Which twist for .223 bolt action?

[Madpap]

Very good read. Thanks Dennis.

 

[Cedar Creek]

My Mini-14 has a 1 in 9 twist and loves 70 grain bullets. My .223 bolt action is a Mini-Mauser with a 20" barrel - I had always shot 45 & 50 grain bullets in it until recently, but changed to 55 grain bullets because that was pretty much what I had. Very pleased with the accuracy with the 55 grain bullet, but I don't know what the twist rate is. I guess the short answer is to get a 9" or faster twist, but I don't know what most factory .223 bolt rifles usually come with. I'm betting they are 9" or faster.

Good Luck!

Cedar Creek

 

[crrcboatz]

My Browning is a 1-10 rate. I shot up to 69 grain ammo in it. It loves the 55-60. I only target shoot with it though. It has a 24 inch barrel I think.

 

[turkeyrun]

I have a Rem700 with 1 in 9 twist, shoot 60-64 gr 99% of the time.

 

[scrub buck]

I'd chose a 9 twist unless you chose to shoot mostly 70's, then an 8 twist may suit you better.

 

[soonerman]

I like 1/7" because you only increase the stability.

1/7 for supersonic .308s was tested in the latest SNIPER magazine and it held groups as well as the 1/11.25" and was able to also keep subs on target to 600 yards.

Sent from Android TappyTalkie

 

[JKinds]

I have a Rem700 with 1 in 9 twist, shoot 60-64 gr 99% of the time.

I'm looking for a Rem 700. If you don't mind sharing what specific model is yours? I'm having a hard time finding any 700 with any twist faster than 1-12 with a 24" or 26" barrel.

 

[ldp4570]

We have two CZ's American's in .223, and 1-12 twist with 26" barrels. Both rifle's shoot well with with just about any loads from 40gr up into the 60 grain loadings. Granted we only have a 100yd rifle range, but I haven't noticed any key-holing from the heavier bullets.

 

[okietom]

My understanding of twist rates and bullet weight is that longer bullets need more spin to stabilize. It is based on bullet length more than weight. Usually the longer a bullet is the heavier it is.

Not so with Barnes all copper bullets. A 70 grain all copper Barnes is longer than a 70 grain lead core bullet and may need more twist. The info swampratt posted is from Barnes and covers their bullets.