Is a 1-8" twist rate what I want for my (M1999 SA) 6.5x55 project?? I'd like to be able to use bullets from 120-140 grs.

Thanks for any input in advance.
- mike

Mike,

1 in 8" twist is the "standard" twist for 6.5X55. I think the original loading was a 160 RN. That's what I would use .

Regards, Bill

Our HP gun in 6,5x55 has a 1-9" twist. It seems that the better match barrels have a 1-8,5" or 1-9"
We mostly use Lapua 7,8,9g(108,123,139 grs) and Norma Diamond Line 8,4 g (130 grs) bullets.Speed ranging from 2550 to 2850 f/s.

I have used my retired match barrels for hunting and I have no problem stabilizing 156 grs Norma Oryx or 160 grs Hornady RN in them. It you will not use heavier bullets than 140 grs I would use a 1-9" barrel

[ 11-14-2003, 19:20: Message edited by: Sauer 150 ]

Having been through 3 or 4 6.5s I usually lean toward the 1-8" The 1-9" will probably stabilize everything just fine, but I usually chose the 1-8" just for a little extra insurance. With the quality of today's bullets I would much rather over stabilize then under.

I have, over the years, built a lot of various 6.5s. On the average the 8" twists have always shot best so I prefer to use 8". Regards, Bill.

Great stuff, thanks a ton guys. It appears there are quite a few 6.5x55s delivered in 1-220mm twist rate in Europe. That is about 1-8.67" - pretty much right smack in the middle of the range 1-9" to 1-8". Given that it is probably better to overstabilize a tad, I guess I'll go with a 1-8". Thanks to all for replying!
- mike

mho

I had a border barrel in 1-8,5 twist and it worked just fine.

some say it can be done wiht a 1-9, but if the temprature drops there can be trouble giving the bullet enough stability.

/ JOHAN

[ 11-16-2003, 20:21: Message edited by: JOHAN ]

I found it impossible to stabalize 140gr Barnes X with a 1:9 twist.

I solved the problem by rebarreling with a 1:8.

I quite agree with Deerdog. I have a Remington Classic in 6.5x55 and while it is generally a quite accurate rifle, the 1 in 9" twist doesn't handle the 140gr. bullets very well. I can get 1" groups (5 at 100yds) but not much smaller. I think 1 in 8" would be better. I can shoot Lapua Scenars into less than .5" regularly with 108 and 123gr bullets so maybe I'd better be careful what I wish for. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal