220 Swift or 22-250 ?

Pathfinder

Pathfinder

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So tell me about the ole swift.....It seems to have its following and a flip side of naysayers and critics. Id like to pick up a 220 swift or a 22-250 sometime, would be used for anything from paper, crows and deer. Is there any point for me to consider the swift ? Im not sure I need the extra speed but I like the idea of loading for it and I just happen to have an older set of Bonanza Dies (Benchrest Seater) in 220 swift .

What are the options for factory rifles ? is anybody still chambering it ? How about rechambering an existing rifle any easy conversions ?

Here are the pros and cons I have going right now.

220 swift

Pros: Cool cartridge, very fast, accurate, I already stock IMR-4064 and have the dies :D

cons: Wears out a barrel quicker, Harder to find rifle chambered in it, brass not as common.

22-250

Pros: Easy to get brass, rifles, dies. should be plenty fast and accurate ?

cons: not as cool as a 220 swift :D dont have the dies, maybe need to stock additional powders ?

Id like to hear what you guys think on the matter.
 
I've had both, both are excellent varmit rounds. The Swift will go faster but not enough to notice actual advantages in the field. Both will vaporize varmits. Swift is much cooler. Deer deserve better.
 
The swift is a "###y" round, not as common as the -250. The only issue with the swift in my opinion is the rimmed case. Seeing as you already own dies, I would get the swift, any swift I've been around has been a good shooter, I shoot a .22-250 myself but have always thought about having a swift. A Cooper in .220 swift would be pretty kool!
 
I have owned several of both, and am a confirmed Swift user. I have two at present. The Swift is a much maligned chambering that is a true performer. Brass is IMHE, not an issue, as it is readily available. 4000+ with a 50 grain bullet is possible with a 26" tube and Reloder 15 or Vihtavuori N540. With the 55 grain pill, 3950. Properly cared for, your Swift barrel will last longer than the naysayers would imagine. One Swift I owned started to show accuracy deterioration at around 2500 rounds. With all respect due the 22-250, I would never give up a Swift to acquire one. If you are intending to shoot deer with a hot 22 Centerfire [I do not recommend them as a deer rifle] You must use a quality bullet like the 60 Partition or a TSX. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Thanks guys, awnsers most of my questions. Where would a guy find a Swift ? Doesnt' seem like anybody chambers it anymore ?

could one of the more common 22 centerfires be rechambered to 220 swift ? 223,222 22-250

A stevens 200 comes to mind for this kind of a project.
 
The semi-rimmed case might present a problem if you re-chamber something else. I'm not sure if they still chamber it, but a few different Ruger rifles could be found in 220 Swift.
 
Myself, I'd probably go for the 22-250 and rechamber to 22-250 AI..About the same speeds as the Swift but more fun, in my eyes.

One of the few AI cartridges that I think makes sense, too.:)
 
I have a friend in central BC that has a 220 swift for sale nice looking rifle but I'd still have to say go for the 22-250 ammos easier to get (ie Walmart, Canadian Tire) if your hard up for ammo.
 
Yeah 22-250 is fairly availabe anywhere that ammunition is sold, Quite unlikely that I would end buying any since I enjoy rolling my own.

I think I will end buying a 22-250 and if I get bored I will look into getting it rechambered / rebarrelled. From a little bit of research it seems to involve setting the barrel back a little and then rechambering.
 
Hi guys ...new to the forum and I have a 22-250 Tikka model 550 with a 3.5-10 Leoupold and heavy barrel......what should I be asking for it.....its in excellent shape.....
 
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