.220 Swift

[specweldtom]

I've got a .220 Swift project that will have a 12 twist barrel. I intend to try 69-77 gr bullets. Doesn't look good based on your experience. I will probably end up shooting 50-60 gr bullets.

If you can find someone with a Hawkeye borescope or equivalent, take a look at the throat. If it's eroded, it'll show.

Thanks for the big bullet results, Tom

The old Model 70's always look like they mean business. Good pictures.

[bowhunthard]

Originally Posted by bowhunthard

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice, I'm loading 52gr AMAXes now over Varget. Haven't shot them yet tho.

Here's some pics of the gun.

http://varmintxt.webs.com/win70hg.htm

Both of the loads with 52 gr. A-MAXes where a little smaller than 1.5" @ 100 yds., which is not really acceptable. But, this wasn't a hot load.

[bowhunthard]

Hey guys,

Here's an update: fired 3 different groups of 3 shots each + 1 cold bore shot. 33.1 degrees F, @ 100 yds. Cartridges were loaded with Varget and 52 gr. HP Speers (#1035), with different COLs of 2.6065", 2.660", and 2.680".

(COL: 2.680") The smallest group averaged 3591 fps with 36.4 grs. @ 0.259" 3-shot group. 98.70 fps extreme spread.



(COL: 2.6065") Second smallest group averaged 3537 fps with 36.4 grs. @ 0.823" 3-shot group (including cold bore). 69.16 fps extreme spread.

(COL: 2.660") Third group averaged 3575 fps with 36.4 grs. @ 1.062" 3-shot group. 83.05 fps extreme spread.

I've got a good start, I just need to figure out a way to lower extreme spread. They are ridiculously high for this rifle/load.

Thanks.

[bowhunthard]

Originally Posted by specweldtom

I've got a .220 Swift project that will have a 12 twist barrel. I intend to try 69-77 gr bullets. Doesn't look good based on your experience. I will probably end up shooting 50-60 gr bullets.

If you can find someone with a Hawkeye borescope or equivalent, take a look at the throat. If it's eroded, it'll show.

Thanks for the big bullet results, Tom

The old Model 70's always look like they mean business. Good pictures.

Check out this post, it is related to heavy bullets and barrel twist in a 220 swift.

69 gr Nosler CC

Good luck.

[Two-0-four]

3500fps with a 52gn bullet in a Swift is pretty slow. Normal speed for that bullet in that gun should be around 3800-3900fps. There's nothing wrong with 3500 but if it was mine, I'd be turning up the speed. Just my .02

[bowhunthard]

Originally Posted by Two-0-four

3500fps with a 52gn bullet in a Swift is pretty slow. Normal speed for that bullet in that gun should be around 3800-3900fps. There's nothing wrong with 3500 but if it was mine, I'd be turning up the speed. Just my .02

I'll probably be working the load up as I go, but I will stop at the powder charge that gives me my best accuracy. The previous load data was experimenting only with COL, nothing else. Once I get the COL down, then I'll start playing with charges. It's only got a 10x Lyman Super Target Spot on it tho lol.

[specweldtom]

Update on my .220 Swift. I started barrel break-in last Thursday. 52gr Hornady mkhp's sub 3/4 moa cleaning between shots. 40gr Win black box factory ammo about the same. 75gr Amax's; fired 3 rounds; sent out a search party, none printed on a 2 ft square target at 100 yds. Got lost? Blew up? I think 50 - 60gr bullets are going to be the best range. (12 twist). The rifle is fun to shoot, even with all the cleaning between shots. The Lilja barrel got slick quick. I think it will go sub 1/2 moa easy.

Used Varget and H-414. Will try 4064.

Tom