1:12 in. twist limiting in .223?

1:12 is good for anything less than about 60 grains - it will depend on the bullet. The heavier bullets are only important if you are shooting longther than 300 yards.

I've been messing around trying different bullets in my CZ527 .223 1:12, and so far I've gotten the best groups with Sierra 63grain SMP Varminters.

1 in 16" twist Douglas barrels meant for 22 rimfire can be chambered in .223.
That is 4140 steel and good enough for centerfire. Old 22 rimfire barrels cannot take it.
They will stabilize a 50 gr Hornady soft point at 3,000 fps, but not a 55 gr Vmax.

Accuracy with 35 gr Vmax @ 3500 fps is outstanding, but the range is 140 yards near flat and 250 yards with elevation.


A 1 in 12" pitch Ruger #1 rifle in .223 is my favorite firearm.

1:12 twist 223

My CZ 527 is the Kevlar 1:9 twist and it will shoot up to 77 OTM's.

I think the laminated 1:12 will do 60's OK and maybe the Sierra 63 SMK or 65 Gameking, but that might be pusing it.

+1 on the 527's. I am trying to sell my Savage 10FP 223, with factory Low Profile Varminter laminated stock, to fund a CZ 527 laminated to go with my Kevlar.

The 60 grain Hornady is a stout bullet and should do well against the larger varmints.

My Remington 22-250 at 1:14 shoots 55gr rounds like a champ...Not so great with 60gr loads...

1:12 twist rate, IME, stabilizes 55gr Hornady SP's, but 68gr BTHP's keyholed at 50yds. 55grainers grouped tight. 68grainers patterned like a shotgun and left football shaped holes in the target.

1 in 12 twist is best with 40 to 55 grain bullets,. no doubt.

Tikka 595 with 1:12 twist.

53-55 grainers group as good as I can shoot prone with sling & iron sights, 1.5" @ 100 yd. on a good day.

62 grainers group at 6" or more.

40-50 grain bullets will be best for 1:12. My DPMS doesn't like 69gr and it has a 1:9 barrel but shoots 45-62's like a champ with 50-55 being the sweat spot.

you will not be able to use over 60 grainers, and 45's will be your best. Winny makes them in their cheapo line, in the big white box. I have the exact same rifle twist, but in the 527 carbine, and it maxes out at 60 grians. anything heavier, and I might not be able to hit a barn door.

1 in 16" twist Douglas barrels meant for 22 rimfire can be chambered in .223.

Click to expand...

Be very careful when doing this as the rimfire barrel is a tighter barrel so it affects pressure readings.