I am considering buying an extra 54 cal 1 in 38" twist barrel for my TC Scout Carbine.


Is this rate of twist better for conical bullets or balls?


I am in Colorado so we can not use sabots.

1 in 38" is very good for 54 caliber conicals. In theory, it will stabilize bullets up to ~1.1" in length. For thin skinned game such as mule deer or similar sized animals, I would suggest the Hornady Great Plains 425gr hollow point. For larger animals such as elk or large bears, I would suggest the 450gr solid round nose from http://www.prbullet.com/Ul1.htm

Again, the 1 in 38" twist is great in a .54. Pair this up with the bullets listed above or very similar designs, and you'll have an awesome machine!!

Great! I got some good feedback on this rate of twist on hunting net too. Sounds like it would be a great barrel for that rifle.


I am assuming the greater the rate of twist the better for conicals and the slower the rate the better for balls? Correct?

You are correct about twist rate, but there's a "twist" on twists... It varies depending on caliber. A 1 in 48" twist in a .32 caliber is very good for roundballs. The same twist in a .72 caliber is great for conicals. In common calibers such as .50 and .54, anything over 1-48" is meant for balls. Anything under that is made for conicals. When you find one with 1-48" twist, it can shoot both, but never excels at either.

In my experience it depends on the barrel. I have a Green Mtn .54 that will keep 5shots of prb's, sabots with 228gr HP, 380gr REALs, and 430gr MaxiBalls in an inch at 100yds, 1:48 twist. It replaced a similar T/C that only liked Maxi's and REALs. Some barrels are really picky and may like just one brand of sabot better than another. That said, ManCannon's comments are generally true, but the only way to be sure is to actually try different weights, lengths, and styles in your barrel. Some are very forgiving and easy to live with like mine, but there's no shortcuts - you have to test for yourself or you'll only wonder.
I think your 1:38 choice is a good one, all things considered.

Ryan:

Am in Pueblo, have a cva 32" in .54. Shoots about the same with hard balls as it does 300gr REAL's or anything else really.
Mostly it's my eye's that won't let it group under 5"/100yds. IF I could see better, do believe it'd be a much tighter grouper as a couple others have made first try 2" groups at different times.

IF you get down this way and want to try them, I'd be happy to donate a handful of these REAL's.

George