Varmint Rifle

[ar15barrels]

^^^I CONCUR^^^

I had the same choice to make in 1973/74. Went with the 22-250 and never regretted the choice. My 1 in 12" barrel actually shoots best with Sierra 62 gr spitzers. Averages 3/4 MOA off bench/bags. With best ever 5 shot group of 1 1/8" at 200 yds. Which I consider excellent accuracy from a sporter weight factory barrel.

My 1:14 twist Ruger 77mkI 22-250 shoots 3/8" 5 shot groups with 40gr vmax over 40gr H380.
I have not shot any leadfree through it yet to see how it will shoot but I'll hopefully still be able to shoot 40gr bullets.

[M1NM]

I just added a 22-250 Ruger #1 to the collection. After purchase research told me it was a better pick than the Swift. Bought brass off the shelf at Bass Pro.

[JackEllis]

The consensus out of this discussion is to pass on the Swift, and it's interesting because the owner (now deceased), was looking to offload the .22-250. At one time or another he used both to shoot squirrels...at 800+ yards.

[CartridgeCalls]

Vote for . 22-250

[RNE228]

The 220 Swift has a reputation for throat erosion.

A quick search shows variables like bullet weight, velocity, cooling between shots etc can highly affect the wear.

A couple articles also point out metallurgy for barrel and bullets was not as good when the 220 was introduced. Nor were the powders.

The 220 swift is even faster and I would think would burn out a barrel faster.

[DueceMcGurk]

This is my goto article on the .22-250. Bullet weight and twist are key considerations on a .22-250 rifle choice.

https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/22-250/

Randall and Frank are spot on (as usual).

[MongooseV8]

As for the original owner preferring the 220 Swift I get it. Varmint hunters often choose obscure performance cartridges and are willing to sacrifice barrel life.

My main rifle is a long barrel 243AI...