223 rate of twist

[lead chucker]

Thinking about a bolt or single shot 223, that would be the best rate of twist for 55-65 gr cast bullets. Can any one give me some advice based on personal experience. I'm thinking a cheap handy rifle for a lower end savage.

[Hickory]

The last rifle I had rebarreled I asked for a 1-9 twist for my 223 and a short lead to the rifling.
The smith asked why the short lead? And I said that I will be shooting prairie dogs with it, and I will start out using 50-55 gr. bullets. And as the lead/throat erodes I can use heavier bullets and extend the accurate life of the barrel.
I am still shooting that gun/barrel and my theory seems to have been a good one.
12,000 rounds and it’s still shooting very good with 60 gr bullets.

[Larry Gibson]

Thinking about a bolt or single shot 223, that would be the best rate of twist for 55-65 gr cast bullets. Can any one give me some advice based on personal experience. I'm thinking a cheap handy rifle for a lower end savage.

A 12" twist will be best for cast bullets in that weight range, from a lot of personal experience with twists from 7 to 14" in .223s over 40+ years with cast bullets.

Larry Gibson

[stubshaft]

I'd go with Larry's recommendation, the faster twists may look good initially but are difficult to get decent velocity out of without stripping the boolit.

[Wolfer]

My 223 savage came with a 9" twist and shot 55s good but seemed hard to get velocity. When the barrel went south I went with a 14" twist. I can now get velocity but can't stabilize long 55 grainers like the v- max or blitzking. My rem 700 with 12" twist seems to be the best of both worlds.

I'm talking jacketed here as I have no experience with cast in a center fire 22.

[largom]

A 12" twist will be best for cast bullets in that weight range, from a lot of personal experience with twists from 7 to 14" in .223s over 40+ years with cast bullets.

Larry Gibson


+1 on 12" twist. Will also work good for wide range of jacketed bullets.

Larry Miller

[lead chucker]

1-12 ok. I appreciate that Larry thanks.

[parisite]

Are full power 223 loadings OK for cast gas check bullets?
Been think about trying some out of a Thompson Contender if they are, if I could buy some commercially.

[Larry Gibson]

Are full power 223 loadings OK for cast gas check bullets?
Been think about trying some out of a Thompson Contender if they are, if I could buy some commercially.

They are "ok" but if you want accuracy (like in planning on hitting what you aim at) you will need to reduce the velocity. How much will depend on a lot of things but a twist of 12 or 14" will be best.

Larry Gibson

[rollmyown]

I've go an older Mk II Ruger stainless synthetic in 223. Any idea of it's twist rate?

[runfiverun]

the 1-12 will be your best bet for the higher velocity's.
i have had excellent results in the 223,22-250,and swift, with 22.5 grs imr 4895 and the rcbs 055-sp gc.
it's in the 2750 range.
i'll be working it [and a modified swaged version] in the 223, 22-250 and the 220 swift up some this summer, and hopefully will be able to use my ar's- jaxketed aa-2230 load.