slow twist rate , big or small bullet ?

That 1-14 twist rate will stabilise 150 grain, flat base bullets for sure. Some barrels will even stabilise the 150 grain boat tails. I doubt if it will stabilise 165 grain bullets but it has more to do with over all bullet length than weight.

Hunter Bench Rest shooters will generally use 125 to 135 grain bullets in a 1-15 twist barrel. There was one fellow that got away with 155 grain boat tail bullets in such a rifle. He actually did quite well but he loaded the cases to the nuts for the highest velocities he could get. HBR rifles have tighter tolerances than hunting rigs and will take a bit more. They also have the cartridge necks turned to a few thou of clearance and the slower twist will slightly, keep pressure curves lower.
 
Ganderite, I believe you. Lets get that straight first.

I have more than one or two barrels with 1-14 twists as well. They are Hart, Shilen, McGowen and Gaillard. None of them will perform well with bullets in the 165 grain weight range. They will shoot OK but are not consistant and I wouldn't trust them to hunt with other than at short ranges.

That being said, the rifle chambered in 300WSM is the exception, only when loaded to maximum velocities. You don't mention what cartridges your barrels are chambered for.

I think it will be the luck of the draw, rather than the norm. That's why I now order a twist of 1-12 then there aren't any surprises. Those pulled match barrels at gun shows can seem very cheap some days. I honestly agree that with 150 grain bullets they are a great buy for a budget priced custom hunting rifle but they are limited by their twist rate.
 
I've got a 1-12" in my FN .308 Norma Magnum and it puts 150's into one hole and 180's still MOA but lighter better....................Harold
 
Shot a 308 target rifle with 1 in 14 twist for years and tested a variety of bullets. It was best with 155 grain Berger VLD's and the accuracy fell off slightly with 168's.
 
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