The Accurate Reloading Forums
6mm TCU twist rate.

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6121043/m/448106853

30 October 2005, 04:26
skid2964
6mm TCU twist rate.
I got a secand-hand custom Contender barrel in 6mm TCU. IT's a Virgin Valley 14" fluted with what appears to be a 1 in 9" twist. I had intended on using this barrel for varmint hunting using 55gr to 70gr bullets. What is the effect of too much twist on light bullets? Is this barrel useable for this purpose? or will I have ot stay with 85gr or above? What are my limits?
30 October 2005, 07:23
Bobby Tomek
Within reason, you can't overstabilize a bullet, but you can certainly understabilize one. The 1:9 is a terrific twist for the 6 TCU. Most of my small 6mms have had a 1:10 and one had a 1:9. Accuracy with lightweights was never a problem, although I must add the majority of my shooting with the little sixes centers around the 80 grain bullets, esp. the Sierra SSP. But I've worked up loads with the 55, 58, 60 and 70 grainers, and assembling accurate loads has never been a problem given a good barrel.


Bobby
Μολὼν λαβέ
The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri

01 November 2005, 07:39
6.5BR
Skid, I owned a bullberry 21" tcu in 12 twist.

It shot well with 70's and 85's. Worked ok with 85's but if I did another, it would be at least 10 and likely an 8 twist. I shoot 8 twist in 6BR rifle-26" and it shoots great with 70's.

Unless shooting a bench gun, I always felt a lot of 'writers' are overly concerned about OVER stablizing bullets.

I have NEVER wished for a SLOWER twist in any rifle/pistol. On the contrary.........there were times i.e. 260's with 9 twist that NEEDED an 8.

Enjoy, it will do great, esp. at the pistol velocities you will be shooting.
03 November 2005, 22:35
skb2706
double check your 6mm barrel from VVCG. Most I have encountered were 1-10.....mine is a 1-10 and shoots 58 gr. v maxs into spectatular groups. They are 'prairie dog accurate' to 400 yds.
27 February 2006, 22:41
Bill/Oregon
Just ordered a TC factory 6 TCU barrel with the standard 1:10 twist. Hope it will stabilize 90s.


There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author