220 Swift issue

[Canoe1]

I have acquired an early Winchester model 54 (serial number has it 1934-36) in .220 Swift. I picked up some Hornady Vmax Varmint 55gr rounds for it.
Shot it twice, both times at 50 yards the bullet struck target sideways (keyhole?).

I don't know much technical stuff on firearms, but being an older firearm could the bullet weight need to be different (due to different barrel twist rate?)

If so, does anyone have any leads on lighter bullet loads?

Thanks

[SabreKiller]

It's probably got a 12 or 14 twist barrel on it. I would think that would stabilize those 55 grainers. I know my CZ .223 has a 12 twist barrel and shoots bug holes with 50 grain Nosler ballistic tip handloads. I'm not sure what ammo is available for the swift, but I would think a 50 grain fodder might be out there somewhere.

[Artos]

I've never had a 14 twist keyhole 55gr...50-52gr always shot better on paper, but never tumbled one.

I would try 50gr before anything else...how does the rifling look??

https://ammoseek.com/ammo/220-swift/-rifle-50grains

[Walker]

I would check it with a bore scope. May be shot out.

[McClain]

Also check the muzzle carefully. An imperfection there can cause problems.

[HTOWN]

I bought a Swift a while back, came with about 600 rounds of differnt ammo
I'll see what I have and send ya some if you like. See if it patterns something else.

[Canoe1]

I bought a Swift a while back, came with about 600 rounds of differnt ammo
I'll see what I have and send ya some if you like. See if it patterns something else.

That would be awesome!

[kcnatural]

90 year old rifle chambered in 220 swift could for sure be shot out. I guess a 5 year old 22 lr. could be shot out but I'm with Walker lets bore scope this dude.

[Canoe1]

It could be shot out, but from the family it came from, I would be surprised if more that 100 rounds went down the barrel. But there is no way to know.
When I look at the rifling, it appears good, but I'm definitely not an expert.

[Physhstyx]

Post up a picture of that sweet rifle.

[LWD]

Check the crown, but a Swift that old almost certainly has a 1:14" twist which isn't stabilizing the bullet.

[HTOWN]

Drop me a PM with your #

[Canoe1]

Post up a picture of that sweet rifle.

When I get back home, I’ll try to remember too.
overall I’d say it’s in really good shape.