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How heavy a projectile in a 1 in 12 .223

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20 August 2001, 23:47
<Deafdog>
How heavy a projectile in a 1 in 12 .223
Hi Guys
I have a .223 BLR with a 1 in 12 twist.

It stabilises 55gn but not 62gns(key holes)

I am wondering how heavy a projectile it will stabilise.

Now I was given some seirra 63gn flat base semi points.

I filed the soptpoint flat and then driled in a hollow untill it weighed 60gns
that is I made a hollow point out of a semi point.

On another I cut the end off and filed untill it weighed 59gns.

Now the question is do you think I have any chance of stabilising these reduced projectiles.


Regards
Deafdog

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deafdog@turboweb.net.au
http://deafdog.turboweb.net.au

21 August 2001, 01:23
<AndrewG>
I've got a Ruger .223 with a 1:12 twist and I use Hornandy 60g SPs for everything. They stabilise just fine at a muzzle velocity of 3000fps.
Regards
Andrew
21 August 2001, 01:25
<ssleefl>
Sounds like you have a lot of time on your hands. Remington makes a 60gr match that should serve you well and for not that much money. Give them a try.
21 August 2001, 01:39
p dog shooter
What you need if you are going to shoot the heavy stuff is a faster twist. At least a 1in 9 better a 1 in 7.
21 August 2001, 02:11
<Warren Jensen>
Deafdog,

It is not the weight that is the determining factor in how fast a twist you need, but the distance between the center of reverse air pressure under the nose and the center of gravity. Heavier bullets will tend to have a greater distance and, therefore require a faster twist, but ogive shape has a lot to do with this. You can confirm this for yourself, by loading the 62 gr. bullets backwards and shooting them. ( Yes, it is safe, just make sure you are a safe distance off of the lands and reduce your load about 2 gr.) They will stabilize just fine and probably surprise you with their accuracy out to 100 yds.

The solution to your problem might be to increase the velocity a little, if you can safely. This might reduce or eliminate the keyholing. If this doesn't work you can flatten the tip some as this will move the center of reverse air pressure back a little. If you are seeking very good accuracy, however, you will have to match another bullet, with a slightly more blunt nose, to your twist.

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Warren Jensen

Warren@lostriverballistic.com
lostriverballistic.com

21 August 2001, 03:13
<DuaneinND>
As Warren said shape, not weight has more of an effect on stablizing a bullet. The 63 Sierra will work in a 14 twist barrel, so you should not have a problem. The 60 gr V-max should also work for you(it works in my 12 twist 223) but just like people each barrel has different likes/dislikes and the only way to tell is to try the bullet.
21 August 2001, 12:57
<Deafdog>
Hi Guys

Thanks for your input.

Regards
Deafdog

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deafdog@turboweb.net.au
http://deafdog.turboweb.net.au