22-250 Barrel Twist

[Slug870]

I am looking for a bit of clarification here with regards to twist rate in a 22-250 barrel. From what I have read, if I want to shoot 50gr-75gr bullets out of a 26" Krieger, a 1-9 twist would be the ideal choice. However, in discussion with a few shooters, some claim that the 1-9 may be too fast for the lighter 50gr plastic tipped bullets (Nosler Ballistic Tip, etc). I understand that the 1-9 twist would in fact be too fast for the lighter bullet choices such as 35gr or 40gr offerings, but am I correct in assuming that the 1-9 twist will reliably and, more importantly, accurately handle the 50gr V-Max AND the 75gr V-Max equally as well?

As with many other topics of discussion pertaining to precision shooting, there seems to be a wide variety of opinions on what works and does not work well in 1-9, 1-10, and 1-12 barrels for the 22-250. I am certainly not experienced in the field of experimenting with barrel twist rates, so I am hoping to hear from those who are. So let's hear what you have to say!

 

[Sask_Hunter]

If your building get a 1-8" and shoot them all. A 40 or 50 gr bullet has zero advantage over say a 75gr amax.

 

[twosmokinspades]

Light bullets will take it. You might just have to slow it down a little and choose a quality bullet or one that is just a little tuffer. A 40gr vmax at 4000 fps may not take a 1-8 twist but slow it down to 3600 and it should hold to gether.

 

[2bad4u2]

A 1:9" twist will be absolutely fine for what you are looking to do. I had a .22-250 with the same rate of twist and had no problem with 50gr. Hornady V-MAX bullets. You'll have more than enough RPM to stabilize 75gr. bullets with this cartridge. 1:8" isn't required but would be a good choice as well.

 

[guntech]

A twist that is too fast may spin a bullet faster than it's jacket will allow and the bullet will distort and blow up without reaching it's target. It takes quite a light bullet and considerably too much twist.

A twist that is too slow will not spin a bullet fast enough and the bullet will not stabilize, but wobbles in flight, possibly even tumbling, resulting in poor accuracy.

If you choose a bullet/twist combination 'on the edge' so to speak, the only way you will know is by testing it.

 

[hotshot]

1:9 is the ideal twist for 50-75 grain
1:8 is only needed if you will be shooting 80-90 grain bullets

 

[manitou210]

If your building get a 1-8" and shoot them all. A 40 or 50 gr bullet has zero advantage over say a 75gr amax.

xx22

 

[manitou210]

1:9 is the ideal twist for 50-75 grain
1:8 is only needed if you will be shooting 80-90 grain bullets

90 grs need a 1/7

 

[2bad4u2]

90 grs need a 1/7

At .223 velocities yes, not necessarily with a .22-250 and 1:8".

 

[trout bum]

90 grs need a 1/7

Ack. My wife has a 22-250 she shot as a precision rifle for YEARS. We shot SIE 80s and Hornady 75 AMax from it. it is a 1:8 by Rob McLennan.

As a lark, we tried some Berger 90s from it -- and it couldn't hold an 8x10 piece of paper at 100y with them -- they went EVERYWHERE. Swich back to 80gr SIE -- it's a MOA gun...

 

[victor1979]

Looks like someone has had luck with a 1:8 shooting 75 grain amaxes. Phew Im getting my vssf II rebarreled with a 1:8 kreiger and I'm hoping it shoots those amaxes i bought 600 of them.