I'm looking to put together a hot 22 on a Savage action. My original plans were to take a 223 and have it rechambered to a 220 Swift AI. But then I came accross a 22-250 barrel at a very attractive price. Then I got to thinking about a 22-250AI (had one years ago and still have the dies), 22-243 Middlestead or one of the 22 Cheetahs. Let me make one thing clear from the start - I don't really care about barrel life, that's one of the reasons we shoot Savages, right - lol?

Anyone have any insight or opinions on the 3 cartridges I listed above? I know the 22-250AI is such a std and popular cartridge, and may go that route, but I am kinda itching for something a bit different.

Thanks!

How about something really different and along the lines of an improved 5.6x57. Fast twist barrel and your treading a pretty unique path. The 22/250AI seems the most practical route ... blah how boring
Cheers...
Con

How about a 22 Dasher- 22/250 AI performance with a lot less powder burned.

quote:

Originally posted by tlp335:
I'm looking to put together a hot 22 on a Savage action. My original plans were to take a 223 and have it rechambered to a 220 Swift AI. Thanks!

This idea has merit in that most .223 Savage barrels have a fast enough twist to stabelize bullets up to 80 grains. Could let your imagination run wild on the many uses with that round ,especialy with a deep throat. roger

tlp335, I think the choice is based upon which bullet you want to shoot in this bore diameter. If the less than 55 grain type varmint/mtch bullets are the choice, then the standard .22/250 is a good choice, as the AI version has much work attached to fireforming etc. On the other hand the larger/heavier bullets would enjoy some additional case capacity, so the sky is the limit. I would choose a cartridge based upon a .243 case (Lapua availability) and no fireforming to increase my pleasure.


My 2 cents.

A 220 swift AI should be able to smoke a 55 down the tube at about 4200- maybe more- another would be the 22/284.
I favor the 22/243, but case life ends at about 4100 with 52-55 gr bullets.
A 22/06 with be another choice.

My last hotrod 22cf was a 22-284 built on a Savage. Buy the 223, it has the desirable 1:9" twist. A screamer is just a $25 boltface and a rechambering job away. The 22-284 will shoot the 80gr bullets over 3600fps in the 26" barrel and with a new M12 the accu-trigger will sing.

JMHO

Rich

Maybe this idea is outside your definition of a screamer, but I would call a .223 loaded with 30 grain Berger hollow points a screamer with low recoil and low powder consumption to boot.

Rarebear, It's only a question of how many decibels that little wart makes... I like your thinking!

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the replies!!!! I decided to go a slightly different direction - All thanks to Kevin @ Weaver Rifles. I ended up going the 20-250ai route.

Kevin rechambered a encore barrel for me in this caliber and I simply love it. Since I am trying to thin out my encore barrel collection, I decided to send Kevin a 204 Ruger Savage barrel to re-chamber and build a Savage short actioon 20-250AI.