Which Rifle Twist?

[ms6852]

If I wanted to shoot the 5.56 heavier loads as well as the lighter weights, would it be safe to select a 1:8 twist instead of the 1:7 or 1:9 twists?

 

[Ramone]

it's not as simple as all that.

If fact, despite the fact that we usually speak in terms of xxgr needing 1:X twist to stabilise, it is actually the length the projectile that makes the difference (heavier bullet= longer bullet).

for more than you ever wanted to know:

http://www.stevespages.com/page8e.htm

 

[TonyAngel]

This is one of those things that many just plain over think. From what I've seen, 55 and 62gr projectiles are the most commonly used. With all of the buzz lately about the performance of the 69 and 77gr projectiles, many are getting it in their heads that they want to be able to shoot these heavy weights and that's fine. What I don't see a whole lot of is guys shooting projectiles lighter than 45gr in their ARs; so the bottom line is that if you want to most practical flexibility, go with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist. Either will do fine and will cover most bases. As a general rule of thumb, a 1:9 twist will allow you to shoot up to 69gr projectiles. 1:7 and 1:8 will allow you to shoot the 77s as well.

Just keep in mind that a 1:9 twist isn't slow. It's just slower than 1:7 or 1:8

 

[ms6852]

Thanks for the info and link guys.

 

[M1key]

Depends on the rifle and what you want to do with it. My Tikka .223 with 1:8 actually shoots 52 match handloads the best.

My ARs with chrome-lined barrels in 1:9 for me will all shoot 50-77 grs fine to 200 yds.

M