I just returned from the range. I had never shot the Swift AI and since I had some test loads, I grabbed a box. These loads just happened to have 45 grain bullets.
The Swift (in the cradle to be cleaned)
Since I had never shot this gun (still brand new), it didn't really matter which test loads I used to get it on paper.
Pertinent notes: The gun has a 28 inch custom hand lapped barrel. I coat my bullets with tungsten disulphide. The cases had already been fireformed.
These loads were assembled with AA 2520. This is my first use of this powder in a Swift, but QuickLoad shows it to be nearly perfect in a Swift AI.
The starting loads seemed to have somewhat erratic ignition and the group sizes reflected this. As I climbed the ladder, the groups tightened up quite a bit with most shooting under 1/2 inch. When I got to the last series (allegedly maximum loads), I stuck my magneto speed chrono on the gun to get some kind of an idea of where I was velocity wise.
I was stunned. Easy bolt lift, no stress marks on cases, plenty of radius left on primers, in short, nothing to indicate I am anywhere near a maximum load.
I am not going to pursue this load at this time. I will shelve it for a while, as I have other test loads assembled with different weight bullets. If you're wondering how hard I can push these, I honestly have no earthly idea. I have test loads on the shelf with 40 and 50 grain bullets. I am more than a little anxious to see what is possible with 50-55 grain bullets in this rifle. It should be entertaining.
Second note: I will look for the bullet that turns in the best overall accuracy before I get serious about load development. I'm just trying to get a 'feel' for this cartridge right now.
Bill
The Swift (in the cradle to be cleaned)
Since I had never shot this gun (still brand new), it didn't really matter which test loads I used to get it on paper.
Pertinent notes: The gun has a 28 inch custom hand lapped barrel. I coat my bullets with tungsten disulphide. The cases had already been fireformed.
These loads were assembled with AA 2520. This is my first use of this powder in a Swift, but QuickLoad shows it to be nearly perfect in a Swift AI.
The starting loads seemed to have somewhat erratic ignition and the group sizes reflected this. As I climbed the ladder, the groups tightened up quite a bit with most shooting under 1/2 inch. When I got to the last series (allegedly maximum loads), I stuck my magneto speed chrono on the gun to get some kind of an idea of where I was velocity wise.
I was stunned. Easy bolt lift, no stress marks on cases, plenty of radius left on primers, in short, nothing to indicate I am anywhere near a maximum load.
I am not going to pursue this load at this time. I will shelve it for a while, as I have other test loads assembled with different weight bullets. If you're wondering how hard I can push these, I honestly have no earthly idea. I have test loads on the shelf with 40 and 50 grain bullets. I am more than a little anxious to see what is possible with 50-55 grain bullets in this rifle. It should be entertaining.
Second note: I will look for the bullet that turns in the best overall accuracy before I get serious about load development. I'm just trying to get a 'feel' for this cartridge right now.
Bill
