[ArchAngelCD]

I know every gun is different so I won't ask about loads, I can work that out for my friend. What I do need to know is in general what powders are best for loading the 220 Swift. Should I use powders that are slower than for the 30-06 like in the 25-06 or faster powders?

Any insight would be helpful.... Thanks

[JimKirk]

Hornady #7 list:
H4895, IMR 4064, Varget, Win 760 & H414 as the top for 50 Gr bullets

Nosler #3 List:
Reloader 12, AA 2520, IMR 4350, H380 & IMR 4831

Speer # 12 list:
Viht. N160, H380, Reloader 15, H414 & IMR 4350

So it looks like the 220 must like "faster" end of the "slower" powders not the real slow numbers like IMR 7828, Reloader 22 or 25.

The IMR 4350 area looks to be the right burn rate, look at a burn rate chart and look for the above list powders.

Jimmy K

[ArchAngelCD]

Thank you Jimmy...

He has a good amount of W760 and that powders looks like a good choice. I'll tell him to start with that one and if need be go to 4064, 4350 and Varget later on.

[JimKirk]

You didn't state a bullet weight ...so I guessed at 50 gr. I'll list the above powders in order of burning rate, you can't use this as loading data, but where a powder falls in the order gives you an idea of what other powders can be used.

Fastest:
RL 12
IMR 4064
RL15
Varget
AA2520
H380
Win 760
H414
IMR 4350
N160
IMR4831
Slowest

I would tell him to stick to the slower end of the Chart.

Jimmy K

[Runningman]

The 220 Swift is capable of some very impressive accuracy with good velocity. The powders that work well for me in my 220 Swift is Varget and Reloader 15. H414 will also give good groups with good velocity but is somewhat temperature sensitive so mainly use it for the range and not actual varmint hunting conditions. H4895 is not a bad powder in the 220 Swift.

N160 will produce some good velocity but groups are generally a little bigger than Varget & Reloader 15.

IMR 3031 can also produce good groups with 50 - 52 grain bullets.

Powders that have never work well for me in either of my 220 Swifts would be IMR 4350, IMR 4064, H380.

My 220 Swifts really like the Nosler B/T in 40, 50, 55 weights. I believe the heavy solid base used in them helps accuracy in the Swift.

I generally don't run bullets into the lands on the Swift. Pressures can go up fast if you do this. FWIW I usually get best groups with the bullets .030 off the lands with most bullets.

Pay attention to case length in the Swift it is somewhat prone to case stretching.

Pay attention to neck thickness especially after 3 firings. A quick check is to try to insert a .224 bullet in a case after it is fired in your rifle.

[JimKirk]

I knew somebody would come along with some real world experience. So the faster of these powders give the best accuracy and velocity? Of the 10 or so manuals I have gave the velocity edge to the slower ones. I was basing what I said on the reloading manuals.
Thanks runningman

Jimmy K

[taliv]

you might want to search on art's posts. he's been reloading 220 swift a LONG dang time

[ArchAngelCD]

It looks like he's going to start with a 55gr Sierra bullet and W760/H414 and go from there. I think he won't have to go far though.

Thanks "taliv", I will...

[257WM_CDL-SF]

My VSSF loved H380 and 55 grain blitzkings 1 hole groups and 3800 fps

[Offfhand]

As you can see by the attached pic I load a lot of .220 Swift ammo, about a thousand rounds every year and have been doing so for many, many years. There's no big secret about loading highly accurate Swift ammo; fire a good bullet from a good rifle and it will perform well with a wide variety of powders. I've tried most combinations and they work fine, but year after year my "go to" load has been with IMR4064. Just use a reasonable charge, use good brass and bullets, keep your case necks trimmed to proper length (Important) and a good Swift rifle will be amazingly accurate.

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the first hand information "Offhand". I'll pass it on to my friend for sure...