sig.natures
Member
I'm relatively new to the technical shooting world though a long time reloader of handgun and hunting rifle loads. I have a question about gauging appropriate velocity in varied twist rates for proper stabilization. I'm working with a Savage 12 Low Profile Varminter. I can get routine 1/2-3/4" group but wanting to move into the "precision" realm. I'm a bit confused. I know that a longer bullet in a given caliber requires a faster twist for stabilization. Here's my quandry. My rifle is a 22-250 with a 1:9 twist. Most reloading data for similar calibers is published with 1:12 to 1:14 twist. All of these publications tend to indicate that the loading most apt to produce the best groups is at the top of the velocity range.
Okay, so I look at a 22 PPC, a cartridge reknowned for its accuracy and see a recommended velocity with a 52 grain bullet around 3358 FPS in a 1:14 barrel. That equates to 3358/14*12=2878 revs per second. Now step up to a 22-250. Data says 3784 FPS at 1:14. That's 3243 RPS. A 22-250 load that corresponds with the 22 PPC's 2878 RPS is 2158 FPS in a 1:9 twist. Formula 2158/9*12=2877 RPS.
Still, the books say faster is better. What am I missing here? Either I shoot 22-250 loads as a much slower velocity in a 1:9 to equate to a recognized benchrest winner, or the 22 PPC would be more accurate at a faster speed than possible in that efficient casing.
Am I just over thinking this or do benchrest shooters really custom tune to the degree that I am discussing? Enlighten me!
Please send comments to [email protected]. I don't monitor this as often as I'd like but the other comes to me on my blackberry. Thanks.
Okay, so I look at a 22 PPC, a cartridge reknowned for its accuracy and see a recommended velocity with a 52 grain bullet around 3358 FPS in a 1:14 barrel. That equates to 3358/14*12=2878 revs per second. Now step up to a 22-250. Data says 3784 FPS at 1:14. That's 3243 RPS. A 22-250 load that corresponds with the 22 PPC's 2878 RPS is 2158 FPS in a 1:9 twist. Formula 2158/9*12=2877 RPS.
Still, the books say faster is better. What am I missing here? Either I shoot 22-250 loads as a much slower velocity in a 1:9 to equate to a recognized benchrest winner, or the 22 PPC would be more accurate at a faster speed than possible in that efficient casing.
Am I just over thinking this or do benchrest shooters really custom tune to the degree that I am discussing? Enlighten me!
Please send comments to [email protected]. I don't monitor this as often as I'd like but the other comes to me on my blackberry. Thanks.