Rate of Twist vs Barrel Length

jdyer

July 22, 2005 06:57

Is the rate of twist of a barrel in any way determined by the desired length of the barrel, or vice versa?

The reason I ask is this - I have a Marlin 444 whose barrel was cut from 22" to 18". Just wanted to know if this would cause a problem, specifically in this rifle, or in any rifle when significantly shortened.

Thanks

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  Bert H.

  July 22, 2005 07:08

  Hello jdyer...
  
  To answer your question simply, No, the twist rate and barrel length are not related. The optimum twist rate is determined by the weight/shape of the intended bullet to be used.
  
  Bert H.
  
  Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

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  Hunter375

  July 22, 2005 20:30

  Just as Bert H said. Intended velocity range factors in as well.
  
  Cutting your barrel will not affect the way it stabilizes the bullet, but you will lose a couple hundred FPS muzzle velocity.
  
  Save the seals-club a liberal instead.

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  Ross

  July 23, 2005 16:35

  It is probably off-topic, but there are guns that have the twist affected when the barrels are shortened. Some 6.5 Carcano rifles with gain twist barrels were ruined when Bubba'd with the hacksaw. They became suitable for short bullets only.
  As noted, conventional twist barrels like the one in question spin the bullets at the same one turn in 20 inch rate with any barrel length, only loosing velocity when shortened.
  Picky, picky.
  Regards from Darkest California,
  Ross

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