I've long been a proponent of barrels with fast twists, especially in the smaller-capacity cartridges and rifle-type calibers used in single shot pistols, where muzzle velocities fall short of their long barrel counterparts. I've always believed that you can't overstabilize a bullet (within reason, of course) but that you can certainly understabilize one. That's why my small-capacity 6mms all have 1:10s and why my other wildcat rounds feature similar twists.

But there are those who claim that certain twists are too fast for optimum performance and accuracy, and there's even a custom shop (no naming of names here!) that feels a 1:14 or no faster than 1:12 is what must be used in both .22 caliber and 6mm barrels. I've never bought into this "theory" and never will...

Earlier this week, I took possession of a 26" VVCG .223 Rem barrel with a 1:8 twist. My primary focus will be with 68-75 grain bullets, and the accuracy it has already shown in short workouts has been outstanding with these heavyweights. But just for grins, today I loaded up some 40, 45 and 52 grain bullets. I didn't even bother to work up loads; I simply took loads that had worked well in the past and reduced them a tad.

Lo and behold, the worst group was 1.15" with the Speer 52 grain HP, and 4 shots were within app. 3/4". The flyer, I am certain, was my fault. Even the stubby little 45 grain Hornady Hornet bullet registered a nice 0.740 group at 100 yards.

The quicker twists give one more versatility in terms of bullet selection. You are quite limited with the slower rates. True, at top speeds and in larger capacity rounds, bullets like the SX. Blitz or TNT may come unglued in a 1:7 or 1:8 barrel. But there are plenty of other bullets which work just fine...

Bobby, I too believe that you cannot overstabalize bullets (within reason). I have had great success with 55 grain bullets in twists as fast as 1-7". I have an AR-15 that STILL will put those 55's into well below 1/2" at 100 yards and i am using a Winchester 55 FMJ, a bullet NOT known for its accuracy!

I believe as you do that the thin skinned bullets have the potential to "come unglued" from rotational forces once they depart the barrel but in a case like the 223 it has never been a problem.

Cooper recommended a 1-14 twist for the 22CCM but i have been thinkin bout a 1-12 or 10 twist so i can shoot bullets as heavy as 60 grain (subsonic ).......