Lighter than varmint weight 220 swift barrel?

[evans1010]

I have an older 112BVSS-S in 220 swift, I absolutely love the gun and it shoots great but I am wanting something a little lighter now for chasing yotes. I am on a budget right now(two house payments) and thought why couldn't I just get a lighter barrel in the same caliber so I can continue to use the several hundred rounds of ammo I have.

I have always wanted to go the fast twist route just because nobody else has one. So if a guy were looking for a Magnum contour 26" stainless barrel in Swift with a 1 in 7-8" twist where would he go? All of the easy to find drop-ins are varmint weight. I see Shaw would do one and I am sure Shilen would as well but that will involve quite a wait.

Any advice here?

Thanks
Nick

[trappst]

The pic to the left is my 220 Swift. Barrel is a McGowen in a #4 Shilen contour at 26"

With the capacity of the Swift, I'd shy away from a 7 twist unless you really wanna shoot 90's. If you try anything lighter, you may get blow ups.

Here's a better view:

[img width=600 height=450]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/trappst/220Swift003.jpg[/img]

[sinman]

an 8 or 9 twist would be what you would probably want in a #4 or magnum contour

[evans1010]

I know there is no real way to tell but a 9" should let me shoot 75 grainers then? That is really what I am shooting for. After looking I am thinking that Mcgowan might get the nod here.

Thanks
Nick

[trappst]

Yep, a 9 twist will shoot the 75's just fine

[evans1010]

Thanks and very nice looking rifle. What does it weigh, and does the lighter barrel heat up noticeably faster?

[trappst]

Not real sure on the exact weight but it's pretty heavy. I bedded a piece of bar stock in the forearm to stiffen the factory tupperware. Without that, it would be lighter than a varmint contour barreled rifle. If you want to do a slightly shorter barrel, I highly recommend the Shilen #3 contour.

I don't shoot this one much but it didn't seem to heat up any faster than a varmint contour. I've only got about 30 rounds of some old factory Hornady 60g HP's through it though.

It will freakin' shoot though.....even with the factory ammo! Here's three at 100 yards. Just getting sighted in with the 60g'ers for some coyote huntin'. That's one of those small blue earplugs for reference.

[img width=600 height=450]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/trappst/220swift60.jpg[/img]

[Hammer]

.

Years ago Handloader magazine writer Ken Waters had a Ruger 77 sporter in 220 Swift made.

He thought it was a great walking varminter.

.