22-250 Remington vs 220 Swift

In this video I compare two of the fastest factory cartridges ever made. Both of these cartridges excel at varmint shooting. Hope you enjoy the video!

[@Regnisab]

I use a 220 Swift to this day, had my best day on woodchucks ever last year, 16 woodchucks in three and a half hours. 16-shots 16 chucks. Awesome, accurate

[@Weatherby406]

Most accurate rifle I own is a 1980s Remington 700 22-250. 10 shot group is under an inch at 100yds. Surprised it’s not a Weatherby caliber for how fast it is. 35gr at 4450fps.

[@waynemayle865]

Well I own both the swift will beat the 250. Mine both have 26 in heavy barrels the lightest bullets I shoot in either one is a 55gr. Up to 64gr now you didn't in included the 224 weatherby or the 225 winchester which are both speedy an I own both I will say the 225 is hard on barrels but when she's on she's deadly the swift will never die no matter how hard the gun writers want it to long live the the speed deamon 220 swift

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

What rifle do you have the 220 Swift in?

[@waynemayle865]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I have a matched pair of rugers mk.ii heavy barrels

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

@@waynemayle865 Sounds like a fun rifle

[@waynemayle865]

@@ReloadingWeatherby yes it is

[@doghousedon1]

Do you actually shoot any of these cartridges or do you get all your info out of reloading manuals? There's a problem using manuals you know.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I have shot a bunch of the cartridges, obviously I haven't shot all of them. I understand what you're saying... but the reloading manuals are a basis

[@doghousedon1]

@@ReloadingWeatherby Thank you for clarifying that.

[@mr.noneyabidness]

I just found the Hornady vol 1 manual from 1967, in a gun shop around me. I was comparing the charge loads, the old book is way hotter than the new book. With some powders it was almost 4 grains hotter. I love the old books. I have the 220 swift, and I'm looking for the 22-250 just to have. I am the collector, and adore the obsolete cartridges. It helps a lot to reload when you do shoot the odd balls. love your channel bud, keep up the great work!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I have also noticed the older books have higher charges of powder. I think it's because modern powder has become more efficient.

[@markbroad119]

Try an old French LaBelle 8x56 or the styer 1895 also 8x56 but different.

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Back in the mid 90's a big box sporting store was clearancing some firearms (Ruger 77 MK II KVM's; SS heavy taper bbl / beavertail laminated stock). One in each of these calibers for $278. After two days of weighing which one would be the better pick I went with the. 22-250 for the exact same reasons you mentioned; minimal fps difference, ammo availability (even then), barrel life. After nearly 30 years it hasn't had 200 rounds through it and has harvested many Nebraska deer. Never did it require a follow up shot (90% DRT). Never have I had to track a deer either. It's been a solid performer. The only people I hear putting the cartridge down are those who don't own one.

[@bustabass9025]

One of the first Weatherby Mark V rifles I ever bought was the Varmint Master in .22-250. It still holds first place in the safe for .22 caliber rifles that I own.

[@ModernGuitar-bc9lj]

Modern reloading manuals have substantially toned down .220 swift data. There used to be a lot of full throttle loads published years ago. I still have a Nosler manual from the early 90's that has some really stout loads. My Swift edged out my 22/250 by 200/250 chronographed fps.

[@ss0073]

I have the Ruger MK2 in 220 Swift…got it at a fire sale. It’s for sure the most accurate factory rifle I own in the 22 and below calibers…204 Ruger and 22 Nosler. However, for the little gain I’m getting over the 22-250, not sure it’s worth the extra powder in reloading. If I were to do it over again, think the 22-250 would be my choice. However, my 17 AckleyBee smokes them all 😁

[@rangehot]

Excellent video. I have done a handful of reviews with the Remington 700 in 220 Swift and a handful of changes to increase the already accurate rifle and cartridge. I love the .220 Swift.

[@charlesmullins3238]

Great minds flock together looks like ol buddy…😉

[@rebelbaron7003]

Same here Alex,my most accurate rifle is the .22-250 Remington in a Weatherby Mark V rifle with the 24 inch barrel.

[@UI_Shaggy05]

Well, technically the 220 Swift isn't the fastest 22 caliber cartridge. That title belongs to the 223 WSSM, which can launch a 40gr bullet at 4,700 ft/s.

[@rnasap]

The Swift is aprox. 100 FPS faster than the 22-250. The 22-250 A.I. is on par with the Swift. Choice comes down to the ability and desire to reload vs hitting any sporting goods store for a abundance of 22-250 ammo. Few rifles are chambered in the Swift these days so you have to find one used with possible throat errosion. Fast twists? same thing, you need to be a reloader. Summary: The coyote will not be able to tell the difference.

[@bobbauldock3846]

I think that you did real good, I have a 22-250, I want a swift , just to say that I have one., but I really would love to find a fireball, OK see yah, BB

[@tripplebeards3427]

Reminds me of the 243 vs 6 mm rem. About 100 fps difference and the faster slimmer case with a slower twist and is about obsolete. I see a pattern.

[@beestoe993]

Never had a swift and probably never will. No hate at all, its just that to me the 22-250 is more than enough case capacity for a .224 cal.

[@BigTimberLodge]

22-250 is such an amazing varmint round.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Yes it is!

[@NateA80]

I love my swift.. I have a ruger m77 with the bull barrel and it's is just stupid accurate.. I shoot federal premium 40gr noseler and the box says 4250fps.. I also have some Hornaday v-max 55gr and they both shoot perfectly.. I had a 22-250 but that one I let go.. I will never let the swift go.. both are amazing caliber.. I also shoot my 6.5 prc now and that is a whole different animal for distance lol.. not really comparable but both are fun.. great video!!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MrJtin69]

I do love the 220 swift but 22 -250 is a modern day verison

[@chadstevenson4938]

If you find load data that is 30 plus years old. There will be loads up to 4600 fps

[@ivan70907]

preferisco il 220 swift.le cartucce si trovano ancora.e piu potente del 22.250.

[@johnkaraphillis754]

Both are very enjoyable to handload cartridges that are blazing fast amazingly accurate. Definitely tough on throats and barrels which is common knowledge amongst shooters. Another good video. Thanks

[@cheifbrownrabbit3986]

How long does a barrel last ya if you don't mind me asking?

[@dontbetreadin4777]

​@@cheifbrownrabbit3986maybe 2,000 rounds, depends on loads and velocities

[@spencertoolandgrind]

I find that every 50 rounds, the throat moves .005”

[@jaybailleaux630]

I have worked up hand loads for 2 different 22-250 rifles. One is a Remington with a standard factory hunting rifle barrel . Most accurate load was a 63gr. Sierra running about 3300 fps. The other was a 22-250 heavy custom 1n 10 twist loaded with a 69gr Sierra matchking at 3100 fps most accurate load. Both 1/2 in shooters. The two 220 Swift . One factory Remington varmint special with fluted barrel was a consistent 1moa down to 3/4 moa. Could not get the grouping smaller no matter what load combination but no loads really shot bad. The 2nd 220 Swift is a humdinger Hart barrel Remington . Shot everything good . Pet load was a 55gr Nosler BT around 3800fps. 3/8 inch 5 shot grouping on average with occasional 1/4 inch 5 shot grouping. I'd say the the 22-250 is more picky to find an accurate load verses the 220 Swift and the accurate loads for the 220 Swift were at much higher velocity. That is just my experience with 4 different rifles. Your mileage may vary. The Swift is waaaaay under rated. The case head of the 220 Swift is thick like it was made for high pressure performance.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@adsaccuracy]

I have had both, The 220 swift was a lot faster and much more accuracy, period. I loaded mine with 42 grains of vt 550 and it give me 3980 fps with a 55grain nosler and one hole groups at a 100 yads and half inch groups at 300 yards. and I have targets to prove it.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@travisrios9490]

I have both 22-250 and 220 Swift I shoot 55 grain bullet threw my 22-250 and I and getting almost 3800 and I shoot a 50 grain out of my 220 and getting close to 4100

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing!

[@karloz83]

The swift will be around for a while. The difference between it and and a 250 you have to shoot to believe. The 220 just hits so hard and more 1 shot kills for bigger animals then the 250 ever will. It’s the only factory calibre to ever shoot through armour plating as well the mighty swift is a great all around cartridge

[@mirandacandice9626]

The vastly more popular .22-250 has taken everything the .220 Swift has, and probably quite a lot more since virtually no one uses the .220 anymore. It wasn't even that popular when it came out back in 1935. The non-existent factory loadings for the .220 in comparison to the .22-250 combined with a case almost as large as a damn .308 Winchester leaves the Swift in cartridge no-mans-land. If a .223 or .22-250 Remington won't handle it, then I may as well just pull out my .308 or .270 which stomp all over the .220 varmint cartridge on larger animals and are much more available and cheaper to boot.

[@karloz83]

@@mirandacandice9626 I agree with you there totally. The 250 you can get ammo near anywhere and they shoot well and a lot of people love them. But I will stick to my swift no matter what I use it more then any other gun in aus anything bigger the 270 or 300win mag can handle. But reloading the 220 and shooting feral , macropods, dogs, deer and pigs the swift handles them with ease

[@mirandacandice9626]

@@karloz83 I think the .220 Swift is quite viable for a die hard hand loader that only shoots a limited number of rounds in a setting. For that reason, I don't think it'll ever die out. It doesn't make any sense for someone like me however, that shoots anywhere from 500-1000 rounds in a single day while commercial seal hunting. For high-volume shooters, the .223 and .22-250 are king.

[@karloz83]

@@mirandacandice9626 you are exactly right I only shoot max 100 in a sitting over 6 -8 hours or so most times average be only 30 a night and hand load. I tried a 223 but not quite good enough for what I do but I understand why it has such a following and how much cheaper it is to run even compared to hand loading the 220. The 250 is a extremely good all round flat shooter and I would run the 250 no worries at all as it will do what I need. But I just prefer to be different and go the 220 as I like how hard it hits and it’s different to what all my mates run. The 223 has a much higher following. In aus ammo factory loaded for 223 is alot cheaper then 250. If buying only 20 rounds. 223 20 rounds is $40 900 rounds $1100 250 20 rounds $56 220 20 rounds $60 Barrel life on the 223 is alot better as well.

[@mirandacandice9626]

@@karloz83 Haha you're kinda like myself when it comes to lever guns. Here in North America the .30-30 is the undisputed king of the lever action cartridges and nothing even comes close to being in 2nd place. I on the other hand use the much more expensive and harder to find .35 Remington in my Marlin 336.

[@braddavis2834]

those calibers are not even worth mentioning, If you cant afford a SWIFT you fail! Sorry but it true....... Its a whole different deal. You have to understand so much more than the stuff in the advertised numbers in the books

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I didn't realize the 220 Swift was a upper class only cartridge

[@braddavis2834]

22-250 never even came close. It would get near the speed but it was a 3 foot group. 22 250 is cute but not accurate over 3500 fps

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Well... that's not true at all. My dad get's well under half MOA at over 4000 FPS

[@josephstabile9154]

Confucious say: The way to make a cartridge popular is to buy rifles and ammunition for that cartridge. : )

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Well said

[@ZommBleed]

I bought my .220 Swift about 30 years ago. Haven't had my reloading bench set up in several years, since I have moved several times in that timeframe. I just bought 4 boxes of Swift ammo online (Hornady 55 gr.) for $136, including shipping/taxes. I could have bought a good .17 HMR/WSM or even a Hornet for that kind of money, plus some ammo to boot! Brass was just as expensive as a box of loaded ammo (50 cases vs. 20 rounds). Get the .22-250 or a .17 caliber if you're not going to reload (provided that money is an obstacle in your shooting sport). I probably won't even get to shoot my new ammo since the rapture is occurring very soon. Oh, well. Heaven is much better than this place.

[@jackdundon2261]

Funny, how we compare these two... I own both, and many more... my brother refuses to buy a Hyper-fast .22 when he was ts SPEED, he grabs a box of Nosler vArmageddon 55 grain bullets, out of the box they are pushing 3900 fps. -- I bet if I hand load him some I can push it over 4000. He really has a point. (In hit ruger Hawkeye, he gets 1/2 moa accuracy at 400 yards). - he doesn't shoot farther than that for dogs.

[@billparadiso721]

I own two of the 22-250 version, one is a Remington 700 BDL 24 inch Barrel bought in 1974 and the other is a Weatherby Super Varmint master with a 26 inch stainless fluted Krieger barrel bought in 2003. Both of these are excellent rifles,

[@edwray0able]

Love the SWIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching!

[@louiskiser9989]

Love my 220 it is a Ruger m77 v shoots 3 55 ballistic tips same hole 100yrds

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sweet!

[@gunman-6646]

Great comparison! I was always curious about the speed difference.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

What rifle is your 22-250?

[@gunman-6646]

@@ReloadingWeatherby a weatherby vanguard.

[@headcarter4656]

The 22-250 was actually around about 1920 I believe, as a wildcat cartridge.

[@chadstevenson4938]

For the 220 swift

[@reubendancey841]

i think 22-250

[@Hummingbyrd99]

Wish I stumbled upon this video along time ago. Currently in the works of building a 220 Swift using a 26in brux barrel with a 1:14 twist and the mdt oryx chassis. I’ve decided to go with Kruger Arms’ VPR SST short action with the .308 bolt face, basically a Rem700 blueprint. It’s not only for target/varmint but I’d like to take some deer with it using Swift’s Scirocco II in 62 grain. We’ll see how it goes

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice

[@rickpollard2262]

Bring me all the swifts you don't want, I love them!

[@davesullivan972]

I had the original Ruger M77, dog-legged bolt heavy barrel in 22-250, one of the very first in the Sacramento area, when they first came out. Heavy gun, too heavy to lug around so sold it and got a Rem 788 in 22-250. Both shot 52 Sierra BTHP, 41 gr H-380, CCI250 primers in 5/8" at 100. No Chrono's then. Then hunted Coyotes when we could land-and-shoot in Alaska. So, bought a Ruger 77 Varmint 220 Swift. With a hot load of H380 and 52 gr Speer HP's, it made 5/8" groups and they NEVER exited a coyote!!! All DRT! Even shot a Red Fox at 15 yards in the head, no exit, just a mushy head! That load was pushing 3900, and used the Speer HP's as their blunt tip seated closer to the lands due to the block in the magazine. None of the Ballistic Tips or spitzers were as accurate.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Awesome

[@jerryhammack1318]

. 220 Swift hands down for me! Properly loaded has handled anything from turtles to Mule deer and most over 200yds and one clean shot. Have owned over 16 rifles from different companies and still prefer the old 70s and 80s Ruger model 77s! To each their own favorite! Both cartridges are very good !

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

You shoot turtles?

[@nauhteeboy]

In my young days I hunted ground hogs on a weekly basis. In good years I would take any where from 40 or so in weak year to upwards of 200. Where I lived there was a lot of hay fields and trees in the fence lines around them. I had a 220 Swift in a Ruger M77 with a Weaver 10x fixed scope. Later on I up graded to a Zeiss 9-14x variable. It cost me a lot of sweat to buy that gun, and the ammo in those days was over $1 for factory rounds which would be like $5 a round today. That's when I learned to reload my own. I chose Hornaday 45 grain boat tail Nossler plastic tip because I found the hollow points would succumb to wind to easily. I could push it to around 3800fps without worrying about barrel burn. I offend hunted with my uncle who favorite was the 22-250. We both zeroed our our scopes at 250yds. The Swift would often get the hog well out to 500yds but 22-250 seem to miss more often than not at that range. I miss those days, alot.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michaellane4003]

Would the 22-250 be good for coyotes?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I think so

[@michaellane4003]

I'm thinking about using a foxpro and getting out there to thin out those dogs now during the off season.

[@bustabass9025]

It is a bona-fide coyote blaster!💥

[@roadkillanonymous4807]

Yes

[@rebelbaron7003]

Michael,lemme jump in here on your great question. Yes,it is devastating on coyotes. Here in Pennsylvania,we have quite a few "yote" hunts in February and March when they breed. If you live on a ranch and need to cut down on their numbers or just wanna blow up coyotes,any of the polymer tipped bullets out there will do that. However, if you wanna have REAL fun and great times after the hunt try registering for a "yote" hunt. Let me tell you a story about bullet types though. Years ago,Tom,my hunting buddy and I, starting going into these coyote hunts. They were all over Pennsylvania. The largest,without a doubt is the Mosquito Creek Gun Club coyote hunt which is in Frenchville,I blieve. Most hunts have cash prizes for the #1,#2,#3 and #4 heaviest coyotes brough in. Mosquito Creek goes all out. One year they gave out a Yamaha Grizzly quad as the first prize. But back to bullets. About the 3rd year we started hunting these things,I shot a coyote that weighed in at 44# and some change.Both Tom and I thought I had the winner. When we got to the gun club I saw a coyote hanging that looked bigger than mine.Tom thought so too. When they weighed mine,the guy said,"Well youre the new leader" I was shocked. We went to look over the guys coyote and saw immediately the story. The entrance wound was pretty normal but the exit wound was the size of a softball and bloody as all get out. As it turned out,he placed 3rd and still won $50 bucks but he could have won $200 bucks. From the start,I decided to go with Nosler Partitions which I knew would punch in and punch out....not blow out. Herein lies the agony of these hunts when you shoot a good one. The hunt ended in 4 hours,so while I was ahead then but someone could come in with a bigger dog and Id lose $200 bucks. I ended up winning but had a ton of anxiety. After the hunt was over,I tracked down the hunter who I thought had the bigger dog and asked him what bullet he used. He said he bought the cheapest ammo he could find at Grices in Clearfield. So,the moral of the story is,well,one....definitely get in on one of these coyote hunts,you'll have a blast. $20 entry fee gets you into the hunt plus they have a great dinner at the club after the hunt along with beer,other prizes,meet new friends,better coyote hunters etc. The other is those .22-250 Noslers cost me $25.00. That bullet did exactly what it was supposed to do,hit and exit without blowing out a lot of meat. That poor fellow lost out on $200 bucks cuz he chose....poorly on bullets. Since those early years,though,its so funny.....nowadays,they have xrays at the weigh ins because of the cheating going on. Guys were stuffing the dogs after shooting them with lead and such. Americans......right?

[@swede5209]

Some people want to punch big holes in paper. The rest of us are amazed at the power and range of a 220 Swift. I haven’t noticed mine giving up anything to a 22-250 in accuracy. Works just fine!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice

[@timothyjhaller8449]

I have one of each. Love them both. Just about the same critter all around, but definitely two different personalities. The Swift that I own is a custom rifle, built with an FN action, topped with a 28” Douglas Supreme heavy barrel (I know, a blast from the past 🤣). It’s finicky to reload for, but stay in your lane and it is ray gun. The 22-250 I have is a Ruger #1 Varmint with custom lumber on it (it’s gorgeous). It’s well heeled and is tolerant of many bullet weights & powders. A real Hootenanny on the range or dispatching chucks, crows and the like. I enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing! Sound like they are a blast to shoot.

[@dishguru8140]

Is thiis not ammo the amy uses ? i Belive the danish special troops use 22-250? Had one myself ans had no problem hitting a can at 500 meter (easy) Kind regards Niels

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I'm not sure, thanks for watching though.

[@charlesr.aliffjr.4050]

I own custom built rifles in both cartridges. I have been shooting both cartridges for almost 50 years. The 220 Swift is hands down the better of the two cartridges…better accuracy and higher velocity. I have worked extensively with the 220 Swift. Nearly everyone is shooting the wrong powder in a Swift. Back in the day when I first began shooting a Swift, everybody and his brother told me to shoot 38-39 grains of IMR 4064 (extruded powder) which I did for a couple years behind a 52 grain match bullet. Chronographed around 3900 fps out of a 26” barrel with decent accuracy. I decided to try to find a ball powder for my Swifts around the same burning rate as IMR 4064. H380 (ball powder) is a bit slower than IMR 4064 so I tried and have been shooting that exclusively in my Swifts ever since…better accuracy and increased velocity with a 52 grain Berger bullet. The performance of my Lee Six stocked Shilen DGA 220 Swift is incredible.

[@charlesmullins3238]

Just started usin h380 mainly in .308 but I’m dying for a swift and glad I got a good powder already…superformance I’ve had good luck with too

[@jaybailleaux630]

Thanks for the info on the H380 only used H380 in 308. No powder flows more accurately through a powder measure. Makes loading much easier

[@roadkillanonymous4807]

The .220 swift is slightly faster, but the .22-250 is in my experience waaaay less finicky and fussy. The .220 swift I got to play with for a season only like 55 grain flat base bullets on top of 38 grains of 4064. If it was not this exact combo, the accuracy sucked. But this combo (55 grain Nosler varmageddon, 55 hornady soft point) shot easy cloverleafs. A little over 3800 fps with the 55. Smokin.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@nauhteeboy]

I agree the Swift is finicky but once I found its favorite load, it hardly ever disappointed. With a 45grain boat tail with ballistic tipped hollow point and 44 grains of 4064, resulted in around 4000fps and 2.5MOA at 250yds.

[@trg3761]

I have the 220 swift AI and it easily shoots 55 gr at 4100 fps

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice

[@Funting3417]

Weatherby tried with the 224 weatherby

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

They should have made it with the 257 WBY case

[@Funting3417]

@@ReloadingWeatherby that would have been a fast little shit for sure

[@nathanielgray4235]

Love 22 250 but The 22 creedmoor is picking up momentum

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

22 Creedmoor is a sweet cartridge

[@TheRealEricRose]

What book is that?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Hornady reloading manual

[@buskman3286]

Some years ago the load in factory 220 Swift was reduced for some reason as was the load data in various books. I have reloading manuals from pretty much all the "usual suspects" dating back to the late '60's. In earlier manuals, the Swift was at least 200FPS faster with every bullet weight. IMO, either of these cartridges are for reloading, not for folks buying a few boxes of ammunition. Therefore, the Swift can produce considerably more velocity than the 22-250 is capable of. OF COURSE, whether that velocity difference really matters will depend on your particular use. Obviously, reloads have to be worked up in the particular rifle if you are looking to maximize velocity. Re that, IMO, the only loads to shoot out of either of these rifles is the fastest safe load you can generate with the various bullets you will be using. Otherwise, what's the point in owning them? Buy a 223.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@fortnite.burger]

Thanks for the advice.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@jmgates09]

Never shot a 220 swift so 22 250 it is

[@basemandog]

Far from a dead cartridge