220 Swift

[Beaver]

I have the honor of reloading for a Pre-64 Winchester Supergrade in 220 Swift. The gun was inherited by a good son who knows this gun is special. However, he is determined to shoot it and hunt with it. Good for him. He will trade me a Mdl. 19 4" for my troubles.

I want to use 55gr. Nosler BT's, because I live near Nosler and I like to use their bullets. I also want to use Reloader 15 because I have some fresh, unopened. I also don't want to hurt this gun in any way. Mellow, accurate, somewhere below fission.

Any of my fellow handle pullers have any experience with the above circumstances, or any thing reasonably close to the subject? Well, then, any good stories at all?

 

[ombesb]

beaver,
I have a Ruger #1 in 220 swift. I have limited range to shoot in so heavier bullets or redline speeds I have never needed. I did experiment with Reloder 15 but it only gave average accuracy. My gun took a liking to H-380 and 40 gr bullets. 41.0 grains H-380 with nosler 40's produced a 14 shot group ( all I had at the moment) at slightly under 3/4 inch. That didn't exactly set the BR boys to running scared, but it seems like very serviceable accuracy to me. This summer I want to try to find an accurate load with 55's. I will most likely start with h380, but will keep an open mind. H-380 is also considered one of the top powders in 22-250.

Eric

 

[Beaver]

Thanks for your info. I would also love to get some good pressure info, regardless of bullet weight for the Swift. H380 also meters well.

 

[dirty gary]

Your post brought a smile to my face. Sorry I don't have any data, but years ago I came across several thousand pcs of Swift brass along with a bunch of different weight bullets and a die set. I kept everything for years, waiting to find a gun I liked. Well, I never did, and eventually traded for some components I needed. I'm still looking for a Swift, and I will have one someday - I'll just have to invest in the components again. Good luck with your project

 

[kimporter]

my pre 64 swift loves imr 4064 and the 55gn sierra blitzking going about 3800fps

 

[Beaver]

Dear Kimporter: My local friend and gunsmith/reloading Guru/keeper of all knowledge, Stoney looked in his dusty records to advise: 55gr Sierra SP and 38gr 4064. Great minds..... Thanks, Beaver.

 

[perrazi]

have a win. 70 varmint. this one like accurate 2700 or win 760 either with a fed 210m primer in winchester cases. the same loads in norma cases are also excellent and seem to size nicer and not stretch as much. if you want precise loads,pm me and give a day to dig it all out. these loads will be from several years ago as i don't shoot much rifle stuff these days. almost forgot 40gr bullets nosler ballistics.

 

[Homie]

The HODGDON Powder annual has the pressure info that you're looking for.
I like IMR 4007 or AA 2700 myself, and Berger bullets. 4064 is the old Swift standard.
Remember, it's bullets, barrels and bedding for accuracy!
Good shooting!

 

[Posit]

I have three 220 Swifts; my favorite small caliber cartridge. The Nosler manual has load data using RE 15 for various bullet weights. That said, I have found my rifles don't shoot as well with 55g balls (try as I might) as with 50g. Given a 1:14 twist, 55g is the max recommended weight -- but the 50g balls give me tighter groups in three rifles.