Where are the 220 Swift gone?

[almorgan]

Checking all major rifle producer catalogues I have seen, nobody produce a varmint rifle in that old chambering I love so much.
In the past I had a Ruger MKII Varmint in 220 Swift I sold to buy a Rem Varmint in the same caliber, but as soon as I went to the gun shop, no more Swift have been available.
It is now at least a couple of year I try to find it again. No Rugers, no Remingtons, no Savages.
Why?

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I hope they don't quit making the brass because my best 22 cal is the 220 weatherby rocket which is all you can get out of a 220 swift case. Roys first wildcat and amazing. 52 grain nosler match bullets at 4100 fps. Ravens hate me when I use it because prarie dogs vaporize on impact and not many scraps. Costs me a few dogs to since there is no body to attract more of the little cannibals out to feast.

 

[Boss Hoss]

Very simple---They do not sell.

 

[jayph]

Um

Remington 700 Varmint SF and VSSF II are both chambered in .220 swift at least online and in my book. I didn't bother checking the other brands.

 

[B23]

I've never understood why a fast twist 220swift wasn't more popular.

 

[LouBoyd]

I've never understood why a fast twist 220swift wasn't more popular.

I have an old Ruger #1 in 220 Swift. It's ok but no special properties. What would a fast twist barreled 220 Swift offer? It could shoot heavier but slower bullets allowing a little longer supersonic range, but you can easily get longer range with less barrel wear with larger bores and VLD bullets. 6.5 or 7mm in several good cartridges).

 

[Boss Hoss]

I've never understood why a fast twist 220swift wasn't more popular.

.22 was old news 30 years ago. 6mm will give it a huge spanking at distance. If not for the .223 -- the caliber would be pretty much dead.

Things change as products are developed.

 

[almorgan]

Um

Remington 700 Varmint SF and VSSF II are both chambered in .220 swift at least online and in my book. I didn't bother checking the other brands.

Thank you. I missed it. And now I will check if someone in Europe have it ready. Otherwise I forecast a long waiting.

I can agree on much part of the critics, but I'm still a fan of this caliber. I think that it is a fashinating toy to play with even if the precision is not that of a 6 PPC and the range doesn't match with that of a 6.5-284 or 7mm WSM with an heavy VLD bullet.

 

[Doug in Alaska]

I've also been a fan of the .220 Swift for years. I had an old Rem 700 in .22-250 (bought it new when I was a kid) with a bad barrel and had it re-barreled in .22-250AI about a year ago. In my opinion, this chambering is just as interesting as the Swift and I've had a blast working up loads for it. I realize the resale value probably isn't as high as the .22-250 but I don't plan on selling it and will someday teach my grandson how to shoot it and load for it. This could be an option for you or find a good action and have it re-barreled in a Swift.

 

[LewisH]

I have a 220 Swift, a 220 Weatherby Rocket, a 22-250AI, and a 22-243 Middlested, and to tell the truth, they're pretty much the same when it comes to shooting pds.

The 243AI is notably more spectacular, but it really requires a muzzle brake to observe the action.