2ndtimer
Member
The 1 in 12” twist rate In .223 Rem. is probably optimal for shooting lightweight bullets. I have two such bolt guns, a Remington 700 SPS Varmint With 26” heavy barrel and a Weatherby Vanguard Varmint Special with 22” heavy barrel. Both shoot 40 gr. bullets very well, with top velocities. My S&W M&P 15 original Sport with a 1 in 8” twist 16” barrel also shoots them surprisingly well. But what a difference in velocity! With Fiocchi factory 40 gr V-Max loads, the Remington pushes them right at 3,650 FPS. The 10” shorter, faster twist Smith only managed 3,167 FPS.
If you are serious about maximum performance on small varmints at less than 300 yards, you might try to locate a used older model. Might even get a good deal on one since many seem to be interested in lobbing 69 and 77 gr bullets longer distances and penciling through their target. I prefer the aerial display and the “no doubt” confirmed kill of the higher velocity more explosive performance of the light weight Ballistic Tips, V-Max, and Varmageddons. Also like the cheaper option of the Hornady 50 gr SX bullets at 3200 FPS or so. Their very thin jackets might not survive a 1 in 9” or faster twist, but provide excellent accuracy and performance in the slower twist barrels.
If you are serious about maximum performance on small varmints at less than 300 yards, you might try to locate a used older model. Might even get a good deal on one since many seem to be interested in lobbing 69 and 77 gr bullets longer distances and penciling through their target. I prefer the aerial display and the “no doubt” confirmed kill of the higher velocity more explosive performance of the light weight Ballistic Tips, V-Max, and Varmageddons. Also like the cheaper option of the Hornady 50 gr SX bullets at 3200 FPS or so. Their very thin jackets might not survive a 1 in 9” or faster twist, but provide excellent accuracy and performance in the slower twist barrels.