I bought some 52 grain a-max bullets to load in my 223 1-12 twist, the a-max box says 1-14 twist? do they still shoot good from a 1-12.

They will be fine. Its hard to over-stabilize a bullet.

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Originally posted by rocketman:
They will be fine. Its hard to over-stabilize a bullet.

Actually, a 1:12 is better suited to that bullet than a 1:14. And a 1:10 or 1:9 is better yet.

Within reason, you can't overstabilize a bullet, but you can certainly understabilize one. A 1:8 Contender barrel of mine in .223 Rem shoots everything from the flyweight 40s through the 75 grain A-Max with superb accuracy.

Long ago, data for recommended twist/bullet weights was put together, and much of that is dated but still in use today. Back then, there were few boat-tailed projectiles and certainly no VLD-type bullets. In other words, a minimum-recommended twist that works for a 52 grain flat-based bullet may not do the trick with a boat-tailed version of the same weight.

To boot, I have seen 'smiths and custom shops recommend a 1:14 for 58-90 grain bullets in cartridges like the 6mm TCU. But those who actually have experience in the field will tell you that won't fly - at least not straight...

I am going to try these bullets in a .223 w/ 1 X 9 twist barrel.I was wondering if they will hold together .thanks

I shoot them in a 223 Ackley Improved with a 1:12 twist and they group under 1/2" at 100 yds. I have no complaints.

Yes, they will do fine in a 1:9. About the only bullets that are not suitable to a fast twist are the Hornady SX and Sierra Blitz, but few folks use these "ancient" designs anyway and instead seem to prefer the poly-tipped wonders.

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Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
... the Hornady SX and Sierra Blitz, but few folks use these "ancient" designs anyway ...

And some of old geezers still use the w-i-d-e Hollow Point 52gr Speer. Nice if you DO NOT want Exits.

I've heard a "rumor" the 22cal Speer TNTs can unwrap if driven a bit too fast, maybe at 22-250Rem velocities.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
... the Hornady SX and Sierra Blitz, but few folks use these "ancient" designs anyway ...

And some of us old geezers still use the w-i-d-e Hollow Point 52gr Speer. Nice if you DO NOT want Exits.

I've heard a "rumor" the 22cal Speer TNTs can unwrap if driven a bit too fast, maybe at 22-250Rem velocities.

I have a Remington SPS that really likes the ancient design SP & SPSX it shoots 3/4 inch at 100yds.I like em for their price.

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I've heard a "rumor" the 22cal Speer TNTs can unwrap if driven a bit too fast, maybe at 22-250Rem velocities.

Not the 55 grain TNT bullets.. the 50s can...

the 55 TNTs are made for Swift and 22.250 Velocities...

I don't think they are as accurate as the 50s tho......

Wouldn't a 40 grain TNT be a blast!

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Originally posted by seafire2:

quote:

I've heard a "rumor" the 22cal Speer TNTs can unwrap if driven a bit too fast, maybe at 22-250Rem velocities.

Not the 55 grain TNT bullets.. the 50s can...

Hey Seafire, Thanks for the info. Never had any of them come apart in my 223Rem or the old Hornets. I don't think they were being made when I had a 22-250Rem, so I appreciate the info.

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Wouldn't a 40 grain TNT be a blast!

Yes it would.

Hot Core wrote:

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And some of us old geezers still use the w-i-d-e Hollow Point 52gr Speer

As someone who did quite a bit of pelt hunting during the heyday of high fur prices, I can tell you that the 52 grain Speer HP is one of my all-time favorite bullets. Driven by 34 grains of H4895 in a 22-250, it rarely exited 'yotes, even with broadside, ribcage shots.