Rate of twist question from a newb.

[thebuckhunter]

Can someone please explain the rate of twist thing? A fast twist (1 in 8) is best for what? Heavy bullets? Light bullets? Long or short range? A slow rate of twist (1 in 12) is for what? Help would be greatly appreciated as a target rifle purchase is soon in the works. Thanks -Jason

 

[maynard]

Jason,
You say "target rifle". I take that as meaning you may want to shoot it out to 600?1000? yards.
I also assume you are thinking about a .223?
If so, you want a fast twist 1:8 to shoot heavy, 80 grain bullets. Even shooting 80 grain bullets at short range 100-600 will give you an advantage in the wind over 55 grain bullets.
A 1:8 will shoot 55 gr but will really shine at longer range with heavy bullets.

 

[thebuckhunter]

I hadn't really thought of a calibre other than .308. Will the .223 do the distance? I was looking at a Sendero as the base and working it up with a stock and such. Are there any other "beginner" target rifles I should maybe look into (Izmash, CZ etc?) Would like to keep my first rifle under $1000 plus optics. Any suggestions? Should I start off with a bench rest or a bi-pod? I'm having fun with my .22LR @ 150m+ and would like to start in with the "f" class later this summer. -Jason

 

[Danny Boy]

... 80 grain bullets at short range 100-600 will give you an advantage in the wind over 55 grain bullets.
A 1:8 will shoot 55 gr but will really shine at longer range with heavy bullets.

My 1:8 twist barrel shoots consistently below 0.75” and have got as good as 0.35 with 50 and 55 gr bullets. I have reveived my 68 gr match bullets but haven't tried them out as yet. To be honest, I shoot 100 yards, 200 and 300 meters 99% of the time so the 1:8" heavy bullet feature may not mean a thing to me.

Danny

 

[maynard]

Jason,
If F Class with a .308 is what you are looking for you have 3 options.
One is a factory gun called F(M) class. Few mods you are allowed like recrowning and mods to the orginial factory stock and a bedding job. Any caliber, any bullet weight.
Option #2 is F(F) class that will allow custom rifles in .308 with 155 gr bullets or .223 using 80 gr bullets.
Option #3 is F(O) open class that you can use any caiber, any bullet so you could shoot 175-200 grain bullets out of your .308. F(O) is a tough class for a .308 if you are shooting against guys shooting better rounds.
For a beginner rifle under $1000, look at Savage, Tikka, Remington.

Danny Boy,
Try the 80 gr bullets, then that 0.35 group may the consistent. With a higher BC you will see the difference at 300m for sure.