Uncle Richard
Member
What’s your favorite 220 swift recipe? Im loading for a Winchester 70 that was manufactured 1939. Gunsmith said the barrel is ok; however, don’t go over 3800fps prevent further wear.
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Saint,Measure the twist in the barrel. Mine is 1 in 10 and I am able to shoot heavier bullets. Best group so far was with 60 grs but I picked up some 69's I haven't tried yet. Shoots well with the 50 gr blitzkings and 52 gr Amax. Used a few of the allready mentioned powders. I think "back in the day" when swifts got the ruputation as barrel burners guys were shooting light bullets and aiming for that 4000 fps mark. All my rifles seem to want to be in the top half of the powder weight range, but rarely, if ever at max loads for accuracy. Just cause it's a swift doesn't mean it isn't fun under 4000
thanks for advising how to measure the twist.To measure twist use a tight bore brush on a rod. Mark a line on the rod. Push the rod down the tube until it has made one revolution, mark it there also. Pull out rod and measure between the marks. That is your twist. 1+ for loading it to Swift velocities, as the .220 Swift is one of the best high velocity cartridges of all time! Once you shoot the swift you will be impressed. Keep the bore clean and don't overheat it. (this goes for all calibers)
I would double check that IMR 3031 load, none of my Lyman books go to 44.5grs with a 50gr bullet! The highest load listed is 38grs of 3031 with a 50gr bullet.Thanks for the 4064, that’s the one powder I don't have. It's on my shopping list.
Im going to try 3031 (44.5grs) with 50gr sp sometime this coming week. Lyman says it will be around ~3500fps. The rifle hasn't been shot for a while.
I want to preserve the rifle to pass on to my son. It's been in my family 60 years and was the first rifle my Dad gave me. It has considerable sentimental value. My Uncle Richard (hence the name) had it before him.