Twist Rate Too Fast?

NorthernPF

NorthernPF

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Ramore, Ontario
My dad is looking at buying a Tikka T3 Lite in 223. It is available with a twist rate of 1-12" and 1-8". Now in my loading manuals it tells me that a faster twist rate is required for bullets greater than 55gr.

Now here's my question. If he buys the T3 with the 1-8" twist in case he wantes to shoot heavier bullets, will the 1-8" Twist rate negatively affect the lighter bullets?
 
No. It is virtually impossible to over-stabilize a bullet. However, extremely high velocities with fast twist rates with thinly jacketed bullets can and has resulted in bullets simply "exploding" due to centrifugal force after they have left the muzzle.
 
A good 1:8 barrel should be able to shoot just about any bullet weight accurately, given an adequately strong jacket.

I have shot a few different 55 grain and lighter bullet types out of my 1:7 barreled AR to test this for myself. The only bullet I had an issue with was the Remington 55 grain Power-Lokt HP. These bullets disintegrated in mid-air. Sierra 40 grain HPs shot about the same as my 55 grain FMJ reloads.
 
You may find that in 223 with a fast twist rate the bullets at 60, 62, and 64 will work fine. It's nice to have the option of shooting a heavier grain bullet, rather then be stuck with 55 grain and down.
 
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Over stabilization is less of a sin ballistically than under stabilization. Personally, unless you want to use over 60 gr. bullets I'd go for the 1-12, FWIW I found the .223 at it's best varminting with the 50 - 55 gr. SX type bullets and the 1-8 might be rough on them, early on most .222/.223's were 1-14 so 1-12 is not that slow.
 
After opening a box of 75gr amax it's hard to not shoot them for any reason. 1-8" all day every day. As a bonus you can still shoot any weight .224 but try and shoot a 75amax in a 1-12".
 
Sask_Hunter said:
After opening a box of 75gr amax it's hard to not shoot them for any reason. 1-8" all day every day. As a bonus you can still shoot any weight .224 but try and shoot a 75amax in a 1-12".
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75amax are awesome. I couldn't do it in a 1 in 9 twist remington tactical, so a 1 in 12 is definatly out. My shilen 1-8 loves these bullets, and I love seeing the tight groups they make. Save your but from the kicking you will do to it later and buy the 1 in 8.
 
I've had success with 60g bullets in a 14" twist Tikka LSA-55 in .222Rem. If your dad only wants to shoot light varmint bullets, the 12" twist will be fine. Should be able to get out 300-400 yards with these.

If he ever wants to try long distance work, get the 8" twist and stay away from the thin skin bullets. 50g Sierra Blitz Varmint bullets disintegrate out of my 8" twist T3 in .223Rem, but it groups 80g Sierra's into 1/4 MOA.
 
I just shot a five shot .162" (or 1/8") group on Sat morning with my Sako Varmint Laminate with an 8 twist. I was using 53gr Vmaxs and CFE 223 powder. I also was trying a load of 70gr Bergers in front of Varget and managed a .25" five shot group. I would vote to buy the 8 twist for its versatility.
 
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