The 220 Swift ~ Winchester's Grand Old Velocity King!

Published on February 2, 2019
Duration: 21:18

This video provides an in-depth look at the Winchester 220 Swift cartridge, tracing its development from early 20th-century cartridge innovation to its introduction by Winchester in 1935. It highlights the cartridge's extreme velocity, historical context alongside cartridges like the 22 High Power and 250 Savage, and its eventual decline due to barrel erosion issues, later addressed with stainless steel barrels. The presenter also showcases a Ruger No. 1 rifle chambered in 220 Swift, discussing its features and the cartridge's performance characteristics.

Quick Summary

The 220 Swift is a high-velocity rifle cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1935, renowned for its extreme speeds often exceeding 4000 ft/s. While historically prone to barrel erosion due to its power, later stainless steel barrels and careful handloading can preserve its accuracy and extend barrel life.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to 22 Centerfire Giants
  2. 00:17The 220 Swift Cartridge
  3. 01:01Early Cartridge Development Context
  4. 02:26Arthur Savage and Charles Newton
  5. 03:03Charles Newton's Cartridge Designs
  6. 03:40The 22 High Power
  7. 04:04The 250 Savage (3000 FPS)
  8. 05:24The Third Cartridge & 22-250 Origin
  9. 06:07Jerry Gebby and the 22-250
  10. 08:00Gebby Introduces 22-250 to Winchester
  11. 09:35Winchester's Independent Development
  12. 10:27Winchester Develops the 220 Swift
  13. 10:54220 Swift vs. 22-250 Case Dimensions
  14. 11:14220 Swift's High Velocity Claims
  15. 11:42Decline in 220 Swift Popularity
  16. 12:36Winchester Model 54 and Model 70
  17. 13:14Reputation and Stainless Steel Barrels
  18. 13:22Remington's 222 and Market Impact
  19. 14:07220 Swift's Loudness and Decline
  20. 14:26Winchester Discontinues 220 Swift
  21. 15:08220 Swift's Accuracy and Performance
  22. 15:50220 Swift with 55 Grain Bullets
  23. 16:28Addressing 220 Swift's Reputation
  24. 16:37220 Swift Introduction Date
  25. 17:39Popular Modern Loads for 220 Swift
  26. 18:21The Rifle: Ruger No. 1
  27. 19:15Ruger No. 1 Features
  28. 19:41Ruger No. 1 Scope and Weight
  29. 20:33Ruger No. 1 Aesthetics and Use
  30. 20:49Ruger No. 1 Manufacturing Date
  31. 21:01Ruger No. 1 Trigger and Action
  32. 21:11Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 220 Swift cartridge?

The 220 Swift is a high-velocity rifle cartridge developed by Winchester and introduced in 1935. It's known for achieving extreme speeds, often exceeding 4000 feet per second, making it a powerful choice for varmint hunting and long-range shooting.

Why did the 220 Swift's popularity decline?

The 220 Swift's popularity waned due to its tendency to cause rapid barrel erosion with its high-velocity loads. The introduction of less demanding cartridges like the Remington 222, along with the development of better barrel steels, also contributed to its decline.

What rifle is featured with the 220 Swift in the video?

The video features a Ruger No. 1 rifle chambered in 220 Swift. This rifle is a single-shot, falling block action firearm known for its strength, smooth operation, and classic design, with the specific model shown being from 1996.

How can barrel life be extended for the 220 Swift?

Barrel life for the 220 Swift can be extended by toning down handloads slightly, particularly by reducing velocities by around 100 feet per second. Avoiding constant high-velocity shooting and maintaining the rifle properly also helps mitigate barrel wear.

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