Best powder for 220 Swift? - The Firearms Forum

brkncly · 06-13-2009, 02:33 PM

What is the best powder for 220 Swift? Just curious what you 220 reloaders are using for your 220 Swift? Don't what to buy a bunch of different kind of powders, just trying to narrow which ones to work with. I'll be using a 50grain bullet if that helps. Thanks!

GBertolet · 06-13-2009, 05:44 PM

I have a Ruger 77 swift, late 1970's vintage. I've used IMR 4064 and WW760 with good results. I think Varget might be a good choice also. They say it's the same as, or very close to 4064. I may try to work something up with that when I get a chance. I have been using the 50 to 53 gr bullets, and I may try going lighter. And I load the swift hot! I want the explosive impact that high velocity gives on woodchucks. I didn't buy it to download. The swift has had a reputation of being hard on barrels, throat erosion in particular. I think the newer steels are better than the older stuff that was around then this tale was prominent. If you burn a lot of powder and have a lot of fun, all things considered, a new barrel is not that expensive. Still the more powder burned the more heat is generated, the more erosion. This is true with any gun.

GMFWoodchuck · 06-15-2009, 08:22 AM

Even if you need a new barrel, that's like buying a whole new gun.

06-13-2009, 02:33 PM	#1
brkncly Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 9	Best powder for 220 Swift? What is the best powder for 220 Swift? Just curious what you 220 reloaders are using for your 220 Swift? Don't what to buy a bunch of different kind of powders, just trying to narrow which ones to work with. I'll be using a 50grain bullet if that helps. Thanks! -->

06-13-2009, 05:44 PM	#2
GBertolet Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 48	Re: Best powder for 220 Swift? I have a Ruger 77 swift, late 1970's vintage. I've used IMR 4064 and WW760 with good results. I think Varget might be a good choice also. They say it's the same as, or very close to 4064. I may try to work something up with that when I get a chance. I have been using the 50 to 53 gr bullets, and I may try going lighter. And I load the swift hot! I want the explosive impact that high velocity gives on woodchucks. I didn't buy it to download. The swift has had a reputation of being hard on barrels, throat erosion in particular. I think the newer steels are better than the older stuff that was around then this tale was prominent. If you burn a lot of powder and have a lot of fun, all things considered, a new barrel is not that expensive. Still the more powder burned the more heat is generated, the more erosion. This is true with any gun.

06-15-2009, 08:22 AM	#3
GMFWoodchuck Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,369	Re: Best powder for 220 Swift? Even if you need a new barrel, that's like buying a whole new gun.