220 Swift Vs .223

[John Lewis 11]

With me about to put in for my variation im torn between the two.

 

I will withold my views and opinions and let the discussion commence.

[DeerhoundLurcherMan 997]

You forgot to mention what you will be using it for...Apart from shooting sh*t..

[John Lewis 11]

You forgot to mention what you will be using it for...Apart from shooting sh*t..

 

Fox control.

[rob reynolds uk 3]

If i had the choice id have the 220 swift ..got more legs on it

[SportingShooter 0]

This would be a toss up between performance and availability of ammunition for me along with the ranges I would be shooting at.

 

If your maximum shot is around 300 yards then there's little point in owning a .220 Swift which is more expensive to run than a .223 when they both will do the job just fine, only the .223 will cost you less.

 

If you're talking potentially frequent 300-450 yard shots where flat shooting is required with some added punch then I would have the .220 Swift and reload for it to keep the costs of the ammunition down. The Swift isn't that popular so the variety of ammunition will be smaller in most gun shops along with it's inflated cost. Hence the reloading.

 

They are both excellent Fox rounds and the beast will be just as dead but if you're thinking performance akin with a Swift, why not consider the .243? That with a 58gn round will have very similar performance with a larger availability of components.

 

JMHO

[charlie caller 3,654]

The swift all day long mate, but why not a .22-250 ammo is far more widely available, and if you reload it can be pushed even faster than the swift? But I must admit to having a soft spot for the .220, but of course a .243 with a 55, 58 , 60 grain bullet will shoot flatter and with more punch than all the .22 centerfires.

Edited June 4, 2014 by charlie caller

[andyf 144]

Were are you going to buy 220 ammo?

If you must have a Swift RELOAD, otherwise stick to a .223 or .243 or better still (my choice) 22.250.

That said the Swift and the 22.250 are not easy to find in any sort of ' variety' in factory ammo, whereas

the .223 and .243 are in every gunshop in the country in all sorts of bullet head sizes.

AndyF

[John Lewis 11]

So after much deliberation, seeking of opinions and reading up I went for the .220 swift. mainly because my shooting partner has the 223 and I wanted to be a little different and pick off the further out fox's.

 

I took my time and finally found a Ruger M77 MKII on guntrader at a bargain £200.

 

I made the trip from Kent to Thetford and gave it the once over. Only armed with some general instructions on how to make sure it was in good condition I made the decision to buy it safe in the thought that it was cheap. This was 8 weeks ago.

 

The next day I dropped it off to a trusty gunsmith I have used in the past. It required the barrel threading for a moderator along with a full strip down, clean and a trigger job. I also asked for the stock to be rubbed down and re finished as it had its fair share of marks.

 

The proof house took its time with it after the threading was done but whilst in there hands they checked the rifling and thankfully there was no signs of significant wear and no chips etc.

 

I ordered up a reflex T8 moderator finished with a neoprene sock for aesthetics.

 

Last up was the scope. Now this left me pulling my hair out. So much choice and so many different opinions. I eventually went with the masses and strapped on a S&B 8x56 using genuine ruger stainless mounts.

 

Typing this up has made me a little moist thinking how nice it all looks so I shall go and take a few pics

Edited November 6, 2014 by John Lewis

[hutchey 147]

Who's your gunsmith as i'm looking for a barrel shortening on one of mine? I'm Ashford way.

[John Lewis 11]

Paul Hallamby. He's brilliant in my opinion and very well priced.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Sounds good mate, you will enjoy shooting it are you going to reload?

[chocky14u 4]

Were are you going to buy 220 ammo?

If you must have a Swift RELOAD, otherwise stick to a .223 or .243 or better still (my choice) 22.250.

That said the Swift and the 22.250 are not easy to find in any sort of ' variety' in factory ammo, whereas

the .223 and .243 are in every gunshop in the country in all sorts of bullet head sizes.

AndyF

Try Gardners Guns, Nr Longtown Cumbria, they got plenty 220 Swift they cant shift.... U could probably make them an offer they have had it that long....

[Alsone 789]

Sounds good mate, you will enjoy shooting it are you going to reload?

 

Saw a very nice powder dispenser advertised in the supplement in Octobers BASC magazine - Bush Wear.

 

Was about £300 but automatically dispensed powder with an accuracy of 1 grain.

 

This was the one, Lymen Gen 5 Digital Dispensing System:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tzNrN21Zpo

 

 

(Added names of magazine, product and video)

Edited November 16, 2014 by Alsone

[hutchey 147]

Cheers, have you got contact info you could pm me please?

Cheers

 

Paul Hallamby. He's brilliant in my opinion and very well priced.

[John Lewis 11]

Cheers, have you got contact info you could pm me please?

Cheers

 

Paul Hallamby. He's brilliant in my opinion and very well priced.

 

His number is 07939511678 im sure he wont mind me sharing it on here. Hes a good bloke, reliable and good value.