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barrel twist

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11 comments

  • redhead71
    i have a 223 rifle (semi-auto) with a barrel twist of 1-7 twist. What bullet weight is the "best" for it? Looking to reload for it it will only be for target shooting.
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  • vdms55
    i would recomend 60 gr. bullets to start with and go up from there although some shooters i know "say" there AR's with the tight twist handle the 50's, 52's, and 55 grain projectiles with respectible groups. i did never ask what brand bullets they were using though. mine favors the 68 gr. hornady with varget powder.
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  • dcs shooters
    69-77gr. work best. You need to seat to fit in mag.
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  • skyfish
    I had good luck with 60gr Vmax, mine did not like 68gr BTHP. But most seem to like them.
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  • nononsense
    redhead71,

    Twist rate uses the bullet length not the weight, see the Greenhill Formula for a brief explanation:

    http://www.loadammo.com/Topics/July01.htm

    This is a calculator to use:

    http://kwk.us/twist.html

    No matter what bullets are suggested, you need to do the testing to determine what bullet(s) work best with what powder/primer.

    The twist will handle everything up to and including the 90 grain Match Target Bergers. I don't recommend the 90's or 82's because they perform better when loaded single shot at the longer OAL not from a magazine.

    http://www.bergerbullets.com/Products/Target%20Bullets.html

    Several barrel makers websites have lists regarding the bullet weights vs twist rate:

    Shilen Barrels

    .224 CF
    - 7" for bullets heavier than 70gr.
    - 8" for bullets heavier than 70gr.
    - 8"* Ratchet rifled 4 groove
    - 9" for bullets up to 70gr.
    - 12: for bullets up to 63gr.
    - 14" for bullets up to 55gr.
    - 14"* Ratchet rifled 4 groove
    - 15"* for bullets up to 55gr. driven 4,100 pfs or more
    - 16:* for bullets up to 55gr. driven 4,300 fps or more

    http://www.shilen.com/calibersAndTwists.html

    Best.
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  • tsr1965
    I would say 62 to 75 grain loads if you plan on using the magazine. If you want a veyr accurate single shot, then 80-90 grains.

    Best
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  • quickmajik
    I agree with TSR, thought you might get away with 55 grain Amax bullets in a pinch for accuracy..


    You can shoot 40 or 50 grain bullets they just wont shoot that great accuracywise.. And I have heard anidotically that a tight ROT when mixed with extreme velocity can cause a bullet to come apart and or cause excessive wear to the barrel.
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  • redhead71
    the rifle i will be firing through is a FN FS2000 and a Scar both have 1-7 twist i have fired 55gn and 62 grain. Firing both grains the best groups i have done so far is 1 1/2-2" groups at 100yds. would this be normal for that barrel twist and grain being used?
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  • sandwarrior
    I can't vouch for the accuracy of either rifle. Although, I will say FN has typically been better than 1.5 MOA

    I would suggest starting @ 77 and going through the heaviest bullet weights out there. Since this is a 'target' rifle you may want to load singly for that anyways. In which case I would recommend loading 90 gr. VLD type bullets.

    About the longest bullets you are going to get to work in a magazine will be the Hornady 75 gr. HPBT, {Note: not the A-max bullets. They are too long of an ogive and the ogive will be behind the neck if you get them to magazine length.} the 77 gr. Sierra HPBT and the Nosler 77 gr. Custom Competition. You may get a Berger 70 gr. VLD to fit in a mag as well. Typically though with those I've found best accuracy comes from loading them very close or into the lands. Not doable in this case. However, your accuracy requirments may be met still with these bullets having to make the jump.
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  • redhead71
    thanks
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  • 5mmgunguy
    Try several different weights. I have a 1-7 AR that loves Sierra 69 grain hps...with a 5 power scope they shoot 5 inside 1 inch at 100 yards from a totally stock rifle.
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