that discussion is moot. While we can argue the merits of one over the other ad infinitum and cite backup for divergent opinions, both are superb cartridges. In reality, it is not the cartridge, it is the shooter.

Subjectively: I have rifles chambered in both calibers and prefer the Swift. You know how some guys like blondes and some like redheads, some like slim and some like full figured? To my eyes, the Swift is simply a much sexier cartridge. Winchester's original was in Swift and I hope they burn in hell for not supporting it. Kudos to Ruger and Remington for bringing back The King.

ogre · Member Joined: Jan 15, 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Melbourne

No difference in performance on game that I have bben able to see over the years.
Prefer the 22/250 only because of the less amount of work to keep the brass in tip top condition and the brass is generally cheaper too.

later
p

farrier · Member Joined: Jan 17, 2006 Posts: 43

I have shot one buck with my 22-250 and he droped in his tracks with one shot . My favorite load is the hornady 50 gr v-max with 35.5 gr of Varget.
My 22-250 is a Browning A-bolt with a boss and with that load and a little tuning of the boss it will put a five shot group in a dime at 100 yards. I think that the gun and that load would do even better if I had a better rest.
I would feel confident shooting deer, pigs, or varmints with this combo.
As for the swift, I don't have one but my father in-law has one and he likes it but it doesn't shoot any better and it is one of those electric remington rifles with a heavy barrel. I guess its hard for him to find primers for. He recently bought a 204 ruger that is a good round too.

calsibley · Super Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 317

I've been a big fan of the .22-250 for some years now, but I really see little difference between it and the .220Swift. Both will erode their barrels pretty quickly unless you're careful with your loads. I think ammo is a little easier to come by for the 22-250 though. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

heritage1550 · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:17 pm Post subject: Re: 22-250 vs 220 Swift

Thanks, guys. I odered the 220 Swift barrel today. I'm addicted to speed so I went with the Swift. Just got to match it to the rest of the gun and I'll be set. Appreciate the advice.

ruger4570 · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 09, 2005 Posts: 3

Congtats on the Swift, great old cartridge, and as some have posted, the 22-250 would have served as well.

waumo · Member Joined: Oct 05, 2005 Posts: 30

You will like the 220 Swift. I have both a 22-250 and a 220 Swift. No real performance difference between the two.

When shooting at the range, you won't run into as many 220 Swift "experts" as you will 22-250 "experts" so that is something in the 220 Swift's favor..... Very Happy

1895ss · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: 22-250 vs 220 Swift

I agree, you will like the 220 swift. The 22-250 and the 220 swift are pretty much ballistic twins. Smile

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

I confess to not really paying attention, but how available is 220 swift ammo? Can you buy it in stores? I know .22-250 ammo is common in stores.

-DallanC

1895ss · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:17 pm Post subject: Re: 22-250 vs 220 Swift

I wouldn't know....... I haven't bought a box of factory centerfire ammo in over 25 years.

Handloader · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:53 pm Post subject: Re: 22-250 vs 220 Swift

heritage1550 wrote:

Thanks, guys. I odered the 220 Swift barrel today. I'm addicted to speed so I went with the Swift. Just got to match it to the rest of the gun and I'll be set. Appreciate the advice.

GREAT CHOICE!! You will probably discover why riflemen over the decades have prized this round. When compared with anything in 22 centerfire commerical rounds, it seems they all use The King as the standard. The 223 WSSM tried to knock it off the throne, but, failed miserably and bankrupt Winchester in the process (along with the other short and fat and ugly kids). 22-250s are more popular, true, but then we see far more KIAs than BMWs, too.

Ammo is readily available; if your dealer doesn't carry it, just ask. But, more importantly, the full flexability of any round comes from handloading. Now would be a great time to begin, if you haven't already.

waumo · Member Joined: Oct 05, 2005 Posts: 30

Considering I have never seen a 220 Swift rifle on a gun store rack in this area and I routinely see 22-250s, I suspect 22-250 is much more readily available. Being a handloader, that is not important to me.

But if I wanted 220 Swift factory ammo, it is only 2 days away from being here from many on-line retailers.

grizzlybeardavid · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 13

I have a stock savage single shot 220 swift. It shoots 10 shots into a dime at 200 yards. It's my most accurate gun. I've had a 22-250 remington years ago. I've put over 1000 rounds thru my barrel and haven't suffered any drop in velocity or accuracy but I only fire a max of 2 rounds at a time when varmint hunting. As other members have say it depends on your taste, blondes..... etc. Either way good luck.