Hey all, new to this forum as im just getting into predator hunting, mostly coyotes. Im currently looking at getting either a .19 Badger from James Calhoon but im torn because ive always wanted a .220 swift (big fan of "different" calibers). I reload so im not worried about factory ammo prices. Im trying to be as easy as possible on the pelts but still pack enough to leave them DRT. My budget isnt too tight either. Im open to pros and cons. Throat erosion isnt an issue that concerns me with the swift, fwiw. Experience with either calibers, etc. Any advice would be much appreciated, and i apologize in advance if im harping on a topic previously covered. 35R.
.19 Badger or .220 Swift?
- Thread starter 35R
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EJ Reichenbach
New member
Buy the swift.
CatShooter
New member
Get a .220 Swift... in fact get two!!
CatShooter
New member
Originally Posted By: CSM52what in the world is a 19 badger?
A fellow named James Calhoon started making 19 caliber bullets and wildcat cartridges - he figured that if you bought his rifle/cartridge, he owned you as a customer for his 19 caliber bullets, cuz no one else was crazy enough to make them
The Badger is his latest cartridge - a 19 based on the 30 Carbine case.
The problem with all of the 19 cals is that ol' James doesn't make any efficient bullets like the plastic tipped stuff from the big guys - so the 19 bullets have a pisspoor BC's and are of limited range.
And when he croaks, you get a new barrel in another caliber, cuz no one else makes a 19 cal bullet.
A fellow named James Calhoon started making 19 caliber bullets and wildcat cartridges - he figured that if you bought his rifle/cartridge, he owned you as a customer for his 19 caliber bullets, cuz no one else was crazy enough to make them
The Badger is his latest cartridge - a 19 based on the 30 Carbine case.
The problem with all of the 19 cals is that ol' James doesn't make any efficient bullets like the plastic tipped stuff from the big guys - so the 19 bullets have a pisspoor BC's and are of limited range.
And when he croaks, you get a new barrel in another caliber, cuz no one else makes a 19 cal bullet.
Swift it is! Thanks for the input fellas. 35R.
@CSM52- The .19 Badger is simply a necked down .30 Carbine to .198. James Calhoon is the master mind behind the .19's which are supposed to be outstandingly efficient and accurate with very mild report. Ill get one one of these days but for now the infamous Swift it will be.
@CSM52- The .19 Badger is simply a necked down .30 Carbine to .198. James Calhoon is the master mind behind the .19's which are supposed to be outstandingly efficient and accurate with very mild report. Ill get one one of these days but for now the infamous Swift it will be.
Winny Fan
New member
Originally Posted By: CSM52i should make a caliber and name it after an animal. something like a 20 Caterpillar or maybe a 17 chubaca or even 30 honey badger! lol there are so many wild cat and odd calibers out there. isnt the ol 30-06 good enough for people?
You're describing the makings of a very dull life.
You're describing the makings of a very dull life.
Carcass Collectors
New member
Welcome to Predator Masters 35r! It wasn't the single digit number of posts that led me to believe you are new; it was asking the gang at PM whether or not you should buy...
ANY cartridge or the 220 Swift!!!! You'll find good folks, great information, interesting conversations and a love affair w/the 220 Swift here on PM.
You'll like this place.
ANY cartridge or the 220 Swift!!!! You'll find good folks, great information, interesting conversations and a love affair w/the 220 Swift here on PM.
You'll like this place.
BBsteel
New member
Originally Posted By: 35RSwift it is! Thanks for the input fellas. 35R.
@CSM52- The .19 Badger is simply a necked down .30 Carbine to .198. James Calhoon is the master mind behind the .19's which are supposed to be outstandingly efficient and accurate with very mild report. Ill get one one of these days but for now the infamous Swift it will be.
Stick around and let us know how it shoots. Welcome to PM.
@CSM52- The .19 Badger is simply a necked down .30 Carbine to .198. James Calhoon is the master mind behind the .19's which are supposed to be outstandingly efficient and accurate with very mild report. Ill get one one of these days but for now the infamous Swift it will be.
Stick around and let us know how it shoots. Welcome to PM.
joed
New member
Originally Posted By: CatShooter
The problem with all of the 19 cals is that ol' James doesn't make any efficient bullets like the plastic tipped stuff from the big guys - so the 19 bullets have a pisspoor BC's and are of limited range.
And when he croaks, you get a new barrel in another caliber, cuz no one else makes a 19 cal bullet.
Those were my thoughts on it as well. I questioned the sanity of buying something so close to .224 that you couldn't buy components for locally.
The problem with all of the 19 cals is that ol' James doesn't make any efficient bullets like the plastic tipped stuff from the big guys - so the 19 bullets have a pisspoor BC's and are of limited range.
And when he croaks, you get a new barrel in another caliber, cuz no one else makes a 19 cal bullet.
Those were my thoughts on it as well. I questioned the sanity of buying something so close to .224 that you couldn't buy components for locally.
Winny Fan
New member
I'd take the 220 Swift and not look back.
But in defense of the people who shoot niche cartridges and calibers, most of them handload and many swage their own bullets. That's not insanity.
For years before the 204 Ruger was launched, many people shot various 20 caliber rifles and cartridges and they bought bullets from only a very few custom bullet makers or they swaged their own 20 caliber bullets using .22 caliber jackets.
Now that 20 caliber bullets are available, I understand that some 19 caliber shooters are swaging factory 20 caliber bullets down the 0.006" needed.
All in all, I really doubt that the mostly resourceful 19 caliber shooters will be stranded high and dry the day James Calhoon dies.
But in defense of the people who shoot niche cartridges and calibers, most of them handload and many swage their own bullets. That's not insanity.
For years before the 204 Ruger was launched, many people shot various 20 caliber rifles and cartridges and they bought bullets from only a very few custom bullet makers or they swaged their own 20 caliber bullets using .22 caliber jackets.
Now that 20 caliber bullets are available, I understand that some 19 caliber shooters are swaging factory 20 caliber bullets down the 0.006" needed.
All in all, I really doubt that the mostly resourceful 19 caliber shooters will be stranded high and dry the day James Calhoon dies.
Mr. Calhoon was making the 19's for quite some time. The 20's took off and became factory, but apparently he has sold enough of them and has had enough of a following to keep on keeping on.
He lives about a mile down the road here and I have asked him before if he'll do standard rebarrels, truing, etc. His reply was that he is so busy with conversions and making bullets that it's all he does.
Travis
He lives about a mile down the road here and I have asked him before if he'll do standard rebarrels, truing, etc. His reply was that he is so busy with conversions and making bullets that it's all he does.
Travis
The company is also merging with another company at the end of the year which should put to rest the anxiety over not having 19 caliber product available. This info came directly from James in the last two weeks. I seriously considered purchasing one of his rigs but in the end went with the CZ 17 Hornet. Decision made strictly on price and the fact that I have a lot of 17 bullets of different types.