Hornady 50gr Z-Max in 1-7 Twist 223 Rem

[capreppy]

I have a 24" 1-9 twist 223 Rem that shoots the Hornady 50gr Z-Max very well. I use Hodgdon H322 and Fed 205M and am able to get consistent 1/2 MOA groups.

Thinking about rebarelling to a 26" 1-7 twist 223 Rem.

I've got 6 or 700 left so I definitely want to use them. In addition, I still have probably 14# of H322 left. Plus (when you can get them) the Hornady's are pretty inexpensive for a target bullet).

Has anyone used these lighter bullets in a fast twist 223?

 

[Kp321]

Find a friend with a 1-7 AR and have him try them. If they make it to the target in one piece, you are good. I have not tried them so don't know how they will stand up to the rotational forces of a 1-7 twist. If they are accurate in 1-9 they should be in the faster twist. If a bullet is well "balanced" for want of a better term, a faster twist will not hurt accuracy.

 

[capreppy]

I've got a 1-8 Twist 24" AR, but trying to compare bolt gun accuracy. Apples to Apples. Pretty sure they'll get to the target in one piece, just curious if I'll get the same level of accuracy.

I guess my question is: is 1-7 "too" fast for a 50gr bullet. I know the 1-7's "favor" the heavier bullet and I will certainly load heavier bullets (which is the whole reason I am considering rebarreling), but since I have the lighter bullets, I'd like to make use of them.

 

[2ndtimer]

FWIW, my S&W M&P 15 Sport with the 1 in 8" twist shoots 40 gr Z-Max and V-Max loads just fine. My son's PSA with the 1 in 7 twist does OK with the 40 gr Z-Max bullets, but doesn't like the factory 50 gr Tipped Varmint American Eagle loads from Federal. It also seems to prefer the Z-Max to the V-Max. I really think the jackets are a little thicker on the Z-Max bullets. I think they are more like the A-Max jackets. His rifle really likes the 55 gr Nosler Varmageddon 55 gr tipped bullets with 26.0 gr of Varget.

 

[helotaxi]

is: is 1-7 "too" fast for a 50gr bullet.

No.

I know the 1-7's "favor" the heavier bullet and I will certainly load heavier bullets (which is the whole reason I am considering rebarreling), but since I have the lighter bullets, I'd like to make use of them.

Big difference between "can shoot" and "favor". Until you have the barrel in question installed on a rifle and are shooting various bullets through it, you really don't know what it will favor.

 

[capreppy]

Big difference between "can shoot" and "favor". Until you have the barrel in question installed on a rifle and are shooting various bullets through it, you really don't know what it will favor.

Valid point and previously understood. Thinking generalities right now and still on the fence about a rebarrel. The discussion is to help solidify a decision.

 

[Fatelvis]

Theoretically the 1:7 twist will lower the velocity ceiling of the bullet slightly, compared to the 1:9. I think it will shoot your 50 grainers fine though. Please note: Some SX varmint bullets may come apart if driven hard in a 1:7 barrel though. I like the 7 and 8 twists for shooting long, heavy bullets at long range. Let us know how it works for you!

 

[helotaxi]

Theoretically the 1:7 twist will lower the velocity ceiling of the bullet slightly, compared to the 1:9.

Theoretically. Might be an issue with a .22-250. Won't lower it into the .223 velocity range though. Remember that they 50+ gn VMax were designed to be driven hard.