22-250 AI verses 220 Swift

[panhandle]

I'm getting that urge to get started on a winter rifle project and have been thinking about a 22-250 AI because I don't have one or a 220 Swift, also because I don't have one. I'm not really interested in the WSSM's. What's your opinion on which is the best and also any downside if they have any?

Panhandlepr

[safetysheriff]

the swift is already hard enough on barrels, no?   the .22-250 is somewhat better; and is an easy cartridge to load for -- in that it is not finicky.   do a search of the web typing in .22-250 Remington and i think you'll see that it's a bellringer.   why try to 'improve' it.

if i was going to improve a .224 diameter 'shooter' i'd go from .223 Rem' to .222 Rem' Mag' improved.    you'll may pick up an advantage with a longer neck and a healthier dose of powder without burning out the barrel.   i'd ask  a couple of reamer mfr's what they've got and what advantages you'll see. 

but that's just my opinion.

by the way:  the .223 Rem' with 55 or 60 gr' Hornady spire points is already a 250 lb - buck slayer at distances to over 150 yards.   i've seen it done!   the .222 Rem' Mag' Improved would be more so.   

take care,

ss' 

[roper]

If your loading max loads in either caliber barrel life is about the same.   I use to shoot a 220 Swift but had a 22-250AI build so the Swift was retired.   I like the Ackley rounds and I normally see around 100/200fps gain in velocity and 100yds more in range in the varmit rifles appr.  You can blow the BR case out and do a 22 Dasher also the 22 Br is pretty close (100fps) of a 22-250 using appr 5/8gr of powder less it a good case, I also shoot it.
One of the problem doing a AI on the 223 etc is case capacity,  you will get better barrel life that a 22-250AI but your not getting the velocity either and with the 22-250AI your using appr 10gr more of powder for appr 350/450fps gain in velocity. I also shoot a 223AI and 222AI.  Kind of hard to give velocity that I get one of my 22-250AI has a 1/14 twist barrel other one has a 1/12 and 24".  Well good luck.

[Hairtrigger]

I have both calibers but the 22-250ai has a 1 in 9 twist.
I would go with the 220 Swift OR a non 22-250ai.
Simply because I have split many cases on my ai even though I anealed the necks (my first time anealing so there could be operator error)

[beemanbeme]

except for the appeal of having something different, I can't see getting a 22-250ai over a standard 22-250.  Its a stepper in its own right.  I've never had one but I daresay that the same is true of the Swift.  That 100fps that you MAY get is of little consequences in the real world. 
It kinda boils down (IMO) to if you like shop time, case forming, annealing and such, go with the AI; if you like range time, shooting, killing varmints and paper, go with the standard. 

[Jim n Iowa]

Is there a rifle maker that makes a 22-250 in a faster twist than 1:14? I am looking for one to handle the 60  + gr bullets, without a barrel change.
Jim

[Hairtrigger]

My 22-250ai expierence is with the Competitor handgun.
There seems to be quite a following with the 22 centerfire with heavier bullets. I think you should be able to find several different aftermarker barrel makers.