Ruger M77 Varmint Liberty in .220 Swift

[Barrett93]

This has some potential to be my new favorite rifle. Ruger M77 Varmint Liberty .220 Swift I bought this from a guy in my small hometown who bought it new here in 1976. He says that back in the 70's and 80's he was busting groundhogs at 600 yards. It's topped with a Weaver K12-1 which is of the same vintage as the rifle but it's impressively clear. I think it sure is one beautiful rifle. Going to be working up some handloads to see what she prefers.

 

[CB900F]

Barrett93;

The International got passed up? This should be a much better varmint platform IMHO. When working up loads, may I suggest going to the Speer manual and checking out their loads featuring Vhita N160. I'm using it in my Ruger #1V with 50 grain Hornady V-Max bullets. I'm one full grain under max and tootling along at 3960 over my Oehler 35P, with excellent accuracy. However, in my gun, COL and distance to the lands mattered more than minor variations in powder charge.

900F

 

[Barrett93]

The International just arrived at my local Cabelas today from Sidney. I'm still undecided on it but I'm probably not going to get it unless I just fall in love with it when I see it. Thanks for that info on the barrel length! At any rate, it gives me an excuse to get some 220 Swift dies and .224 bullets while I'm there. This is my first centerfire .22 caliber. I was swayed towards the 50gr V-Max and you just convinced me of it. Any other bullet suggestions? Also, I don't have any VV powder but i Do have IMR4350, IMR3031, IMR4064 and Varget. I believe I'm going to work up at least a couple loads with each of those powders and see how those work. Any suggestions on recipes for any of those?

 

[witchhunter]

I have had my Ruger 77V since 1978. It shoots 50 Sierra spitzers in front of IMR4064 the best. The faster, the better. Mine likes em right off the lands. You will love the Swift, it is a lot of fun. If you rechamber to an AI, the brass will stop flowing into the necks. Your brass will last longer without trimming and or turning. You can still shoot factory 220 Swift loads too. Enjoy it, it looks like a nice one.

 

[CB900F]

Barrett93;

Yes, another bullet I'd suggest trying is the Sierra 50 gr Blitzking. However, in the Swift, for some odd reason, N160 works really well. I'd certainly try to lay hands on a jug if you can.

The Swift is its own beast. I'm pushing almost 100 fps over the Speer book, with one full grain less powder than they have, but with another company's (Hornady) bullet. And I'm not getting donut necks in my brass. Why? I dunno, but A: I'm not going to complain. And B: I'm not going to push it any harder either. However, I can't help but feel that that N160 has something to do with it.

900F

 

[Got_Lead?]

Beautiful!!

I'm always on the lookout for a nice 77, after I made the mistake of selling my first in 7mm Mag. You got a nice one, pristine. Enjoy.

 

[Jackal]

Those tang safety Ruger varmints are tack drivers. I had one in .243 and it was just silly how much it liked cheap ammo.

 

[VThillman]

Ruger changed the spring in that 77 safety back in the late 70s, mailed them out to everyone who requested them. No idea how you can tell if the mod was made to yours.

 

[Barrett93]

Thanks guys! I'll post some pictures later of how she does at the range today.