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1:8 and 1:9 in a 223, what does it mean

bait dunker
Have an AR barrel that is 1:8, but I see most barrels are 1:9, whats the difference? Im going to assume one is more suited to heavier bullets than the other, but which is which? What does it all mean?
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  • Wehrmacht_45
    It means you can use heavier bullets. Barrels for the .223 go from 1 turn in 14 inches down to 1 in 7. The tighter the twist the heavier the bullets you can shoot, which allows better performance down range.

    You can probably shoot 69-75 gr bullets the best with that twist
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  • ern98
    The 1:8 will be better for heavier bullets then the 1:9, by a little. Shooters care about this because while lighter bullets are loaded to higher velosities the also shed velosity fast. Whereas heavier bullets retain more velosity longer meaning better downrange energy when the target is hit. With paper this isn't important, but in getting a clean kill on a varmint it can be.
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  • shilowar
    I just learned something new...right at the beginning of my day!! Thanks guys! Now some of my gun nut buddies(uh I mean firearms enthusiasts) will think I'm a genius...til they ask a follow up question ;)
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  • USN_Airdale
    quote:Originally posted by shilowar
    I just learned something new...right at the beginning of my day!! Thanks guys! Now some of my gun nut buddies(uh I mean firearms enthusiasts) will think I'm a genius...til they ask a follow up question ;)

    in that case, you just say, "hummmmm.., let me think about that over night" [:D]
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  • nononsense
    bait dunker,

    "Im going to assume one is more suited to heavier bullets than the other, but which is which?"

    The longer the bullet, the faster the twist rate required to keep the bullet stable in flight. So faster twist rates will stabilize the longer and for the most part, heavier bullets.

    "What does it all mean?"

    I think it's more important to understand that in situations like this the 1:9" twist will be able to handle 99% of the bullets made for the .223 Remington. The 1:8" and subsequently the 1:7" twist used by the military, will handle the longer and heavier Match VLD bullets used in long range shooting.

    Best.
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