Finding accurate .220 Swift load data is essential for harnessing the blistering speed and flat trajectory of the original commercial 4,000 fps cartridge.
This guide compiles verified .220 Swift reloading data to help you safely develop the perfect high-velocity round for your varmint or predator rifle.
Whether you are loading lightweight 40-grain projectiles or heavier 60-grain bullets, always cross-reference these published figures before heading to your reloading press.
.220 Swift Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady V-MAX | 40 gr | H380 | 38.0 gr | 41.5 gr (51,500 CUP) | 3,750 – 4,050 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip | 50 gr | Varget | 34.0 gr | 36.5 gr (50,400 CUP) | 3,500 – 3,720 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady SP | 55 gr | IMR 4064 | 33.0 gr | 36.0 gr (52,000 CUP) | 3,350 – 3,600 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Sierra BlitzKing | 50 gr | CFE 223 | 36.5 gr | 39.5 gr (61,500 PSI) | 3,600 – 3,850 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Nosler Partition | 60 gr | IMR 4350 | 36.5 gr | 39.0 gr (51,000 CUP) | 3,150 – 3,350 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
.220 Swift Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip | 40 gr | IMR 4064 | 35.0 gr | 37.5 gr | 3,700 – 3,950 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Nosler |
| Hornady V-MAX | 50 gr | H4895 | 32.5 gr | 35.5 gr (52,500 CUP) | 3,450 – 3,700 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Sierra BlitzKing | 55 gr | CFE 223 | 35.5 gr | 38.2 gr (62,000 PSI) | 3,450 – 3,680 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady V-MAX | 55 gr | H380 | 35.0 gr | 38.5 gr (53,000 CUP) | 3,350 – 3,600 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady SP | 60 gr | Varget | 31.0 gr | 34.0 gr (52,500 CUP) | 3,100 – 3,320 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
Understanding the .220 Swift Reloading Data
Reading .220 Swift reloading data requires an understanding of the cartridge’s unique semi-rimmed case design and high operating pressures. The tables above provide a secure baseline for load development using tested combinations of bullets and medium-burn-rate powders. Because the Swift has a sharply tapered case body that operates at immense pressures, the brass is prone to flowing forward during firing, meaning reloaders must frequently measure and trim their cases to safely chamber their handloads.
.220 Swift Bullet Weight Reloading Data
The .220 Swift is traditionally barrelled with a slow 1:14 twist rate, which restricts the cartridge to stabilizing bullets weighing 60 grains or less. The vast majority of published load data focuses on 40-grain, 50-grain, and 55-grain projectiles, which take full advantage of the cartridge’s powder capacity to reach devastating speeds. While heavier 60-grain flat-base bullets can often stabilize, modern long-profile, high-BC match bullets over 65 grains generally will not shoot accurately out of standard Swift barrels.
.220 Swift Powder Reloading Data
Powder selection for the .220 Swift relies heavily on medium-burn-rate rifle propellants that can maximize velocity without causing dangerous pressure spikes in the large case. IMR 4064 is historically considered the classic Swift powder, delivering legendary accuracy for decades. Today, modern powders like Varget, H380, CFE 223, and H4895 are highly popular, offering excellent temperature stability and precise metering capabilities.
.220 Swift Bullet and Powder Combinations
Pairing the right bullet with the appropriate powder is critical for achieving the .220 Swift’s famous 4,000 fps benchmark. Loading lightweight 40-grain projectiles with powders like H380 or CFE 223 is the most reliable way to push the cartridge to its absolute maximum velocity. When stepping up to heavier 55-grain and 60-grain bullets, powders like IMR 4064, Varget, and IMR 4350 offer a more controlled pressure curve that yields superb long-range accuracy.
.220 Swift Velocity From Published Data
Published velocity figures for the .220 Swift cemented its legacy as the first factory cartridge to break the 4,000 fps barrier. Using 40-grain bullets, reloaders can easily achieve 4,000 to 4,050 fps, creating a laser-flat trajectory out to 300 yards. Even with standard 55-grain projectiles, the Swift comfortably drives bullets past 3,600 fps, outperforming the immensely popular .22-250 Remington by roughly 100 fps with equivalent bullet weights.
.220 Swift Reloading Data by Barrel Length
Most published load data for the .220 Swift is gathered using a 24-inch or 26-inch test barrel to allow the substantial powder charge to fully burn before the bullet exits the muzzle. Cutting the barrel down to 20 or 22 inches will result in a harsh muzzle blast and a significant velocity drop of 30 to 50 fps per inch removed. To fully realize the ballistic advantage of the Swift, a minimum barrel length of 24 inches is highly recommended.
.220 Swift Energy and Ballistics
The .220 Swift relies on sheer hyper-velocity to generate devastating kinetic energy and massive hydrostatic shock upon impact. Its extremely flat trajectory requires almost no holdover adjustments out to 350 yards, making it an incredibly forgiving cartridge for misjudging distance in the field. However, because the standard bullets have relatively low ballistic coefficients, they shed their velocity rapidly past 400 yards and are highly susceptible to wind deflection.
.220 Swift Hunting Applications
The .220 Swift is a premier, dedicated varmint and predator hunting cartridge. It is legendary for taking coyotes, prairie dogs, and groundhogs at long distances, delivering explosive terminal performance that typically drops the animal instantly. While some hunters use heavy 60-grain controlled-expansion bullets like the Nosler Partition to hunt small deer, many jurisdictions restrict the use of .22-caliber centerfire rifles for big game, so always consult local hunting regulations.
Manufacturer Data vs. Independent Testing
Manufacturer data is gathered using universally calibrated pressure barrels in climate-controlled laboratories, which is vital when reloading a high-pressure, semi-rimmed cartridge like the Swift. Independent forum data often features “hot loads” that ignore the signs of dangerous brass flow and primer pocket expansion. You must always use official manufacturer load data as your primary source for safety limits to preserve the life of your rifle and your brass.
.220 Swift Pressure and Safety
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the .220 Swift is set at a robust 62,000 PSI (or 54,000 CUP). Because the Swift case is heavily tapered and operates at such extreme pressures, brass stretching and neck thickening are common safety concerns for handloaders. You must meticulously inspect every piece of fired brass for impending case head separation, rigidly adhere to maximum case length trim specifications, and never exceed published maximum powder charges.
Best Sources for .220 Swift Reloading Data
The most reliable sources for load data are the annual manuals and online databases maintained by the companies that manufacture reloading components. The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center offers extensive digital tables for modern spherical and extruded powders, while the Hornady and Nosler printed manuals provide meticulously tested data tailored specifically to the .220 Swift’s established bullet weight limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find .220 Swift reloading data?
You can find accurate .220 Swift reloading data in printed manuals from Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra, or digitally on the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center website.
What powders are listed in published .220 Swift data?
Commonly listed powders include IMR 4064, Varget, H380, CFE 223, H4895, and IMR 4350.
What bullet weights are covered in these tables?
These tables primarily cover the most accurate bullet weights for standard 1:14 twist Swift barrels, specifically 40-grain, 50-grain, 55-grain, and 60-grain projectiles.
Does barrel length affect .220 Swift velocity?
Yes, shooting from a barrel shorter than the 24-inch or 26-inch standard will result in a velocity loss of roughly 30 to 50 feet per second for every inch of barrel removed.
Can I use standard rifle primers for .220 Swift?
Yes, standard large rifle primers are universally used in manufacturer load data for the .220 Swift.
What is the difference between .220 Swift load data and reloading data?
There is no practical difference; both terms refer to the exact recipes of powder charges, bullet weights, and primers required to safely assemble the ammunition.
Why do published velocity figures differ between sources?
Velocity figures differ because testing laboratories utilize different specific test barrels, case capacities, environmental temperatures, and primer types during their distinct testing protocols.
Should I use the maximum published load?
You should never start with the maximum published load; always begin with the starting charge and cautiously work up while monitoring your brass for signs of overpressure.
Can I use data from one bullet manufacturer for another bullet?
You should only use data meant for the exact bullet you are loading, as differences in bullet bearing surface length and jacket design can drastically alter chamber pressures.
Where should I verify .220 Swift load data before reloading?
You should strictly verify all load data directly against an official, recently published manufacturer manual or a powder company’s official online reloading database before loading any rounds.