220 swift or 22-250
which is better for all around varminting I have bought a ruger m77 220 swift. Tang safty. Light barrel, wish I had heavy barrel. opinions on the gun
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i would like to have one of these rifles, any comments on which one would be better? 0 -
Definately go with the .22-250. The Swift gives a relatively short barrel throat life, and the .22-250 is more versatile. If you're not a reloader you'll probably also find the ammo the be a little less expensive. 0 -
I've never used the .22-250. I have a Pre-64 Swift I bought in the 60's new. The reason a lot of Swifts have throat erosion is that many owners want that 4000 fps and load accordingly. I always used Hi-Vel #2 until it was discontinued then switched to #4064 and never loaded over 3700 or 3800 fps, resulting in very little if any throat errosion in my rifle. I'm sure either rifle will fill your needs. I have made some unbelievable shots on coyotes with my Model 70. 0 -
22-250 is more accurate.Slightly less recoil.Ammo is much more available, and less costly.
Happy Bullet Holes!0 -
Everybody so far is right. If you do not handload, go with the .22-250. Ammunition is cheaper and more available. If you handload, go with the Swift, but do not load to maximum. By loading the Swift in that 3800 fps range, you will have an accurate rifle with lower pressures and very long barrel life. My old Model 70 Target (1956) in .220 Swift still puts them all in small groups and has untold rounds through it, only a relative few of which were at maximum. (Early on, I thought that 4000 fps was the key, but the relative difference is small and not much is lost in performance by cutting back to 3800 fps.)Modern barrel steels are not so subject to barrel erosion, so short barrel life is not much of an issue anymore. I also remember a test in an American Rifleman article where the throat had to be very bad before there was much change in accuracy. Whatever you buy, break in the barrel carefully and you will gain untold accuracy and barrel life.I vote for the Swift, but there really is not much of a difference. 0 -
The only real downside to the 220 Swift, is that it uses a case that is unique to itself. In a pinch you could make cases from just about any standard head size case for the other one. As far as all the above stated objections, (with the exception of ammo cost)and particularly about slightly less recoil, I say, nuts! From a performance point of view there is virtually no difference. I don't know what you plan on using this rifle for, but if it is more than occasional target shooting, you will need to reload, unless you are wealthy. If the Swift was such a bad cartridge no one would chamber it!! All that said, I'll take the Swift everytime...JudgeColt got there before me. My comments were directed at first 3 replies.[This message has been edited by roysha (edited 10-14-2001).][This message has been edited by roysha (edited 10-14-2001).] 0 -
SwiftHandload and you will love it.I have 2 and they are coyote and bobcat killing machines.cpermd 0 -
Asking this is like asking who's better looking Miss America or Miss Universe. You will not regret choosing either. I have both the 220 & 22-250 and love them both. Find a good deal on a quality rifle and let the cost guide you. The rest is relatively equal. Good Luck & happy shooting. RG 0 -
I have one of each and wouldn't take a thousand bucks for either of them.Like most has said the 22-250 is easier to obtain ammo for,but that is about all the difference is.I let one cool while I shoot the other.For close work I use a 218 Mashburn and for far work a 25-06 Mashburn or a 6mm Rem. 0 -
I have 2000+ rds thru a M77 "1 of 1000" circa 1975, all rds loaded 3800 - 4100 fps & it still shoots .5 MOA w/o a single modification since I took it out of the box. I didn't know enough to 'season' the barrel when I bought it, either. Bet it would be even more accurate if it had been. Throat erosion? What throat erosion? Crow? What crow? All I see out there at 300+ yards is few feathers drifting in the air. I wouldn't part with that rifle for $2K & a weekend w/ the babe of my choice. 0 -
Hogwash, on the throat erosion. Hogwash, on more accurate. And last but not least Hogwash on loading the Swift to 3600-3800 fps. I own 2 .220 Swifts, and a 22-250. Both Swifts, and the 22-250, both shoot .5 inch groups. The real difference is in the flatness of the Swift. That is what it was made for. If you want a gun that will shoot 3800 fps or less, buy the 22-250. If you want to take advantage of the swift, shoot it at the high end. I guess it erks me a little to hear people download the Swift, just buy a 22-250. Both are great cartridges, and you could not go wrong either way. I do find the 22-250 shoots a variety of loads, and is easier to load for, and the Swifts are a little more picky. But if I had to choose, I'd keep my 700 VSSF .220 Swift. The Swift has always gotten bad reviews, but with the cleaning equipment available today, like Foul Out systems, Sweets, Butch's Bore shine, there is no reason to shoot on a fouled barrel( which are better steel as stated before). I clean after every 10 shot, and clean good after every 20. I know it takes more time, but the rifle will last longer. Decide what speed you want, and make your choice accordingly. Just my thoughts. 0
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