I have a 1 in 14 twist rate on my remington .223. This gun loves ammo 40gr to 63gr. All of the different loads in front of 26grs of win 748. I have heard that some people say "fast twist light bullet" and other "slow twist light bullet". I know what my gun likes but have heard to many people tell new comers different stories. Please teach me which is correct. I know that I am looking for a 1 in 9 twist barrel for this rifle so I can shoot heavy bullets. Let me know which is correct. One other thing.... I got a 25.75" barrel on this rifle.

Thanks

Ray

[ 11-26-2003, 00:44: Message edited by: Ray-Marine ]

If you've got a 1:14 barrel that shoots 63 grainers, god bless ya. You need a faster twist rate (1:9 or 1:8 or 1:7) to stabilize heavier bullets. My Cooper VE 21 has a 1:14 barrel that is benchrest accuarte with light bullets, but anything over 52 grains and accuracy dwindles....it's a 1/4 moa gun with light bullets, 55 grainers open up to an inch.

A fast twist (1:7,1:9, etc.) goes with heavier bullets and a slow twist (like a 1:12) goes with lighter bullets because the heavier bullets need to spin faster to stabilize and fly true.

I think it has more to do with the length of the bullet. A longer (usually heavier) bullet needs a faster twist to stabilize.

Normally, faster twist barrels (1:8/1:9) are needed to stabilize heavier weight bullets. But sometimes you get a gem that will shoot anything! If it shoots the heavier pills I wouldn't change a thing. The following is something I copied from another site that can be used as a general rule of thumb:
.224 CF
8" For bullets heavier than 70 gr.
9" For bullets up to 70 gr.
12" For bullets up to 63 gr.
14" For bullets up to 55 gr.
15"* For bullets up to 55 gr. driven 4,100 fps or more
16"* For bullets up to 55 gr. driven 4,300 fps or more

Hollywood

Thanks all.

BTW if someone could tell me how to put up pictures up on here I would show off my rifles and some of the target groups I shoot.

Thanks

Ray

Long heavier weight bullets like fast twist bores. Short stubby bullets like slow twist rates. Much better to over spin a bullet than uderspin one. Fast twist bores can show very good accuray with light weight stubby bullets. Very Few slow twist bores will like long heavy sleek bullets.

Savage's 223 have a one in 9 twist and will stabilize bullets up to 75 grains very well.

For 80 grain bullets, the rifle needs a one in 8 twist.

77 grainers, I don't know, as I have never been able to get them to shoot worth a darn regardless of twist.

For the new 90 grain bullets ( of which I have not personally seen,) according to a local barrel maker, require a one in 6 and a half twist.!

Hope this helps you out! Good luck

I'm building a 22/250AI and haven't ordered my barrel yet, but was wondering if a 1:10 twist would let me shoot 70 grain pills, if I'm shooting them at Ackley Improved velocities. I don't want to go any faster on the twist for fear that it won't shoot 55 grainers well.

If you are building a barrel, get at least a 1/9 twist........250AI???? 1/8 will work fine, same cost, plus you can play with the heavy target bullets. My Savage 223s with a 1/9 twist love 55 gr Nosler BTs, along with 69 SMKs. Your added powder capacity of the 250 AI case will easily let you shoot the 75-80 gr pills. 1/8".....Pac-Nor barrels....

[ 11-30-2003, 18:27: Message edited by: Armed in Utah ]

For anything above the 55gr. bullet I'd suggest a 1 in 9" or better yet a 1 in 8" twist.
Many of us are quite satisfied with the 1 in 14" twist because we limit ourselves to 55gr and lighter. Bullet length and shape may play a role in this also. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal