The 220 Swift is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 62,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 220 Swift with the 22-250 Remington on the same basis.
220 Swift ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 40 gr | 4,040–4,170 fps | 1,449–1,544 ft-lb |
| 50 gr | 3,840 fps | 1,637 ft-lb |
| 55 gr | 3,650 fps | 1,627 ft-lb |
| 60 gr | 3,600 fps | 1,726 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 4 reference bullet weights for the 220 Swift, from 40 to 60 grains. The lightest, 40 grains, is listed at 4,040–4,170 fps, which computes to 1,449–1,544 ft-lb. The heaviest, 60 grains, is listed at 3,600 fps, or 1,726 ft-lb.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 40 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 220 Swift ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 220 Swift is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in, with a .224 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 62,000 psi. Fire 220 Swift ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
220 Swift vs 22-250: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 220 Swift | 22-250 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 62,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 14.00 in | 1 turn in 14.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .224 in | .224 in |
| Lightest reference load | 40 gr — 4,040–4,170 fps / 1,449–1,544 ft-lb | 33 gr — 4,350–4,450 fps / 1,386–1,451 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 50 gr — 3,840 fps / 1,637 ft-lb | 50 gr — 3,800–4,000 fps / 1,603–1,776 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 60 gr — 3,600 fps / 1,726 ft-lb | 60 gr — 3,500–3,600 fps / 1,632–1,726 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 220 Swift at 62,000 psi and the 22-250 Remington at 65,000 psi, so the 220 Swift runs 3,000 psi lower. At 50 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 220 Swift reference load is 3,840 fps and 1,637 ft-lb computed, against 4,000 fps and 1,776 ft-lb for the 22-250 Remington. On that row the 22-250 Remington carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 22-250 ammo.
220 Swift ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 220 Swift?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 220 Swift at 62,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 220 Swift?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 220 Swift is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in. Your own rifle may differ, and a twist slower than a long, heavy bullet needs will not stabilise it.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 220 Swift?
SAAMI lists 4 reference weights, from 40 to 60 grains: 40, 50, 55 and 60.
Is the 220 Swift more powerful than the 22-250 Remington?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 50 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 220 Swift reference load is 3,840 fps and 1,637 ft-lb computed, against 4,000 fps and 1,776 ft-lb for the 22-250 Remington.
How much does the 220 Swift drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
What is the effective range of the 220 Swift?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 220 Swift ammunition from Hornady, Federal, HSM Ammunition, Nosler, Remington and Winchester. Browse the full 220 Swift ammo range.
