8 twist or 12 twist 223

[chopperjase]

Hi all

If you had a choice of any brand 223 in any configuration ,varmint or light barrel would you take an 8 twist or 12 twist for a foxing/odd range day tool ,heavier 224 bullets with better BCs are growing in number ,is this the way forward do you think.

thanks.

[Brummy Mark]

In answer to your specific question and options, 1:8 twist.

[gbal]

You are right about 224 bullets-they now are available from 36g to 90g,but the trend has been to favour the heavier,say around 70g,for range use beyond say 300 yards-the BC ,and therefore drop/drift is so much better. Almost any well placed bullet from almost any 223 configuration rifle will be adequate for fox,at typical distances (under 250y).You don't need a heavy barrel-if you miss first shot,you won't be getting several more-but you do for more sustained range target shooting.Here are some sample commercial data-note the performance drop off with lighter bullets....beyond say 250y:

data are drop/drift inches 10mph,and energy ft lb:

 

100 200 300 400

 

36@3750 +1.2/1.6 736 0/7 469 -7.22/17.6 284 -24.5/35.7 166

55@3240 +1.4/1.1 990 0/4.6 755 -7.1/11.2 565 -21.7/21.4 415

77@22750 +2/.9 1086 0/3.6 906 -8.6/8.4 750 -25.1/15.7 616

 

While you can dial in distance,known on ranges-laserable in field,you will be making wind judgement errors-and that seriously limits distance for secure hits in wind-you just cant afford a 6" error.

 

These data are for a 24" barrel,take off about 25 fps per loss of an inch of barrel-nothing else much affects the ballistics.But the relative bullet differences hold (as they do with minor bullet profile differences.

That's the ball park.

1 in 8 just is far more flexible-and may well shoot the lighter bullets adequately,but why would one want to?

If you did want light weight high velocity short range 22 cf accuracy,and some do then OK (get a 22ppc?)

Most will be far better served with a versatile 1 in 8,configured to their needs,desires or both.Sometimes fashion has a sensible base.Enjoy your choice.

 

Gbal

[204 rem]

1/8 twist for me mate

[tikkat3tac]

I have a 1:8 also and it will stabilize everything from 40gr Vmax to 75gr BTHP and its very accurate.

 

As an alrounder, it's a good choice.

[gaz6br]

1/8 if your doing range aswell

 

Gaz

[sako 75 .243]

Got a 1/7 on my AR..its a medium profile 20" walther .....absolute tackdriver out to 300 using 75gn hpbt.

 

Have fun with the choice you make.

 

Glenn