220 swift barrel life?

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calamari

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Is it really that hard on a barrel?
I'm thinking about buying one for yote hunting and longer distance paper punching but all the talk of burning out the barrel in a thousand rounds has got me kinda scared.
I'd appreciate any comments/thoughts on the matter from anybody who has much experience with the 220
thanks
ryan
 
The swift got a bad rap as a "barrel burner".....Mostly do to guys loading it to hot....I have a Rem. 700 VSSF in 220 I use for yotes.....Great rifle and will last thousands of rounds....Just don't over heat the barrel.....10 quick shots and the barrel will be smoke'n hot....keep it cool and you'll have a tough time burning that barrel out in a life time...

Russ...
 
I have one, it's no worse than a 22-250, keep the barrel cool and you won't have a problem, that goes for both of these calibers. For the average hunter it will last a lifetime. If you are planning to do alot of paper punching it might not be the best choice, it certainly has the speed but you will pay the price. 22's are not long range calibers unless you rebarrel to a fast twist and only shoot heavy 80gr bullets. You will need a 1:8 twist barrel.
bigbull
 
I have one. You have to remember that the swift was getting 4000+ fps in 1935, how many cartridges can claim that kind of speed? Modern steel and powders have greatly increased barrel life.
 
Took me over 3500 Rounds to wash the barrel of my last Swift out to the point that it would no longer hold MOA or better. Mind you, I took very good care of it, and [never shot it "hot"] cleaned it regularly etc. The barrel burning characteristics of the Swift are Highly overrated, IMHO. That's why I own a couple at present. Eagleye
 
The other thing to consider is that when the Swift was introduced none of the availible solvents were particularly good at removing copper fouling. Many of the supposedly shot out Swifts were simply horribly fouled.

Chuck
 
Chuck said:
The other thing to consider is that when the Swift was introduced none of the availible solvents were particularly good at removing copper fouling. Many of the supposedly shot out Swifts were simply horribly fouled.
Chuck
Click to expand...

Very, Very Good Point Chuck.
bigbull
 
Russ said:
The swift got a bad rap as a "barrel burner".....Mostly do to guys loading it to hot....I have a Rem. 700 VSSF in 220 I use for yotes.....Great rifle and will last thousands of rounds....Just don't over heat the barrel.....10 quick shots and the barrel will be smoke'n hot....keep it cool and you'll have a tough time burning that barrel out in a life time...

Russ...
Click to expand...

I'm gettin' a custom rifle built in 220 swift with a chrome moly barrel. I was a little concerned about barrels getting shot out too soon as well. But I'm having a heavy(bull) barrel installed and I was told to keep the velocities down, since I hand load, say below 3500 fps with a 55 gr. pill. Should be ok then?
 
Hi-Standard; May as well build a 223 Improved if those velocities are your target. The Swift enjoys the reputation of being the fastest factory loaded 22 centerfire for good reason. May as well exploit it if you have it. Those 55's will make 3850-3950 in a 26" barrel. These loads do shoot flat! I never mollycoddled any Swift I owned, just took good care of them. Barrel life is not as critical as many would have you believe. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Will a swift wear a barrel out faster then a 223? Of course. For a high volume PD exterminator, that can mean a barrel a summer. For the average shooter, the swift will become a family heirloom for several generations.

Then there is the 'accuracy' question. Most BR shooting type accuracy will fade around the 1000 to 1500rd mark. The gun is still likely to shoot MOA or better which is plenty for plinking and varminting. However, it is unlikely to drive them into one hole (for most, just doesn't matter).

after that will depend on throat erosion and bullet length. By going to a heavier/longer bullet, accurate life can be extended a bit simply because the bullet can engrave in the longer throat before leaving the case neck.

Accuracy is pretty much over once the throat has moved forward enough that your bullet has a jump from case neck to lands. From this point 1.5 to 2MOA is about it. For most, that will mean a new barrel or a set back.

If you want good gas mileage, don't drive a super charged big block.

Jerry
 
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