Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

[tackdriver1]

I just purchased a Ruger M77 (low serial, tang safety) 220 Swift with 26" BBL. I also reload for my .223 and have alot of 60gr Vmax bullets that I can load, However I'm wondering if the twist rate is 1 in 14 for this old Ruger. I have heard there have been problems with twist rates in this specific caliber for loading higher grain bullets. I also have some IMR 4064 that I would like to load with these bullets and work a load up. My estimates are to start with about 35gr of IMR 4064 and work up. Anybody have ideas on this? This is my first 220 Swift but I have dreamed of having one my whole life. Just some thoughts would help. Thanks guys, Keep shooting.


"A peculiar virture in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his own conscience, rather than by a mob of onlookers. It is difficult to exagerate the importance of this fact."-Aldo Leopold

 

[former naval person]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

You can measure the twist with a cleaning rod and patch. Easy job. The 60 grainers will probably work with the speed you can get out of the Swift. 4064 is GTG with that machine. I had one years ago...fun, but not very accurate with any bullets. Ruger was purchasing barrels from independent manufacturers at that time, and quality varied. Good luck.

 

[mgoodrich]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

I have the same gun (bought mine in 72). It is a 1 in 14 twist.

It likes the 52 grain sierra HPBT with 4064. H380 works well also.

Also shoots the 50 & 55 gr Nosler BT well. Only tried H380 with those bullets.

Should be able to shoot the 60 gr alright

To get the best life on the brass, only FL size when you need to.

 

[WCW308]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

I have that same configuration of 220 Swift/ HB 26". Bought 2ndhand.

Shot horribly with factory ammo. Once I began reloading, I loaded for it & it shoots 1/2 MOA or better. I used Varget 39.0g, 50g moly vmaxes, CCI BR4,
OAL? Pretty sure all were 14 twist.

Good luck!

 

[esorensen]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

The one I have, the recipe for it is 40 gr. VMAX, 40 gr. Varget gets 4000 fps. Accuracy is iffy as the throat is worn severely.

 

[sll]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

Those are great rifles and I have owned one along with several other Swift's in other brand rifles. I never loaded 60 grain pills for any of them, always 50/55 grainers. But IMR 4064 and RL15 worked well in all of them. My present Swift (700 VSSF)shoots 38 grains I4064 and 50 grain Barnes in the .3's all day long.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

I had had a burglary about the time Ruger announced the new Model 77V chambered in 220Swift. I took my homeowners check and bought one and used it almost exclusively on coyotes for about fifteen years and then had it re-barreled and chambered in 22-250Ackley. Then, a friend needed money and I bought another Swift, (also a very early production) and I still use it for the same purpose with one change. Instead of 55 grain bullets, I use the 63 grain Sierra semi pointed, to reach the lands. Velocity is still decent, just under 3700fps. IMR 4831 has always been a good performer, in both guns. Not good on hides, BTW.

Until I owned an Ackley for a while, I did not understand what a pain in the ass the Swift was, neck trimming, split necks, etc. But, in spite of the negatives, a Swift still has the charisma and does a fair job; just don't expect tack driving accuracy from the cartridge or the Model 77V. BB

 

[X-fan]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

I'm going to disagree about the Swift not being accurate.
Between my buddy and I we have 5 custom swifts and they are just as accurate as any other hotrod 22. I don't have a problem with cases splitting either. I suspect this has to do with chamber specs?
Brass trimming is frequent fact of Swift life

The old 77's did have spotty accuracy...My buddy owns one(pencil barrel and all) that shoots so well it is goofy.

He bought a few more hoping lightning would strike twice...Unfortunately none of the others shot very well.

Hope yours shoots great!

 

[tackdriver1]

Re: Reloading old Ruger M77 220 Swift

I respectfully thank yall for you input and opinions.
I reloaded a 50gr VMax with IMR 4064 and my first shot at 50yds to make sure it was on paper shot 3/4inch from bull.
I backed it up to 100yds and it shot 2inch high and 2inch left.
I clicked it over 2inch right to center. It shot 2inch high and center.
I clicked it down 2inch to center, and I shot 3 shots within 1/2inch MOA dead center at 100yds. I believe I will keep this load for small varmints and such but will prolly work up a higher grain bullet load for shooting whitetails. It is a sweet shooter!
It performed better than I was even expecting! Will post pictures soon. Thank you again.

 

[Machine gun kelley]

I bout my ruger m77V 220 swift in 1977 for $170 new in box It still shoots dime groups at 100 yards with 38 grains of imr 4320 nosler 52 grain HPBT

 

[Machine gun kelley]

I think by keeping the loads under 4000 FPS is why our barrels or still good that's my theory anyway

 

[witchhunter]

The Swift is hard on brass. I have had 3 of them and the brass flows to the neck. Neck turning is mandatory. My latest I had reamed out to a .220 Ackley Improved and neck life is much better, They have all have shot well with 4064 and a 50 Sierra. The AI likes a 50 Vmax and H380 though. I bought the reamer and I will have all of the rest of them reamed out too now. I bought my first one, a Ruger 77V, in 1978 and it is probably the most accurate rifle I have ever owned. I rebarreled it and gave it to my son when I bought a 40X in .220, thinking that it was going to be more accurate. Ha! My son is the happy one in that deal.

 

[Machine gun kelley]

Hahaha those old 77v or hard to beat I have a 2506 I bout new in the box 180 bucks in1978 I gave to my dad he never shot it any he passed away on me An now I have a brand new 77v 2506 I've had the barrel threaded for the thunder trap but haven't shot it yet