.223 Rate of Twist

[Gillshot]

I'm shopping for a new 223 and notice that there are two common rate of twists available, 1 in 8" or 1 in 12". I'm not sure which I need. I am not going to handload and will be using bullets between 40 and 55 grains. Any thoughts?

 

[Aprilia Man]

1 / 12 for light bullets

1 / 8 for heavy bullets

 

[Hoss83]

I use a tikka 1 in 8 twist with 75gr and its very accurate

 

[trevj]

The result of a calculation called the Bonehill Formula, IIRC.

Effectively, it's all about bullet length. Longer bullets (which are usually, but not always heavier) need a faster rate of twist to stabilize them.

Varmint Grenade bullets, are very light for their length. They need a faster twist rate than a comparable weight of bullet that is stuffed full of lead, is about the best commonly available example of the bullets that are not always heavier.

There are still a few makers using 14 twist as the standard, which was for years, in all .22 cal Centerfires. Remington used a 12 twist, it can be considered interchangeable with a 14, though it may stabilize a slightly heavier bullet better (above 55 grains).

A buddy of mine is shooting light bullets through a Savage with a fast twist barrel (8 twist?) and they thing is a laser beam! It shoots very well, and the gophers take a beating when that rifle is on the shooting table.
So don't stress the twist rate, for your needs. Pretty much all the guns will shoot the light bullets well, but you won't be able to shoot the heavies in a slower twist barrel. Not as well as the fast twist barrel. Usually.

Oh. You should reload. It's not expensive to get started, and you can shoot a lot more for the same money.
Save yer brass just in case, eh.

Cheers
Trev

 

[hoytcanon]

In general get the 1:12 barrel if you will be shooting bullets under 55 grains... If you will be shooting 60+ grain bullets you will want a 1:9 or 1:8... For the very long bullets 75+ grains you might even want a 1:7. I switched all mine from 1:12 and 1:14 barrels to 1:9 barrels... I can shoot up to the 68 BTHP's very accurately now... The 1:12 started to fall apart with 60 grain V-Max.

 

[amosfella]

Get the faster twist. That way if you decide you want to shoot heavier bullets, you're not looking for a new gun, or getting grumpy. And you should learn to reload. Even if all you use is a lee loader kit. They're cheap, and other than dies, you only need a scrap 2x4 to keep from putting holes in the table, and a plastic mallet...

 

[archie_james_c]

The 8 twist will do everything the 12 will do. But the 12 will only do what a 12 can do

 

[hometownhero]

I have a 1:9 it shoots anything from 36gr all the way to 77gr bullets.

 

[Sask_Hunter]

Faster is better, when you open that first box of 75gr A-maxes you will under stand.

 

[waynewjw]

I sold my 1:12 twist CZ because I couldn't should anything heavier than 55 grain and best accuracy was with 45 grainers. Get the 1:8 IMO.

 

[Gillshot]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The rifle I wanted has a 1 in 8" twist. I think I may go ahead with it.

 

[chuck nelson]

The 8 twist will do everything the 12 will do. But the 12 will only do what a 12 can do

Really the truth of the matter.

 

[hoytcanon]

The 8 twist will do everything the 12 will do. But the 12 will only do what a 12 can do

Really the truth of the matter.

I don't agree for all scenario's... most shooters who don't reload end up shooting the 45 grain Winchester white box or FMJ bulk ammo... and in my experience these loads actually shot better in my 1:12 barrels... I bought the 1:9 barrels because I reload and don't shoot factory bulk.

 

[OccasionallyOnTarget]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The rifle I wanted has a 1 in 8" twist. I think I may go ahead with it.

Sounds like a plan.

 

[gunrunner100]

I bought an HBAR with the 1 in 7 twist back in the late 80's or early 90's. 55 grain bullets suck, but it does love the SS109.

 

[hometownhero]

I bought an HBAR with the 1 in 7 twist back in the late 80's or early 90's. 55 grain bullets suck, but it does love the SS109.

80 to 90grain berger vld's would be a good one in there.

 

[Gorilla2]

Most ppl like the 9 because you can shoot most any thing .Like stated the 12 will not like the heavier bullets .My findings is 55 grain with 9 works great

 

[Highwind]

9 twist is great...