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now how about 220 swift vs 22-250

JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
edited April 2002 in Ask the Experts
I am stuck between the two calibers. I know the 22-250 will shoot very accurately. I have no experience with the swift other than shooting a couple of someone elses. Therefore, what do the varmint guys think is the best for the high end 22's? I live in a rather flat area of the state and the bean fileds will stretch for 700-1500yds and more. That being said, If I want to start on some of the groundhogs, which do you beleive is better and why? The rifle will be a 700 VSSF, that is non-negotiable.

When in doubt...empty the magazine!!
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Comments

  • Freedom CasullFreedom Casull Member Posts: 103 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Either one would be fine. I like the swift because it was the first high velocity 22 caliber and it is still the fastest. The VSSF is a super accurate rifle and it will serve you well.
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    freedom casull, I figure if my Sendero 7mm mag can group one ragged hole at 100yds, then a 22 caliber with the same barrel and stock HAS TO BE ACCURATE!!!!!! I also build on those actions, sooooooo,..in the future, it may be something else, or just re-barreled.

    I am looking for any distance or wind drift scenarios which show a NOTICEABLE,....difference. If it is miniscule at best, then I will choose the 22-250 due to availabilty and load combinations.

    When in doubt...empty the magazine!!
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  • beachmaster73beachmaster73 Member Posts: 3,011 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    From a nostolgia standponit the .220 Swift has it all over the .22-250. As FC said it was the first and still is the fastest; but the .22-250 is no slacker either and just go into three gunshops of your choice and look at the ammo selection....there will always be at least 4 or 5 .22-250 loads. Some shops don't even have .220 Swift. My Ruger Number1V in .22-250 is more far more accurate than I am. Having said that I noticed a Model 70 made in 1941 in .220 Swift on GB's auction and I keep thinking..."I have to HAVE it!!!Beach

    P.S. I think any difference would be tiny between the two calibers.


    Edited by - beachmaster73 on 04/18/2002 15:39:13
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  • rg666rg666 Member Posts: 395 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Although you can pump the 220 over 4000fps its not needed nor would you want to wear out your gun for a couple hundred fps. Thats really the only major difference. I have both & regularly shoot them. The 220 seems a bit tighter over 200 yards on most days. The 22-250 seems to like a slightly lighter bullet as well. I love them both & you won't be sorry no matter which you choose. RG
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    JustC I don't know much about either, but it strikes me as a really enviable situation to have your choice narrowed to the point flipping a coin gives you winner no matter what comes up. I don't reload, so I would choose the .22-250 for the greater availability of ammo and variety of loads. Have Fun!
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  • 25-0625-06 Member Posts: 382 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Whatever you do, do not get one of the Remington's that has the ported barrel. The three that I shot would not group well at all and were sent back to the factory and had new barrels without the brake installed. Remington could not get a good crown on the barrel inside the brake. You can loaf the Swift on velocity and still do what a hot loaded 22-250 will do at maximum loads. I have always had a soft spot for the 220's, have had three of them, and they all shot under a 1/2" for 5 shots at 100 yards. Two Rugers (one varmint and one sporter) and a Model 70 Varmint. Do not let the barrel get very hot and keep clean and they are great.
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  • groundhog devastationgroundhog devastation Member Posts: 4,495
    edited November -1
    22-250 for the afformentioned reasons! The 22-250 can do (or undo any varmint out there) just as well as the Swift!! After you shoot one, you'll never go back!! Then take it a step further and go to the "varmint gun from hell" the 25-06!! GHD
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  • rick_renorick_reno Member Posts: 186 ✭
    edited November -1
    I had both in Sako HB rifles. I found the 22-250 to be easier to do load development for and finally concluded the 140-160 fps extra I was getting out of the swift wasn't worth it. I seem to remember brass being easier to find for the 22-250.
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    JustC, I make no secret of my love affair with my Swift. That said, however, unless you plan to reload most of your ammo, go with the .22-250. You will not be giving up much in terms of accuracy / velocity while the wide availability of a variety of factory loadings greatly favors the latter cartridge. As others have said, though, you can't go wrong with either of these . . . but ".220 Swift" conjures up a host of images!
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    OK, you guys are talking me into it. I was set on the 22-250 for a long time, then I just wanted to do my research and feel that I made the best choice so I inquired about the 220. I am still leaning toward the 22-250 due to the fact that I will be the one who works up my load, and I most often use the premium lines of factory ammo to get an idea of what weight and bullet design the barrel likes. Availability makes this a much easier process, as does the fact that brass is available once I have chosen a weight that I feel the most accurate for my twist rate. Thanks all!! That's what I like about this place.

    When in doubt...empty the magazine!!
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