.220 Swift Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.220 Swift: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Small Rifle |
| Used For | Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1935 |
.220 Swift: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Extremely high velocity, reaching over 4,000 fps
- ✔ Excellent long-range accuracy
- ✔ Flat trajectory for easier aiming at distance
- ✔ Devastating on small varmints
- ✔ Low recoil compared to larger calibers
Cons
- ✘ Excessive for some small game, can damage pelts
- ✘ Barrel wear is accelerated due to high velocities
- ✘ Not suitable for medium or large game hunting
- ✘ Ammunition can be more expensive and less available
- ✘ Wind drift can be significant at extreme ranges
.220 Swift: The High-Velocity Varmint Round
The .220 Swift is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Winchester in 1935. It is known for its exceptionally high velocity, making it a popular choice for varmint hunting and long-range target shooting. The .220 Swift held the record for the fastest commercial cartridge for over 70 years, with a muzzle velocity of over 4,000 feet per second with a 48-grain bullet.
History and Development
The .220 Swift was introduced by Winchester in 1935 as a new high-velocity cartridge for their Model 54 bolt-action rifle. It was developed from the .250-3000 Savage case, necked down to .224 caliber. The primary goal was to create a cartridge capable of achieving velocities over 4,000 feet per second, which was unprecedented at the time.
Upon its release, the .220 Swift immediately gained attention for its extraordinary speed and flat trajectory. It quickly became popular among varmint hunters and long-range shooters who appreciated its ability to deliver high-velocity impacts on small targets at extended ranges.
Despite its impressive ballistic performance, the .220 Swift faced some challenges. The high velocities it achieved led to concerns about barrel wear, especially in the early days when barrel steel and manufacturing techniques were less advanced. However, improvements in metallurgy and barrel-making processes have largely mitigated these issues in modern rifles.
Over the years, the .220 Swift has maintained a dedicated following, particularly among varmint hunters and long-range target shooters. Its exceptional speed and flat trajectory continue to make it a formidable cartridge for those who prioritize velocity and long-range accuracy.
Ballistic Performance
The .220 Swift's claim to fame is its velocity. With factory loads, it can push a 40-grain bullet to velocities exceeding 4,200 feet per second. This high velocity translates to an extremely flat trajectory, making it easier for shooters to hit small targets at long ranges without significant bullet drop compensation.
The cartridge's high velocity also results in explosive impacts on varmints, making it highly effective for pest control. However, this same characteristic makes it less suitable for larger game, as the bullets tend to fragment quickly upon impact, limiting penetration.
While the .220 Swift excels in velocity, it does produce more recoil than some other varmint cartridges. This, combined with the potential for increased barrel wear, has led some shooters to opt for more moderate cartridges like the .223 Remington or .22-250 Remington for similar applications.
Timeline of .220 Swift Development:
.220 Swift Performance Characteristics
The .220 Swift is known for its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 4,000-4,300 fps (40-50 grain bullets) Varies based on bullet weight and load |
| Trajectory | Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges Minimal bullet drop out to 300 yards |
| Energy | 1,400-1,600 ft-lbs at the muzzle (40-50 grain bullets) High energy transfer on small targets |
| Recoil | Moderate Higher than some other varmint cartridges due to high velocity |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for long-range varmint hunting and target shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .220 Swift loads.
.220 Swift: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .220 Swift ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Varmint Hunting | 0-500 | Exceptional for long-range varmint control |
| Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Excellent for long-range target shooting and competitions |
| Predator Hunting | 0-400 | Effective for coyotes and similar-sized predators |
| Benchrest Competition | 0-600 | Popular for benchrest shooting due to its accuracy |
| Small Game Hunting | 0-300 | Suitable for small game, but may cause excessive damage at close range |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .220 Swift is known for its extremely high velocity and flat trajectory, making it particularly effective at long ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .220 Swift
The .220 Swift's high velocity and flat trajectory make it suitable for specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons: .220 Swift
The .220 Swift is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. To understand its place in the rifle world, let's compare it to similar cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .220 Swift with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .220 Swift with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .220 Swift with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .220 Swift with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .220 Swift
The .220 Swift is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. This table compares the sectional density of common bullet weights used in .220 Swift loads.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .220 Swift | 40 | 0.142 |
| .220 Swift | 50 | 0.178 |
| .220 Swift | 55 | 0.196 |
| .220 Swift | 60 | 0.214 |
| .220 Swift | 75 | 0.267 |
Note: The .220 Swift has a bullet diameter of 0.224 inches. Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The .220 Swift's high velocity combined with these sectional densities contributes to its excellent long-range performance and effectiveness on varmints and small game.