Twist rate of .223 rem barrels

[Thirties]

What are the twist rates one should expect in a .223 rem rifle? I'm especially thinking about a single shot rifle in .223 rem. Is there a preferred twist rate for a single shot that would yield accuracy in the heavier range of bullets?

What do you .223 rem folks think about twist rates, accuracy, and bullet weights?

[RNB65]

Anywhere from 1:7 to 1:12 are common. A slow twist rate (1:12) is common for varmint rifles that shoot lighter bullets (55gr and below). A fast rate (1:7) is used for rifles that shoot heavier bullets (77 gr). 1:9 is usually the middle ground that works well with a wide range of bullet weights.

It depends on what type of shooting you will be doing and what bullet weights you'll be using.

[McClintock]

Seems to me I've seen another thread on the forum before about this. RNB65, you beat me to it. :)

I'm not sure how to post a link to another thread, but here goes... it goes into a lot more detail on .223 twist rates.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376105&highlight=twist+rate

Hope it helps!

Cheers!
McClintock

[Thirties]

Thanks for the link!

So, as I understand it, as long as you stay within 65 grain bullets (not heavier), it is possible to use 1:9 to 1:12 twist. But, in case you know, what rate of twist do single shot rifles use:

New England firearms, Baikal/Remington, etc.

[Dave R]

My NEF single shot is a 1:12, and it shoots 40gr. varmit bullets like a dang laser beam. I have made some very long shots with that rifle.

But I don't believe all single shots, or even all NEFs are 1:12.

[scottys1]

I have a Remington 700 in .223 that has a 1:12 twist. It gives outstanding accuracy with 50-55 grain bullets. I haven't tried anything lighter. With 69 grain bullets, groups open up quite a bit.

[Thirties]

Baikal/Remington .223rem uses 1:9 twist, by the way.

[HankC1]

MidwayUSA has 223 Adams & Bennett barrels with 1 in 14" twist rate. Is it too slow for 62 gr bullet? Will 55 gr do fine?

[Jim Watson]

I would expect a 14" twist barrel to be too slow for the M855 62 gr GI bullet, which is long for its weight because of the steel nose plug.
That was the standard twist for .22 centerfires larger than .22 Hornet until the Army tested early M16s in cold air. They found a 12" twist was needed to stabilize 55 grain M193 boattails in cold dense air. But the 14" twist had worked fine for up to 55 grain flatbase spitzers for decades. Now everybody thinks it is good only for 40 grain screamers.