220 swift or 22-250 wssm

Which one is more preferable? I handload so ammo costs are not a concern. I’m more concerned about barrel burning. While on the topic what about a 22-250 ackley improved?

My choice would be the 22-250 AI ... that steeper shoulder angle helps a good bit as far as erosion goes.

For strictly varmints the 204 ruger is a cool little round. I also like the 220 swift. The calibers you suggested are probably gonna be barrel burners. You might could mitigate that with powder/load changes but if you push em full power which is the point, they will have a reduced barrel life. Lots of powder in a small bore is the recipe for that.

I'd probably go with the Ackley, if you have that choice. Just to be cool.

The Swift would be tempting too. I settled for the good old .22-250 and a .25-06.

If the WSSM is what I think it is (short, fat case), you could experience feeding problems, particularly in cold weather.

Jim

I always wonder why speed is such a sought after trait in a varmint round. I found that loading a heavier, less frangible bullet at a lower velocity was more accurate and easier on the barrel and fur. I have taken a fair # of yotes with 22-250 rem using 60 gr soft points at 3400-3450 muzzle velocity. A bunch at 150-250 yards and one standing on the half mile line.

love my 220 swift
and no it's not a barrel burner, keep it clean and keep it cool will out last the shooter.

Give me a holler if you go with the Swift. I know a guy.

Osky

I just bought a rock river 204. I have not had a chance to use it yet. Hopefully it’s a good varmint round.

I have all manner of varmints shooters, and I just use my 204 any more, I don't need more than this and it's great for low recoil to keep on scope sight !!

Stick with a regular old 22-250.

A good friend built one. Its a laser, he loves it. I've watched him make some awesome shots on coyotes. The AI gets my vote

I don't think there is any better rifle for varmint hunting then a 204.

Keith

I'll be a kill joy my suggestion is to join the local gun range then post a notice that you want to try these caliber of rifles if someone wouldn't mind meeting you there then offer them a few dollars for the ammo you shoot.
I've always been a fan of the .6mm and the .25-06 but we've got some nasty wind conditions at times out here.

Ya crank it up an you’ll have that. I’ve heard the 243 catbird is horrible for it.



I’m not after speed just distance. But your on my same way of thinking. A heavy bullet with a fast twist. Looking to be consistent at 400yds. Hence a heavy bullet to avoid drifting. I’ve taken a deer with 22 cal at half a mile an I’ll be the first to admit I never should have taken the shot. Much younger an had buck fever. It’ Hanging on the wall unfortunately not mine.

Ive got a swift, and a 22-250. Love them both. Work great way out there on yotes. But I have really wanted a wssm for some time now. Just trying to find a good one for a good price. Either way, you cant go wrong with any of those you are looking at.

That’s the other issue is price. Got the 220 still pondering on the other 2. The ackley was custom built. Barrel on it is long bull with a 7:1 twist made by a barrel maker in montana. Maybe someone knows him. Price is little more on that one

I'd stay away from anything wssm unless you already have a good stock of brass!

I'm not known to be a rifle guy so my question may be stupid lol. Why not go with a .243? Seems like you have a wide range of loads from smaller critters to bigger game and the ammo is cheaper and available everywhere. Just a thought I had and hoping the rifle guys chime in.

I already have one. I also have 3 22 calibers a hornet at 223 and 22 250 Remington. Because I handload ammo cost isn’t a factor. I’m not even sure ya can buy 22-250ai ammunition at least I haven’t seen it. Either way I can load the 220 for bout 20% it cost to buy them or about the same as ya buy 223 for.

Not meaning to be arguementative but what does it cost for a box of 243’s in your area? Ammo is high where I live.

Holy mackerel, but that's about the most naive thing I've seen someone say for a while!

If you buy an all-round rifle, ONE rifle to do it all, then what excuse do you give the wife when you want to collect more rifles?

Jim