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twist rate

hadjii
What's the twist rate on the Ruger Mini-14 in 223 caliber? Thanks.
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • hadjii
    I have a 1 in 9 twist barrel on my Ar-15. I was wondering what the heaviest bullet I should reload with.
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  • JustC
    all my 6.5 tubes are 8 twist. The 140's in certain manuf, can have a long bearing surface, necessitating a fast twist. You may be able to stabilize a 140gr with a 9 twist, you will have to test the barrel to see.
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  • nononsense
    hadjii,

    This twist rate question will depend on the length of the bullets as opposed to how much they weigh. The heavy HUNTING bullets including the 140 gr. Nosler Partitions and the 160 gr. Hornady Roundnose bullets will be stabilized with the 1:9" twist based on average velocities. But the problems will start when you switch to longer target VLD bullets.

    As JustC points out, those of use who use both, opt for the faster twist to be sure of stabilizing both types of bullets.

    Best.
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  • hadjii
    O.K. Next question. Can you over stabilize bullets, or rather should I say, can you use too fast of a twist, and would the result again be inaccuracy?
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  • nononsense
    hadjii,

    Good question, especially with your phrasing of the second part.

    "Can you over stabilize bullets,..."

    Technically speaking, there is no such thing as 'over stabilization'. When you look at that term you have to ask, 'How can something be more than stable?' So it's the use of the term that is problematic.

    "...or rather should I say, can you use too fast of a twist, and would the result again be inaccuracy?"

    That's the best way to phrase this type of question. It's answerable in real terms and it can be demonstrated.

    Yes, a twist rate that's too fast for the bullet can show definite inaccuracy and in extreme situations, demonstrate this by blowing up on the way to the target. We have found this to be true with the bullets that are being pushed at ultrahigh velocities combined with these faster twist rates. The increase in RPMs manages to bring out all of the flaws that are present in the bullet core, the jackets and the bond between the two. Slowing the bullets down a touch often results in stability and restored accuracy.

    However and this is important, when using fast twist barrels, some shorter and lighter bullets will perform just fine so long as the RPMs are kept reasonable.

    Example: AR15 rifles with the 1:7" twist rate will handle the 55 gr. bullets fine. My .223 Match rifle has a 1:8" twist and I routinely shoot 53 gr. flat base bullets in it with great accuracy.

    One of the disclaimers here is one that the Benchrest folks have tested and put forward as being factual, which it is. The greatest degree of accuracy is achieved with the slowest twist rate that keeps the bullet stable at the target.

    If this doesn't quite make sense, let me know and I'll try it again.

    Best.
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