.220 Swift Load Data

The .220 Swift is a classic centerfire rifle cartridge that has held a legendary place in the history of varmint and predator hunting. Introduced by Winchester in 1935, the .220 Swift was initially chambered in the Winchester Model 54 bolt-action rifle. It quickly gained a reputation for being the fastest commercial cartridge of its era, with its high-velocity performance generating considerable attention among shooters and hunters. Designed principally as a varmint round, the .220 Swift embodies the ingenuity of pre-World War II American firearms development and remains a respected, if somewhat specialized, option in the reloaders’ community today.

Over the decades, the .220 Swift has become synonymous with extreme speed and flat trajectories, making it an exceptional cartridge for specific shooting applications. Its primary use is in varmint and predator control, where its rapid velocity and long-range accuracy allow precision targeting of coyotes, groundhogs, prairie dogs, and other small- to medium-sized pests. The cartridge’s reputation for delivering explosive impact and rapid expansion further underscores its suitability for these roles. For reloaders looking to build rounds for high-volume shooting at distance, the .220 Swift’s ability to maintain accuracy and hitting power makes it a compelling choice, especially for shooters with a keen interest in ballistic performance.

Target species for the .220 Swift are primarily centered on varmints and predators. Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, marmots (woodchucks), and prairie dogs are among the most typical animals hunted with this cartridge. The high velocity of the .220 Swift ensures immediate, humane dispatch of small- and medium-sized game, even at extended ranges exceeding 400 yards. While some shooters have used it on larger game, mainstream opinion and ethical considerations dictate that its light bullets and high speeds are best suited for varmints and predators rather than big game. Reloaders preparing .220 Swift loads tend to focus on bullet selection that offers explosive on-target performance and rapid expansion, enhancing the effectiveness and minimizing the chances for wounding and escape.

The .220 Swift is best known for its use of light, aerodynamic bullets. Typical bullet weights range from 40 to 55 grains, though specialized loads can push limits slightly above or below this range. Heavier bullets are rarely used, as the .220 Swift’s advantage comes from supersonic velocities—often well above 4,000 feet per second with a 40-grain bullet. The cartridge uses a bottleneck case design and is generally paired with fast-burning powders to maximize speed, creating a result that is both remarkably flat-shooting and accurate. For reloaders, brass life is a key consideration, as the .220 Swift’s higher pressures and velocities can lead to shorter case life compared to milder cartridges. Attention to seating depth, case neck tension, and bullet construction is particularly important when developing handloads, ensuring the exceptional velocity of the Swift is complemented by consistent accuracy and reliability. This blend of performance qualities continues to make the .220 Swift a favorite among expert reloaders who demand extreme velocity and precision for their varmint and predator pursuits.