.220 Swift

Introduced by Winchester in 1935, the .220 Swift is a historic and groundbreaking centerfire rifle cartridge. As the world’s first factory cartridge to surpass the 4,000 feet-per-second (fps) mark, the .220 Swift quickly gained a reputation for high velocity and flat trajectory. Initially chambered in the Winchester Model 54 and quickly adopted in the Model 70, its revolutionary speed captured the attention of shooters and handloaders alike. Early on, it was heralded for its impressive performance, but controversy surrounded claims that its tremendous velocity caused accelerated barrel wear. Despite mixed reports, advancements in metallurgy and barrel technology have helped mitigate these concerns, solidifying the .220 Swift’s place among classic varmint and small-game cartridges.

For reloaders, the .220 Swift offers a rewarding challenge and versatile range of applications, especially in the varmint and small predator hunting arena. Its exceptional velocity and laser-flat trajectory make it a prized option for long-range shots, where bullet drop is minimal and wind drift is less pronounced compared to slower cartridges. Handloaders enjoy fine-tuning loads for maximum accuracy, optimizing bullet weights and powder charges to suit their particular rifles and field conditions. In addition, the cartridge's large shoulder and relatively generous case capacity allow ample room for experimenting with a variety of powders, giving reloaders more options when tailoring performance to specific needs or preferences.

When it comes to target species, the .220 Swift’s intended quarry has traditionally been varmints and predators such as groundhogs (woodchucks), prairie dogs, foxes, and coyotes. Its high speed ensures explosive expansion of varmint bullets, translating to quick and humane kills on small to medium-sized pests. While some have used the .220 Swift on slightly larger game, such as deer, this is generally discouraged due to the relatively light bullet weights and the cartridge’s tendency to cause extensive tissue damage without sufficient penetration. For the reloader targeting pests and predators, the .220 Swift stands out for its reliable knockdown power at long distances, making it ideal for controlling destructive animal populations on farms and rural properties.

Bullet selection for the .220 Swift typically ranges from 40 to 55 grains, though some specialized varmint and match bullets can be found both lighter and heavier. The most common and effective bullet weights are 50 and 55 grains, offering a perfect balance between speed, accuracy, and terminal performance. Muzzle velocities can easily top 4,000 fps with 40-grain bullets and remain above 3,700 fps with the 55-grain offerings, depending on the load and barrel length. The cartridge features a bottlenecked case and small rifle primer, further contributing to reliable ignition and consistent performance. Reloaders should use strong brass and maintain careful attention to case neck thickness, as the high velocities can accelerate brass wear.

For those interested in high-volume shooting, particularly in hot summer months over long strings of fire, it is important to be mindful of the .220 Swift’s propensity for heating barrels quickly. Proper cleaning regimens and the use of modern stainless or chrome-moly barrels can help extend barrel life, and reloading with mild powder charges or heavier bullets can somewhat mitigate throat erosion. Overall, the .220 Swift remains a classic high-velocity cartridge that continues to intrigue and satisfy knowledgeable reloaders who seek the ultimate in flat-shooting, long-range varmint performance.