Still, a cartridge that moves out that fast and flat might be worth re-barreling every few years.
The .220 Swift has been around a long time, and this reputation was developed when it was young. Advances in metallurgy have greatly attenuated the problem, but the reputation remains. Still, when you're the velocity king (excepting a handful of .17 and .20s) you will by definition erode barrels faster than a slower cartridge, all other things being equal.
Unlike the author, who has probably never shot one, the .220 Swift barrels will go about 2500-3000 rounds before losing their edge. He proved himself an idiot by stating it takes a longer action than a .22-250, so obviously he’s never owned one as they fit the same short action as a .22-250, .308, .243, etc. I have shot out three Swift barres personally, and if he thinks that burning 4-5 grains less powder makes a .22-250 last a lot longer, he is double an idiot. In reality, the Swift will push 55’s to 3900, the typical .22-250 goes about 3650, so there is a difference.