6.5 X 55 1-8" 0r 1-9" ?

S

steyrman

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I am considering a new Cooper HB in 6.5 X 55, 26" barrel, the standard factory twist is 1-9", which will handle most bullets from 87gr to 156/160gr, except for the 142gr VLD's, which require 1-8". My question is, how will the 1-8" work with the regular 87-160gr bullets, my usage will be part paper puncher, part varmint/med game rifle. I will be using a Swarovski 6-24 x 50, with a TDS-4 reticle, any comments would be appreciated, also Cooper can charge from about $200 to $400 to change twist/barrel manufacturer.

Steyrman
 
The Sierra 142 and the Berger 140's will stabilize with a 1:9 twist fine. The Swede has plenty of jam for that. I would be a bit nervous with a 6.5X47 Lapua, but the Swede, no problem.

FYI, stability is associated with length of bullet, not weight. The heavy 264 hunting bullets will be fine in a 9" twist as these are typically shorter than a match/VLD bullet.

An 8" twist with lighter shorter bullets is a bit much.
 
1-8" always works with the Swede no matter the bullet or velocity.
Tikka, Sako and Rem 700 Classic use it. The military Swede used a 1-7.8" IIRC. I think CZ uses 1-8.5"
It's your call as I'm sure the 1-9" is fine too.
 
steyrman said:
I am considering a new Cooper HB in 6.5 X 55, 26" barrel, the standard factory twist is 1-9", which will handle most bullets from 87gr to 156/160gr, except for the 142gr VLD's, which require 1-8". My question is, how will the 1-8" work with the regular 87-160gr bullets, my usage will be part paper puncher, part varmint/med game rifle. I will be using a Swarovski 6-24 x 50, with a TDS-4 reticle, any comments would be appreciated, also Cooper can charge from about $200 to $400 to change twist/barrel manufacturer.

Steyrman
Click to expand...

6.5X55SM would be best with 1-8 twist, with this twist it can handle anything from 120grain, 140g to 160grain no problem, done my share with this caliber on a rem700BDL LA, Very good round for a custom build, Over 2800fps.
best group I got was lest than 1/4" at 100 with 47.5grain H4831-140amax, killing 3.5" clay pitchin at 500 consistantly.
 
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