Big Game Hunting With A 220 Swift?

Can you really hunt big game with a 220 Swift? Yes and no. I'll explain everything in this episode on the 220 Swift.
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@mpeters5549]

Shot 3 caribou over the years with my m77 tang safty 220 swift. Barnes 45gn bullets using H380 powder. DEADLY.

[@rossfelton1955]

I have never shot a 220 swift. But one of my favorite cartridges is the 22-250. This little cartridge is very, very accurate and very destructive. I have punched some big holes in thick steel. I have seen mule deer devastated with one shot. More deadly than some 3006 hits that blew through and left a wounded animal running away to track down.

[@tbenedict6335]

Seen video of Alaskan native taking grizzly with a 22-250,know guys that took elk with theirs.used one for varmints for years.

[@spencerbookman2523]

The 220 Swift was my grandpa's go-to round for "ranch rifle" duty and black-tailed deer.

[@stevenlord782]

Some people I could listen to all day regardless of the subject. Uncle Ron is one of them. ❤

[@ronbrown3893]

It's been a while since I've heard anyone shine light on the amazing 220 Swift. I'm an old guy. In my youth this was one of the most talked about cartridges. I live in ground hog country. If you were a serious ground hog hunter chances were that you had a 220 Swift. It could reach out there where others fell short. I would often take two rifles with me when hunting ground hogs. A 222 Remington for the closer shots and the Swift when they were out there a ways. My pre 64 Winchester model 70 in 220 Swift will never be sold by me.

[@rogerneal5621]

Atta boy

[@waynemayle865]

I'm also in ground hog Country ohio same goes for my swift .remington 700 varmint

[@kylecarpenter40]

I’ve been trying to learn more about it the last decade because my grandpa is in love with it and, to your point, it’s shocking how it essentially seems like it just died on the vine what seems like around the 90’s.

[@waynemayle865]

@@kylecarpenter40 she has never died Kyle we swift shooter's are die hards it's up to you what your pick is I also shoot a 225 winchester an a 17 remington ya don't hear anything at all about them except for a few of us

[@jackalopasaurus]

@@waynemayle865 My cousin deer hunted with a .225 when he started out. Never knew anyone else who had one.

[@michaelhennegan9637]

Jack O’Conner said something like this: the Swift is waisted on inept riflemen. I have a Swift, it is truly amazing. It shoots like a ray gun and is the most accurate rifle that I have owned. Ragged one hole groups are the norm. Yes, it will kill big game, but there are better choices.

[@vernmorris8898]

Or inept hunters. A clean behind the shoulder or frontal heart/ lung shot at moderate range is one thing but but a three hundred yard quartering on shot is quite another.

[@lostwizardcat9910]

@@vernmorris8898 ive killed many, many deer with a swift, shoot them in the shoulder it will crush both of them and shred the lungs, usually the hydrostatic shock alone will kill them on the spot.

[@okthennone]

I inherited my great-grandfather's 220 swift. 1894-1977. He bought it in the late 30's early 40's from what we can tell.

[@JuhEffRee]

My Ruger 26" BB I've had since the 80's is still a tack driver to this day. Even after over 3k handloads I've put through it. 99% of those squawking about burned out barrels never owned a .220 and I bet 95% of those they heard it from never owned one either.

[@johnwallace7694]

Dont let it get loaded with copper jacket , and dont overheat it , im looking a a Savage Model 12J , Its tempting .

[@FitnessNazi69]

I have a multi-generational pre-64 Model 70 Super Grade dating from 1937 that looks close to new. It's always been taken care of and because of this, it still shoots MOA well. Like you said, reload it and shoot it reasonably and it will last. There's still a couple of boxes of unfired Super-X 48gr factory loads from the 60's sitting on my shelves. Like a previous commenter said, that rifle will always be in my family.

[@interrestrial9815]

For years and years, caribou beyond counting, one of my hunting companions used a 220 Swift and I used a 22 PPC. Clean, rapid kills out to 400 yards with the 220 Swift, I kept it inside of 400. The caveat is: shot placement. We used 300 Weatherby and 7mm R.M. before this mainly due to possible grizzly bear encounters. But once the grizzlies took a nap and before they woke up it was the 22's.

[@mtman2]

lol...smart thinking = Glacier had to kill a Grizz with his 220 as it chased him around a tree tho had to shoot it over half a dozen times as it charged him at point blank range while he was hot-footin it out of reach of the beast and it finally slowed down then died...!

[@ogdensloan8555]

First rifle I learned to shoot was my grandfather’s Winchester model 70 220 swift with peep sights. After he passed, I inherited the rifle and it sits in the safe now. I love to shoot it and continue to reload for it with the Barnes 50 grain TSX.

[@bradbo3]

My older brother has had a 220 swift rifle for years…..and at first only used it on coyotes or varmints. But he finally took a chance and took a whitetail with it…HOLY COW the damage was way more then he thought. The bullet basically disintegrated but pretty much liquified the lungs. We only found tiny bits of jackets and lead. The deer took 3 steps and dropped. His gun is a Ruger M77 , but not a factory model…its a custom , a laminated camo stock and a Bull Barrel…..its the heaviest gun Ive ever held. But 25+ years later….still is a tack driver…but to heavy to take into the woods routinely. We sometimes just sit out on a hill and take out groundhogs….and hit routinely out to 450 yds…using 55 grn…usually remington or hornady when we can find it. Even though its his gun…if i see ammo at the store I pick him up a box or two.

[@fortnite.burger]

450 yards? That's crazy

[@AustinSmith-ty3ub]

Love to see you shining light on this awesome cartridge. I was extremely lucky to have Uncle Sam send me to Fort Greely (Delta Junction Alaska) just up from where Frank Glasser owned the black rapids lodge. I got little dry cabin, a 220 swift, a 22-250 and all the Jim Rearden books I could find. I have been stomping around all the corners of Alaska with those guns ever since!

[@KingLoopie1]

Lucky man!

[@mikepaul2485]

Another cartridge that was ahead-of-its-time is the 6.5x55. It is an excellent cartridge for deer. Loaded with Hornady SST 140 grain bullets it drops deer in their tracks. At least in my experience. I shot two deer last season at about 200 yards and dropped both of them where they stood. I was using a Sauer 100 classic XT.

[@bjdog42]

My 260 Remington is pretty much equal ballistically & I've never had a deer run out of sight after a good hit from it. Most did drop where they stood.

[@wesleyhobbs9]

I have owned both of these calibers and would agree with no doubts, that both are amazing deer rifles and elk. However, the 6.5x55 is just unique and special! I think it may be the best hunting caliber period!!!!

[@wesleyhobbs9]

Plenty of 6.5x55 ammunition choices online

[@bjdog42]

My 260 is a TC Encore. I did consider getting a bolt action in 6.5x55 but somehow never got to it. Now I mainly hunt blackpowder season because I have my best results then & haven't taken a deer in about 8 years with any centerfire so I don't see much point in another rifle unless I run across a Swedish Mauser to add to my military rifle collection. But if I ever do decide on a nice custom or semi custom bolt action 6.5x55 would be my choice.

[@markwarnberg9504]

I assume you are talking about the 6,5x55 Swedish military cartridge. A very popular hunting round here in Sweden.

[@blackpowder4016]

I have a Winchester Model 70 in .220 Swift with a 26" barrel. The twist rate is 1-in-12. It stabilizes 60 gr Nosler Partitions at nearly 3700 fps no problem. I haven't tried heavier bullets because these are deadly. We can't hunt big game (legally) with anything less than .243 here so I can't tell you how it might work on deer. It puts coyotes down like they were hit by lightning. It's accurate to boot.

[@toddhuff6007]

Thanks so much Ron for talking about the swift. Prayin for a come back. She’s a goodn !

[@beverlyhurd8556]

When Ruger came out with their M77V in .220 Swift back over 45 years ago I bought the first one I saw. Took my first Texas deer with it that year too. PO Ackley sure was right.

[@robertfullerton6336]

I have had many swifts, and still do. First swift was in 1959. Have taken numerous deer and elk.. Always head shots. Have taken so many crows I can't count.. 35 gr. v-max is my bullet of choice, with an exception of 40gr. v-max. Have 5 swift rifles and 1 Encore heavy barrel pistol. I have tested metal plate penatration comparisons between 35gr swift slugs against 30 caliber 168 gr armor piercing slugs. The swift will penatrate as much or more metal. The only draw back is the swift will only penatrate one thickness of plate not two pieces. The 30 cal will penatrate multiple. I shoot 5 to six days a week...

[@beverlyhurd8556]

@@robertfullerton6336 You sound like a Swift lover! 👍 I have never made a prairie dog hunt without my Swift. My only complaint is it heats up the barrel faster than my other calibers do. So it is back in the truck cooling down while my .17 Remington, the .223 AI and my .204 take over. But when my range finder says that it 500 yards or more, the Swift comes back out for that job. The 50 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip has taken scores of them and see no reason to use anything else. Lots of love for me too.

[@bugler6447]

The book about Frank Glaser called the Alaskan Wolf Man was in Alaska from 1915 to 1950 said the Swift killed big game quicker then any thing else. I love my swift.

[@sammylacks4937]

Thanks for sharing Ron. The 220 Swift has long been one of my favorite cartridges. Since I first read about it in articles by yourself and a Carmichael guy. Thanks for all you taught me over the years.

[@Cobra04]

My Savage 220 Swift states the model as “Savage Model 12 cal. 220 Swift. I reload for this cartridge and absolutely love it. Sighted in at 300 yards it’s a fantastic cartridge for about anything on the farm. Fluted barrel topped with a Bushnell Elite 3200. What a combo! Third Swift I’ve owned and never looked back. Thanks Ron for bringing attention to this awesome cartridge.

[@kevinwilliams8784]

Mate of mine is a gun writer here in OZ,he has owned many .220's over the last 70 years.He once owned a Savage 112 V single shot .220.That rifle would group like a benchrest rifle. Some years back he offered me a Ruger HB in .220 AI cheap.Grabbed it fast.Ilove the .220 AI.

[@danr7477]

Nervous System Shock,I had an 8mm VZ24 mouser, build date 1918 Fine rifle in it's own rite. Made a rancher friend who lived in the north sandhills of Nebraska. I admired this man and he soon became Hero and mentor. He was a Canadian trapper in the winters and a cowboy of the sandhills the rest of the seasons. He carried one gun. One of the early manufacture mod,70 Winchester It was a rifle that took caribou,sheep, goats, wolf,by the score.moose,blacktail, whitetail,muleies,coues whitetails, varmints of every order. Oh yes elk. He would tell his adventures that hold this youg fellers attention by the hour. He said nothing ever got up. Well the "ol" Mouser was soon fitted with a Shirleen stainless barrel and a fine timmey trigger. I ran outrageous with this outfit.. cronies everything I hand loaded. Not going to mention the fps I was attaining with this rig. That's for me only. By the way nothing has ever got up. Those were the days my friends we thought they'd never end, oh those were the days. I am 70 now lost site in my rite eye shoot very little these days. My 5 presses at my loading bench have been lonely for quite soom time . Oh those were the days. Thank you Ron giving me cause to reflect......

[@vne5195]

Thanks for reviewing the legendary 220 Swift. Great stuff!

[@Hockeyfan9884]

Thank you Ron for another great info video. Along the Canadian northern coast for several years, I did own a .22 hornet. It was fast, one shot kill with the 55 grain. Did see the .22 swift in action, and i have to say one word. WOW!!

[@BrodyBradshaw]

I've had my 220 swift for about 30 years, great shooting gun.

[@jonybgoode1]

ron..,my all time favorite 22 caliber....No other rifle ive shot has the "crack' of my swift....In fact a couple years ago I ordered a shot show special chambered in 220 swift....in an 1885 winchester..28 inch octagon heavy barrel, with special order upgrade wood...I waited a year for it to finally come in,and boy,was it worth waiting for..I had called winchester after it arrived,and they looked up the production numbers....guess what... I was shipped #2 of only 65 or so produced.....which for me makes it even more special...true love in a classic looking winchester,,,,,,

[@philipduffy3355]

As always Ron, great info on the 220 Swift. Thank you.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for explaining the 220 Swift round, Mr.Spomer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@doylesp1]

I’m really starting to believe that faster bullets are the key to stopping power. Everything I shoot with small fast bullets drops in place…

[@cmonbigfishwiththebuff]

Used the 220 swift on caribou in Alaska. It was devastating with proper shot placement. Minimal meat damage with quick and humane killing capabilities. The low recoil made for super accurate shots. Very versatile caliber for folks that can shoot accurately. When fine-tuned, the 220 swift is capable of sub-1/4 in groups at 100 yds by a seasoned shooter.

[@fortnite.burger]

Is it still good for hunting rabbits, squirrels and birds? Or will it blow them apart

[@cmonbigfishwiththebuff]

@@fortnite.burger depends on how good you can shoot. Headshots will leave all meat intact. Poor body shots on small game will make a mess at that speed.

[@fortnite.burger]

@@cmonbigfishwiththebuff thanks, i did not know that.

[@cmonbigfishwiththebuff]

@@fortnite.burger Make me proud!

[@fortnite.burger]

@@cmonbigfishwiththebuff I am thinking of getting one, what models of rifles supports 220 swift? Thanks for the reply earlier.

[@randallcl9925]

Thanks Ron, great video!! In the '70s Jim Carmichel wrote some great books on rifles and liked the Swift and Ruger M77s. I bought a new 220 Swift M77V bolt gun with 26" heavy barrel and it was fantastic. First time at the range, stock rifle with my handloads (no factory ammo available) shot 1.375" 5-shot group at 200 yards! I loaded about 10% below max with 52g Sierra HPBT Match bullets but for decades that was one of my best groups. Later sold the rifle when I needed money but about 5 years ago found a mint tang-safety M77V 220 (just like my old one) in the used rack at my LGS and grabbed it up! I now have varmint rifles in .204 Ruger and .223 so save the Swift but it is still my favorite cartridge.

[@kennethbailey2616]

I had a 220 Swift back in the 70s and it was my go-to rifle for prairie dogs and coyotes for many years. I bought it in a Ruger 77 when they first chambered for it. I had always wanted one and sadly it was destroyed in a house fire.

[@fortnite.burger]

That sucks, I hope you've recovered financially.

[@rangetime6779]

Great history lesson on a great old cartridge. The 22-250 doesn't give up much in performance and that's why it's still popular. Thanks for the video and yes an explosive bullet in the lungs will scramble the insides.

[@mtman2]

Hydo-shock effects like an inner explosion...!

[@bobjohnson7207]

Great project really enjoyed your viewpoint.

[@clcmarc]

Great video. The Swift was my first varmint rifle and took game bigger than fox with Nosler’s 60 grain partition. Death came quickly.

[@robertkraft1030]

Back in the mid 70s I knew an elderly gentleman that was an amazing reloader . He had a Swift that he purchased new in 1936 . I remember the model number was x'd out and another stamped in under it . Was still in great condition after 1,000s of rounds 👍

[@benrice9933]

Thanks for your no BS analysis!

[@simonsparks5738]

Thanks boss Ron. Great listen. I am quite happy with old timers company , would be a most splendid occasion to have you around a campfire in the evenings here in South Africa and burn some powder soon as the new day breaks. We've had a pre '64 Swift working for 3 generations and killed from Cape Eland all the way down to rodents. It has been used as a workhorse culling but despite that , because it does the job so efficiently we viewed the chore as a recreational pleasure.

[@williamthomas3620]

One my rancher friends swore by his 220 Swift for all game on his Texas ranch. He was a hunter, not an extended range target shooter, so he would get within his personal criteria range before he shot. The Winchester Super X 48 grain SP was his bullet of choice.

[@fortnite.burger]

Same

[@aidenmornay]

I have used the 220swift on water buffalo in Australia,worked perfectly

[@HobbitHomes263]

What we learned gutting grandma's Elk is that the light 243 bullets penetrated the near side and richocheted around the rib cage turning heart and lungs to jelly

[@jk-kr8jt]

Great grandma tail, sounds like she was a real go getter.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

another enjoyable session. Ron could talk me into any cartridge.

[@wesleyhobbs9]

I have always had an interest in this caliber. Wish firearms companies would re-introduce this caliber in some nice rifle options!!!! I think it would make a great deer rifle and small game as well:) probably make a sniper out of a few folks too:)

[@craigkoehrsen6929]

i've been a huge swift fan since 1975. i shoot a 60 grain spire point flat base. I keep it at only 3.860 fps. to me there is no better varmint round! Thank you for shining a light on the best and brightest varmint round.

[@FreightTrain420]

Such great info! Thanks Ron!

[@shootingthebreeze4432]

I love mine! Ruger M77V. It works great for coyotes and chucks, would not hesitate to use it for pronghorn antelope or deer.

[@kenmcnulty7018]

Love my 220 Swift

[@jeffabernathy1670]

Love the swift! I’ve taken many southwest ok deer with it. Great video!!

[@stefanocappella9612]

Hello from north alberta canada 🇨🇦 absolutely love your channel. Never ever miss a video.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks so much, Stefano.

[@tylertapp131]

Man this cartridge really interest me, i used to be all about the big bore stuff, wether it was shotguns or rifle. Over the past several years I've been takin them out less and less and carryin smaller guns like 223/5.56. Ive been very impressed with the accuracy and effects on different critters. I actually ended up sellin a most of the big bore rifles i had due to the performance ive had with the cartridge. Ive taken beaver, coyotes and whitetail with mine and all have been one shot stops. In the past 3 years ive only had one doe run, she made it 40 yards and expired, all other animals dropped on the spot.

[@garytellep5392]

My dear old timer friend Andrew arrived in Alaska in 1938 intent on becoming a Sourdough. He was from upstate NY and had sold his 30/30 for traveling money and arrived in Cordova and started putting together an outfit of which a rifle was an absolute necessity. To his horror there wasn't a single rifle for sale in town new or used. By luck he bumped into the town's only cabbie who himself was a sourdough of sorts (sour on the country with enough dough to leave) AND he had a rifle for sale too it was in the trunk. "What kind?" A Winchester Model 70, wow the proverbial holy grail. Plus, it had a big German telescopic sight. Andy looked at the barrel and asked "what caliber is this anyway?" .220 Swift kid it's my hair seal gun. Andy had shot his share of woodchucks in upstate NY so he knew a varmint rifle when he saw one but it was the Swift or nothing so the deal was made. Andy mined, trapped, hunted and wandered around the Wrangell Mountains with that Swift several seasons. He was one of the first 6 Fairbanksans to enlist after Pearl Harbor, the Old FE Mining Co. gave a cash bonus to the first six men (it was after fall cleanup anyway and all the workers would have been laid off) Andy figured he'd be drafted so why not turn a penny on it? He greased up his Winchester hoping to see it again and went to war. He survived 25 missions as a ball turret gunner in a B17. I saw the old photos to back up his stories and he shot a ton of game with that Swift all the way into the early 1960s, his only centerfire rifle when he then bought another 70 to go polar bear hunting, a .300 H&H magnum. Several grizzlies, black bear, too many caribou to count, many moose, many Dall Sheep, lots of wolves, wolverines, ducks, geese, etc. Andy was a good hunter; a good shot and he loved that Swift. I knew that rifle would stay in the family so I never offered to barter for it but thought about it many times. Andy's been in the Happy Hunting Ground quite a while now but I'm sure he's been chasing Heaven's Dall rams with the Swift as usual.

[@jmount411]

I have very old winchester model 70 in 220 swift that I inherited. I've only shot it a few times but it's a absolute lazer beam

[@williamstapleton5104]

I fell in love with the Savage 112J 220 my dad had when I was a teenager. I now have three myself, a rebarrelled Savage 110 with a 1:8 twist, a rebarrelled Savage 111 with a 1:12 twist, and a factory Remington 700 with a 1:14 twist. Thanks Ron for the video!

[@johnwallace7694]

Hey 112J im thinking about 1 now , lack od brass is my only concern.

[@toddhuff6007]

I love my swift. It’s Just awesome. Been hand loading for my Ruger for 25 years. Still a tack driver. I wish she would make a come back.

[@relleknoj]

Thank you.

[@Spotteroo]

I'm right with you there Ron. Hearing what you say about heavier bullets and faster twist rates, modern barrel steels and powders. I'm developing a 5.6x57 with 10.5" twist in a Border Barrels 5R cut. Shooting upwards of 64 grains and making use of that powder capacity to do so. The 5.6x57 is very close in case size to the 220 Swift and has all the potential. A great discussion in that video, thanks from UK

[@bwfreel]

I appreciated the reference to Frank Glaser ! Frank estimated that he had killed approximately 60 moose in his lifetime , favorite moose rifle was his 220 swift.

[@highplainsdrifter9631]

Didn't Frank Glaser write a book? If I remember correctly, he did have some articles published in one of the Big 3 hunting mags?

[@bwfreel]

@@highplainsdrifter9631 he didn’t write it but the book is Alaska’s Wolf Man …. Great read, many articles about him in OL

[@ricktaylor3748]

Amongst my collection of pre 64 Winchester mod 70, I have a 1950 220 Swift. It absolutely drives tacks. Mine has the stainless steel 26 inch barrel. I put the smack down on a crow at (range finder ) 466 yards with my hand loads. I've taken deer at 372 yards, they fall on the spot. Those 48 grains bullets shoot terrible with 1 in 12 twist barrels. I also have a 1937 .22 Hornet. It was returned to the Winchester customers shop, and inlet swivels were installed and the receiver was drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Super rare gun. I saw one at a gun show, it was priced at $6400.oo dollars. It was in less than fair condition. Mine set in a closet for 43 years before I got the opportunity to but it. Beautifully grained stock. I took down a huge white oak tree, and paid old fellow $300.oo for the most beautiful pre 64 rifle I've ever seen. He said one of his friends gave him the rifle as a wedding present. My 1937 Hornet has the .223 boar diameter barrel . I can't shoot factory ammo, I have to use my reloads. 40.1 grains of IMR 4064 with the Sierra 40 grain HP goes 4281 fps. in my 26 inch bbl.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Heck of a wedding present.

[@ricktaylor3748]

@@wisconsinfarmer4742 Luckily, it ended up being mine. He (the older guy) told me about the rifle years ago. But, when I laid eyes on it, I knew it was as good as mine. The checkering is fresh as new. The front part of the receiver came drilled, but the rear didn't. That's why it was sent bak to the Winchester customers shop.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@ricktaylor3748 I'll trade you an oak tree for it. The tree will keep gaining in value, but not if you plant it in a closet.

[@ricktaylor3748]

@@wisconsinfarmer4742 Lol. Let me think about to for 30 years. I have 39 pre 64 Winchester model 70 rifles. Hank Williams Jr. has over 450.

[@davidmackee8575]

Brilliant video Ron ...

[@pecospest]

the germans ( as always ) brought out in 1964 what you asked for at the end of the video , the 5.6 x 57 RWS has a large capacity , fast twist ,and the bullet is of heavier construction than a typical 22 meant just for varmints.

[@brucemcmillan8750]

My 220 is a #1 Ruger in 220 Wby Rocket custom ,had it built in 1993 ,continues to perform today

[@alt5494]

It would be a interesting project to build a modern swift on the sig . 277 fury case at 80,000psi.

[@kcstott]

you'd have to shoot solids as a lead core would come apart leaving the barrel.

[@drakeslocum2564]

Yes!

[@jeremymcadam7400]

It'd come out like the plasma jet of a shaped charge

[@alt5494]

@@jeremymcadam7400 Not with solid copper or brass bullets & proper powder selection.

[@alt5494]

@@kcstott A interesting type of polygonal rifling for solid bullets was recently developed by BHW. They developed it for dramatically less deformation to the bullet as the rifling engages the bullet for improved BC. Although their brand name for the new rifling could use work. It's called Claw rifling with a bear paw for trademark ^⁠_⁠^

[@combatcurtful]

I missed the live show, but I'm here now, Ron!

[@bobkat1663]

Velocity Kills, Great Show.

[@220swift7]

I was excited when I saw this video. I thought maybe I won a hunt of a lifetime with ol Ron himself! Man, talk about disappointment!!!

[@steverutherford4943]

I am up in northern Canada and my best friend had a 220 Swift. He was a trapper but he took a bull moose at 150 yards with his Ruger number 1 and it was one shot.

[@skiphinson8620]

Never owned a .220 Swift but I do respect its “king” of velocity status. I have owned a .223 but I’m still loving my ol 1965 vintage .222 Remington rifle the best. I’m gettin old too. I like my old guns and old calibers.

[@jeremystyron9721]

The 220 swift is an awesome Cartridge I've had one myself since 1976 to date and I'll tell you what the best bullet I've ever shot in the 220 still shoot that same bullet today is a 60 grain solid copper Hollow point I've hunted all sorts of animals with That' 60 grain solid copper hollow point Not only does it have extreme devastation but it also has excellent penetration On whitetail mule deer red deer 220 swift I really enjoy the rifle Me and my dad over the years have taken many different animals with the 220 swift Nothing bigger than a red deer bull I know this reloading with a 60 grain solid Solid copper hollow points We were getting same whole groups at 100yds where you put them cross hairs that bullet would follow My dad used to say shoot the tick off the hogs back at 200 yd Really enjoy your content Been watching and reading your columns for a really long time Keep up the good work

[@eduffy4937]

Ive shot quite a few medium and big game animals with my swift. Although i did rebarrel it with a faster twist tube and shoot heavier bullets with it. But i took several with it with zero issues. Just pay attention to range and shot placement.

[@oldcrackadated]

I think it’s time for people to start using the 220 Swift , now that barrels can handle the speed I have wanted one since I was a teenager

[@kevinwilliams8784]

I use a .220 AI,next is a .220 Wilson Arrow

[@ArcherBowman]

I had a Rem 700 ADL from the 80s, and turned it into a 220 swift. Had Douglas build a 1" x 26" molly barrel for it. It's a sweet shooter. I also hunt coyotes with my 22 hornet.

[@lmj2783]

Hello from UK.Great video. Very interesting. Iv never shot a 220 swift before . I have a lovely single shot Cooper Arms in Ackley improved 22250 . It pushes a Nosler 50gn ballistic tip at 4150fps

[@JoeZelensky]

One of my most favorite cartridges although I've never shot one. I would like to one day have one.

[@googleuser3760]

Excellent video 👍👍

[@johnbennett7244]

Interesting video. Keep up the good work. I miss seeing Covey. What a beautiful dog.

[@mikemccleery7253]

Best prairie dog round I ever used in roger m77 only down side was chambering that round with that semi rimmed case.

[@brianlee6849]

I believe it did perform well because the 22 Creedmoor is doing very well with hunters in TX and other states that 22 is legal. I think with the modern heavy 22 bullets and a fast twist barrel would be great in a 220 swift 22/250 and 22 Creedmoor. Thank you 👍

[@raven1591]

Man I’m sure glad to see you say things about the 220 swift that aren’t negative. Have never understood why people knock it for being a barrel burner well bragging about other calibers that are just fast with the same weight bullets

[@johncrosser8783]

220 Swift is my #1 Caliber & Cartridge of Varmints. Growing Up in South Dakota, 220 Swift is KING on Killing Coyotes!

[@JT-py9lv]

I've own a Swift in a Ruger M77R. Did everything it was ever asked to do. Was my primary coyote rifle back in late 1970's and early 80's. Took hundreds of the song dogs from SW Wyoming, Northern UT, and SE Idaho. The only complaint I have is that it is a P.I.A to reload. Too much case run out. I hate trimming brass. I have moved on to a .22-250 due to very little case trimming. I have also put a 1:8 twist barrel on the .22-250. The cartridge has a straight case and a 31° shoulder similar to an Ackley. What a game changer. I shoot it with Speer 75gr Gold Dots. Very very accurate. It will shoot Sub MOA all day long at 3250 fps. I've taken multiple AZ Cous deer with it. DEADLY ! They're one shot dead right there. Not even a wiggle. Next is a WY speed goat (prong horn). Wish me luck.

[@geekers3005]

I’ve got 2 Ruger M77 in 220 Swift, both heavy and alight barreled version. Circa 1990. Both are tack drivers.

[@Imragnar1]

Love the swift

[@bitore62]

I own a pre 64 mod 70 with a stainless steel barrel. I got it from the gentleman that bought it new in 1964. My favorite load is a 58 grain hornady match. Pushing it to 3900. It vaporizes woodchucks , and fox. As for coyotes if you hit a bone on the way in, there is no visible pelt left. I have taken white tail with it and devastating internal damage . Love my swift.

[@redfinfisho]

coolest cartridge out there

[@justahologram2230]

The theory I had heard about the success rates with the .220 swift speculated that the pressure spike caused by the fast bullets dumping energy quickly caused a stroke or something along those lines

[@MichaelJones-tu9gi]

Awesome review my friend.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

My father inlaws dad used the 218 bee here in the Appalachians of SW VA for game , squirrels to deer.

[@KathrynLiz1]

I always felt that what stymied the Swift back in the day was powder availability and bullet design. With some of the wonderful slow powders we have now a Swift should push 65-70gr solid bullets like the Barnes "X" and similar would kill just about anything. With modern powders, bullets and barrel steels (and twists in the 1 in 9 or 8") it could get popular again. I have no idea what velocities a 70+gr bullet could go from that case, but I'd guess about 3500fps... more than enough, and with bullets that didn't shatter on impact it would be bad medicine on anything. If I had a spare action I'd get a 1 in 8" barrel and build a rifle for it.... 🙂 Most of the modern "wonder rounds" are nothing of the kind..... Why shoot a6.5 Creedmoor when the 6.5 Swede will out perform it... and even a .243 Winchester will more than give it a run for its money. The plethora of rounds that have appeared over the last 30 years are just 're-inventing the wheel' really. People forget that those old rounds didn't have the powders and bullets we have today. I had a 7 x 57 Brno ZKK600 back in the 80s and it would punch out 130gr Hornadys at just a few fps under 3000 (about 2970 if memory serves... and wit NO pressure problems... cases were going 25 reloads and still ok)....... not significantly far behind the 7mm Remington in fact. That is WAY above the "factory" loadings from the 1940s. Even the venerable old .303 British, with modern powders (especially BL-C2) will hit close to 2800fps with 150gr bullets.... near as dammit identical to a .308, and still at Lee-Enfield safe pressures (47,000).... I think a lot of the keen young fellows these days (yeah I am 80 now!) are busy inventing new stuff that has already been done instead of looking back at what's already there and working on it.

[@anthonykaiser974]

6.5SE v CM in NA with modern Mauser 98 or equal strength rifles is an availability issue favoring the CM (which also has the advantage of being a short action) unless you reload (or get hotter Euro loads), then the Swede hands down, especially if you Ackleyize it.

[@johnwilburn8319]

You,my dear have made the most logical reply I've ever read on the internet.I can tell you talk from experience, not from what someone else has said.I could sit and listen to your logic for hours.Thank you!

[@DRHODES1979]

Thanks for the info Ron! A comparison with the 22 Creed would be interesting.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes it would, but the Creed comes in about 50 fps slower. Still, ease of reloading with less case trimming might make it a good choice.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

Well you could run those in an AR-10 size rifle , would just need a barrel that would work with the bolt to contain it . I have been reading up on all the shell's that would work in them and that's a new one I will have look at , it also uses a large rifle primer

[@BobcatSchneidermann]

Hi Ron, very informative video as always - but you neglected to mention the European 5.6x57! That would make for an easy comparison

[@mjoelnir1899]

If you want to up one of the 220 Swift, you should try a 5,6X57. Heavier bullets with a similar speed.

[@garybruning9941]

I have never shot a 220 but I often thought about it. I have two Winchesters in the model 70 in a .243 and .270. One thing that has always intriged me is leading large game with different caliber rifles and cartridge grains. I have shot game on the move but too much thought in how far to lead it. Always figured the faster the better especially when hunting something like antelope. For Elk I use my .270 but otherwise I use my .243. Maybe Ron has a video on leading large game some place ?

[@peterzachariasmartens2756]

I enjoy your videos good information

[@rocksandoil2241]

I love mine.

[@guycarlton53]

My 220 swift is a ruger m77 with a heavy barrel. I get 4k out of the 50 gr vmax. I have shot alot of hogs with it, and running hogs. I have never had to shoot one twice. It's amazing. And it groups 1/2 min or less.

[@craigschaefer8764]

I have a Swift, and I love it, love it, love it. It’s the only cartridge I own that can step with my .22-250s. I just can’t bring myself to use it for big game.

[@oldprophet]

Powder rifling synchronizing:):)

[@Jeff_Seely]

Thanks Ron for your coverage on a really great round. I definitely like my overbore guns. The 223WSSM, 26Nosler, and the 270 Weatherby Mag. But I can't bring myself to shoulder a . 224" bullet to big game. I believe all the conditions have to be just so to have likelihood of the ethical dispatch. I'm not going to shake my finger at my fellow sportsman. It is just something I feel like I need some further convincing. All of that may change someday. I'm thankful to you and God bless!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You are bot alone in your caution, but those claims by high volume shooters/hunters like Womack, Ackley, Glaser and even Karamojo Bell, who loved the 220 Swift for red stag. Those guys had their choices of cartridges and shot heaps of game, yet preferred the 220 Swift. Must have been a darn good reason.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Yessir and the writing of these men and the others that you listed are men that I have admired for a lifetime. You helped me think these things through. These are men of great skill and maybe I need to take a second look at their choices. Thank you for your response!

[@danr7477]

Not shaking a finger either. You are a just man with well held self integrity. Your feelings are yours and yours alone. There has always been much bikering of what's the best. You know there is the saying, beware of the man that shoots one gun. To me it just comes down to stuff. Whatever stuff you like "Perfect" it. All of your caliber choices are great outstanding performers. You can't go wrong in my eyes. Perfect them. Yes I am a swift lover. But oh well. Hope your adventures are great and many . "Shoot Straight,Kill Clean,and Apologize to None"........

[@Jeff_Seely]

Likewise Dan! Perfect it is the key to everything that you set out for.

[@thebosscatman7]

I've had my 220 for a long time it's a model 70 with a HS percison stock Jewell trigger fluted stainless barrel blue receiver and topped with a Leopold 8.5x25 and I have done 1000 yard shots with it target not game I have other popular varmint calibers but the 220 is my favorite my go to load is 55gr bullet and 37grs of 4064

[@mul2004]

HEY RON I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING A 220 SWIFT FOR 40 YRS. I HAVE A RUGER BULL BARREL M77 WITH 32,000 RDS THRU IT. 22 RDS SHOT ,STOP AND CLEAN AND COOL DOWN. I AVERAGE 3500 ROUNDS EACH SUMMER SHOOTING PRAIRIE DOGS. ABOUT 20 COYOTES EACH YEAR. THE RIFLE IS STILL VERY ACCURATE AND A FAVORITE OF MINE. COME TO WYOMING THROW SOME HOT LEAD WITH ME. DALE LEATHAM, CASPER WYO