Have i got a good buy?

Question

yesterday i put a deposit on a ruger m77 vt chambered in 220 swift, topped off with a high country 6-24 variable (i cant remember the length) anyway its in good condition the previous owner passed away and as soon as i saw the price tag of $850 AUS i bought it.
So the question is should i have bought the $900 .22-250 ruger m77 vt? i know the swift has more velocity and energy over longer distances but the barrel life and the cost of the bullets is bugging me, the cheapest factory ammo i looked at were 40 grains doing over 4000 fps at the muzzle and they were a bit less than $2 a bullet!

So have i got a good buy?

Answer 1

I think you made a good choice and considering the price and availability of fine rifles like this in Oz, it's probably a good deal as well.



To really take advantage of the capability of that cartridge, it would be best long term to get a chrony and work up the ideal load by reloading. But it will be fine with available factory ammo.



Is it for target, or will you be taking varmints with it?

Answer 2

The 220 Swift is a fine cartridge but my main complaint is the cost of the ammunition.... Here in the USA its $23 a box and on the shelves of some sport shops it can be much higher.....



If the 220 meets your hunting or shooting objectives perfectly then of course purchase this rifle... On the other hand if .223 or the 22-250 will do the job in a similar fashion then pass on the Ruger in .220 Swift......



.223 can be had in bulk much cheaper.... The 22-250 is a bit more expensive but causes less wear on rifle barrels, is more popular which makes the sale of your rifle easier if you wanted to change to something different... The 22-250 is better than the .223 but your going to pay a bit more....



The .220 Swift is more of a connoisseurs bullet in my opinion to be avoided unless it fits a specific purpose for you........



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.220_Swift



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.22-250_Remington



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.223_Remington

Answer 3

You did ok, but I think a .22-250 would have been better or even a .243 for range. You might want to consider reloading your own ammo. Find the right bullet weight and powder, and you'll have yourself a tack driver plus.

Answer 4

Great purchase, however I prefer the 22-250.*