220 Swift

[Ivan the Butcher]

Next question....Optics?

I use either 6.5-20x40 AO veri-x III Leupolds (around $500 used and I have about 12 of these) or a Unertl 2" Varminter in 15x (around $900 used, I've only found 1). Mostly it is about the best glass you can afford and it should be adjustable objective. I use Nightforce on my 1000 yard rifles, but on 400 to 600 yard varmint rifles, put the $1200+ difference into ammo or reloading good ammo! (or an additional gun!)

The Bushnell 3200 (price-? I got $800 for a 20x) These haven't been made since the 1970's. They are about 15-16 inches long. These use the barrel blocks like Unertl, Lyman and Lechtner, but have internal adjustments, like more modern scopes. (some people use regular rings on them, but yuck!) They have great glass and repeatable adjustments! They are very under estimated. I've had 10, 16, and 20 power, but sold them to pay bills. They are easy to use and look Classic on a Ruger No.1!

Ivan

 

[Arm]

I think the 220 swift is a stellar performer, regrettably I just sold my 1903A3 re-barreled as a 220 with a Lyman 12x scope mounted on it....it was a real tack driver. I still shoot my 222 Sako L-46 using a Zeiss 12x scope. I used 52gr Sierra bullets for the 220 and Hornady 40gr in the 222. I will admit, both were/are real accurate.

 

[Nevada Ed]

The "Swift" was one of the first loads that was know to do 4,000 fps................
However this speed and the amount of powder used, was known
to shorten the life of a barrel and chamber area.

The 1:14 twist will handle the 52 and 55gr bullets quite well but
bullets over 65 grs may start to tumble at 200 yards. This will just
have to checked out on paper.

Enjoy that "Hot Rod".

 

[richcory]

Fan of the 220 Swift here myself also, it stems from my dad’s fondness of it even though he never had one. I have a pre ‘64 Model 70 in one. Shoots great but it’s been years since I shot it. Memory says the 40gr Hornady’s would clover leaf at 200 yards in a 3 shot group

Cory

 

[Bob R]

Optics, can vary for these guns. My Ruger M77 was made in 1976 and it sports a fairly popular optic for the time, a Weaver K4W. Someday I may get around to putting another scope on it, maybe not.

bob

 

[DWalt]

I have not used heaver bullets, but 50, 52, and 55 grain bullets shoot fine in my FN .220. Yes, one CAN use the Swift on deer, but I personally would not do it. What's the point? I have better calibers for that purpose, and I imagine most hunters do also.

 

[Bruce C]

My Model 70 heavy barrel likes 52 grain Berger hollow polnts and 4895 powder. Would shoot 1/2" 5 shoot groups all day. Shot alot of prairie dog's over 600 yards with it.

 

[MrG5122]

Ok. A 6.5-20x40 Leupold is on the way. Ruger site says #4 medium rings. I assume this is good info?

 

[bmcgilvray]

Two Swifts reside here and have for many years, a flat-bolt Ruger 77V from 1972 and a Winchester Model 70 from 1937. Five Texas whitetail have fallen to the Swift here and it has given a flawless performance. I've used up to 62 grain bullets in the Swift with good results. The deer were taken with a 55 grain Sierra spitzer boat tail soft point wound tight to a little over 3900 fps. The 52 grain Sierra Match bullet with the little hollowpoint is a sort of "secret recipe" bullet for gratifying bench rest accuracy work when shot at about 3700 fps with a suitable charge weight of IMR 4064.

 

[Bruce C]

I use a 6.5 X 20 with fine cross hairs and varmint dot. Been using for 30 plus years. Works great.

 

[df06]

I have shot the 220 swift for about 20 years. It’s worked well on prairie dogs but these days I use it mostly on coyotes.
My go to bullet if the nos 50 bt.