Introduction
Discover the Swift Scirocco II, a premium bullet designed for hunters who demand long-range accuracy and controlled expansion. Introduced by Swift Bullet Company (now part of Vista Outdoor) in the early 2000s, the Scirocco II is a bonded lead-core, polymer-tipped bullet optimized for ethical kills on medium to big game.
Renowned for its high ballistic coefficient and reliable performance, the Scirocco II delivers flat trajectories and deep penetration, making it a favorite for long-range hunting. Its progressive jacket design ensures consistent expansion across a wide velocity range, ideal for diverse hunting conditions from open plains to rugged terrain.
- Caliber Range: Available from .243 to .338 inches, supporting cartridges like .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Weight Options: Spans 90 to 300 grains, with popular variants like 90-grain .243, 130-grain 6.5mm, and 180-grain .308.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for long-range penetration and expansion, ideal for medium to large game like deer, elk, and moose.
Technical Characteristics
The Swift Scirocco II is engineered for hunters who prioritize precision and terminal performance at extended ranges. Its advanced design sets it apart in the field.
- Bonded Lead-Core: Features a lead core bonded to a progressive copper jacket for 95-100% weight retention, ensuring deep penetration even through bone.
- Polymer-Tipped Boat-Tail: Includes a black polymer tip and boat-tail for high BC and controlled expansion at velocities as low as 1,800 fps, doubling diameter.
- Progressive Jacket: Tapered jacket thickness enhances expansion at close range and penetration at long distances.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,500-3,500 fps, effective to 600+ yards with flat trajectories.
- Reduced Fouling: Bonded construction reduces barrel fouling by 15-20% compared to non-bonded bullets, extending cleaning intervals.
Reloading requires attention to detail, with standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to prevent pressure issues. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the Scirocco II’s design suits rugged hunts but demands precision.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.300 to 0.600, the Scirocco II offers excellent long-range stability and wind resistance, supported by high sectional density for penetration. Field tests show a 130-grain 6.5mm Scirocco II achieving 0.4-0.7 MOA at 300 yards with ES/SD under 12 fps from a 1:8 twist barrel. The 90-grain .243 excels for medium game like deer, while the 180-grain .308 penetrates tough hides like elk, retaining momentum to 500 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key Scirocco II variants from Swift specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Swift’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.243 | 90 | 0.420 | 0.218 |
| 0.264 | 130 | 0.520 | 0.266 |
| 0.277 | 130 | 0.460 | 0.242 |
| 0.284 | 150 | 0.490 | 0.266 |
| 0.308 | 165 | 0.520 | 0.248 |
| 0.308 | 180 | 0.550 | 0.271 |
| 0.338 | 210 | 0.570 | 0.263 |
| 0.338 | 225 | 0.600 | 0.281 |
Groups of 0.4-0.7 MOA achievable; excels to 600 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The Swift Scirocco II competes with top hunting bullets like Hornady ELD-X, Nosler AccuBond, and Barnes TTSX, offering a balance of long-range precision and controlled expansion. Key strengths and limitations include:
- Strengths: High BC for long-range accuracy, 95-100% weight retention, and reliable expansion ($0.50-$0.80 per bullet).
- Limitations: Slightly lower BC than some competitors, higher cost than non-bonded bullets.
Compared to Hornady ELD-X (BCs 0.485-0.781), Nosler AccuBond (BCs 0.350-0.588), and Barnes TTSX (BCs 0.295-0.586), the Scirocco II’s BCs (0.300-0.600) offer competitive long-range performance, matching AccuBond and surpassing TTSX in expansion consistency. The Scirocco II retains ~1,300 ft-lbs at 400 yards with a 180gr .308, compared to ~1,350 ft-lbs for ELD-X 178gr and ~1,250 ft-lbs for TTSX 168gr. It expands 5% more reliably than TTSX at low velocities (1,800 fps) but trails ELD-X by 5-10% in trajectory flatness.
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Scirocco II | 0.243-0.338 | 90-225 | 0.300-0.600 | Bonded, polymer tip |
| Hornady ELD-X | 0.224-0.338 | 88-250 | 0.485-0.781 | Heat Shield tip |
| Nosler AccuBond | 0.224-0.338 | 90-250 | 0.350-0.588 | Bonded, polymer tip |
| Barnes TTSX | 0.224-0.338 | 50-225 | 0.295-0.586 | Lead-free, grooved |
Field reports show Scirocco II matching ELD-X within 0.1 MOA at 400 yards and outperforming AccuBond in penetration consistency, making it ideal for long-range deer hunts.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 90gr .243 for deer and antelope;
- 130gr 6.5mm for mid-range elk or bear;
- 165-180gr .308 for moose or large game;
- 210-225gr .338 for long-range big game.
Delivers 0.4-0.7 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for ethical kills.
Reloading
- Load Data: Consult Swift’s reloading manual or website for Scirocco II-specific data, as the bonded design requires precise load development.
- Starting Charges: Begin 5-10% below maximum loads for comparable bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to optimize accuracy, as the Scirocco II’s bearing surface is sensitive to variations.
- Crimp Application: Use a light to medium crimp on the cannelure for secure bullet retention, especially in semi-auto or heavy-recoil rifles.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Verify barrel twist rate matches Scirocco II weight (e.g., 1:10 for 90gr .243, 1:8 for 130gr 6.5mm) for stabilization.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to ensure speeds above 1,800 fps for optimal expansion and extreme spreads under 12 fps.
- Storage: Keep in sealed containers to avoid moisture; suitable for all hunting applications per design.
Conclusion
Swift Scirocco II is a top-tier hunting bullet, combining high BC with reliable expansion for long-range precision. Its performance makes it ideal for hunters pursuing medium to big game. Visit official website.
