.224, 53-grain VMax twist info

[SSL]

Knowing that my venerable Ruger #1 barrel is slowly dying, though it still puts 52-grain AMaxs into little tiny groups, I am planning to eventually have it re-barreled. Since I really want to try the Hornady 53-grain VMax and knowing that Hornady ads and manual recommend 1-12" or faster twist rate, I decided to email them to find out what they considered the optimal twist rate. I was surprised at the answer I received:

Thank you for your email. A 1:14" twist will definitely work for that bullet. If you ever want to go with a heavier bullet then I would recommend using a 1:8" or a 1:9" twist.
Thanks

I did specify that I would be looking at 3,700 to 3,800 fps (I easily reach a bit more than 3,800 fps with 52-grain AMax bullets with no pressure signs and a less than maximum load of CFE223), so perhaps the velocity makes the difference? May just buy a box and see what happens. Anyone else have any luck in that slow of a twist rate?

 

[B23]

I'm assuming this is for a 22-250 or 220 Swift maybe, yes?

A 14tw can work and may even shoot the 53gr Vmax pretty well, but depending on your elevation, you likely won't be getting the full BC of the bullet with a 14tw.

I'm a big fan of the 53gr Vmax, been shooting that bullet since they first came out in my 9tw 223AI and now in my 12tw 22-250. But, if I was ever to rebarrel my 22-250 I'd probably go with a 10tw and switch over to the 60gr Sierra TMK.

 

[Rsadams]

1/9 seems like the sweet spot in the AR world....

 

[SSL]

I'm assuming this is for a 22-250 or 220 Swift maybe, yes?

A 14tw can work and may even shoot the 53gr Vmax pretty well, but depending on your elevation, you likely won't be getting the full BC of the bullet with a 14tw.

I'm a big fan of the 53gr Vmax, been shooting that bullet since they first came out in my 9tw 223AI and now in my 12tw 22-250. But, if I was ever to rebarrel my 22-250 I'd probably go with a 10tw and switch over to the 60gr Sierra TMK.

Sorry, yes it is a .22-250. I might buy a box just to see what they do. When I re-barrel I will probably opt for at least a 1-12" twist. If I need anything heavier than 52-53 grains, I switch to my .243, so heavier .224" bullets aren't that much of a concern to me.

 

[Rsadams]

Yup 22_250 then I think I would go the 1/12 route....

 

[Cemetery21]

And, yes, I think speed is also a factor in stabilizing a bullet. I don't know the ballistic details, but it seems to me that a 12 twist 22-250, at max speed, will stabilize a heaver bullet than say a 12 twist 223.
I'd be interested to know if that is scientifically confirmed.

 

[SSL]

OK, let's add to the confusion! Just got another email responding to the velocity question stating that the original message was in error. The 53-grain VMax is intended for 1-12" or faster twists, as I had been reading. Glad I followed up on the original email. I had just ordered a box to try. Hope it can be cancelled!

 

[B23]

Higher elevation helps more than velocity, but neither is a substitute for the proper twist.

That 52gr Amax, now called 52gr ELD-M, has always shot extremely well in any 14tw 22-250 I've used them in. As I said before, I'm a huge fan of the 53gr Vmax, but other than a little higher BC I don't think they offer much over those 52's. Those 52's are no slouch and always shoot extremely well.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

52-53gr fb and regular hp i would only choose a 14tw for those. If the bullets you want to use are longer than say a 52gr smk you may need faster

 

[hogpatrol]

With a 12, you can go with the 55 SBKs, ideal varmint medicine.

 

[LRPV]

53 Vmax will NOT reliably stabilize in a 1/14 twist barrel.

 

[SSL]

52-53gr fb and regular hp i would only choose a 14tw for those. If the bullets you want to use are longer than say a 52gr smk you may need faster

As mentioned, the 52-grain AMax shoots brilliantly in my 1-14", but I was hoping to benefit from the higher BC and possibly better expansion of the 53-grain VMax. I see that the length of the AMax is .797" while the VMax is .830".... longer than any Hornady .224" bullet until you reach their 60-grain VMax bullets. Must be living just this side of the edge with my AMax bullets. Looks like when I re-barrel I'll be looking at a 1-12 or 1-9 twist.

 

[lb-ft]

My experiences here:

The 53 Vmax is one of my very favorites.

It shoots very well 1:12 at 3300 FPS 223 factory Remington barrel.

It absolutely does not stabilize in my 1:14 Hart barreled 222 which, incidentally, shoots the 50 TNT and any brand X 55 PSP brilliantly.

I’d go 1:12 only if I planned on the 53 Vmax as the highest BC I’d shoot. Otherwise, I’d go 1:9.

FWIW I’m near sea level.

 

[mensajd]

53 Vmax will NOT reliably stabilize in a 1/14 twist barrel.

Would not stabilize in my 224 Wby with 1:14" twist. Work fine in a varmint AR barrel with 1:12" twist.

 

[Murray Brook]

Same for my Rem 700 22/250 VSF 14 twist would not stabalize the 53 V-Max.

 

[pdhntr]

Knowing that my venerable Ruger #1 barrel is slowly dying, though it still puts 52-grain AMaxs into little tiny groups, I am planning to eventually have it re-barreled. Since I really want to try the Hornady 53-grain VMax and knowing that Hornady ads and manual recommend 1-12" or faster twist rate, I decided to email them to find out what they considered the optimal twist rate. I was surprised at the answer I received:

Thank you for your email. A 1:14" twist will definitely work for that bullet. If you ever want to go with a heavier bullet then I would recommend using a 1:8" or a 1:9" twist.
Thanks

I did specify that I would be looking at 3,700 to 3,800 fps (I easily reach a bit more than 3,800 fps with 52-grain AMax bullets with no pressure signs and a less than maximum load of CFE223), so perhaps the velocity makes the difference? May just buy a box and see what happens. Anyone else have any luck in that slow of a twist rate?

I am in the process of finishing the second 12 twist 22-250 so I have one to shoot while the other cools. I am shooting two bullets. The 53 gr. Vmax and the 60 Sierra TMK.

Jim

 

[SSL]

I am in the process of finishing the second 12 twist 22-250 so I have one to shoot while the other cools. I am shooting two bullets. The 53 gr. Vmax and the 60 Sierra TMK.

Jim

Good to know. Need to be thinking what I want to do.

 

[Ranger188]

How far do you plan on shooting this?
Your right, velocity doesn't have as much affect on stability of a bullet
as length of the bullet and twist.
If this is a 400 yd. and in and your sure you won't go any heavier
a 12tw should work for you.
If you have any doubt, go for a 10tw and call it a day.

 

[biggun2869]

You need a 1/12 for 53 grain bullets

 

[hogpatrol]

Am shooting 60Vmax@3350 in a 1-12 22BR, minute of groundhog out to 500 no problem.

From the main site: https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/22-250/

22-250 Recommended Twist Rates

The .22-250 shoots a wide range of bullets very effectively, from 35gr flat-based varmint bullets, to ultra-long 90gr VLDs. However, you’ll need the right twist rate for your choice of bullet. For max velocity and accuracy with the lightest bullets, a 1:14″ twist may be ideal. More versatile is a 1:12″ twist that will allow you to shoot the popular 60-64 grain match bullets. For normal lead-core jacketed bullets, a true 1:9″ twist will let you shoot up to 75gr bullets (except some longer VLDs). The Hornady 75gr BTHP shoots very well in a 9-twist .22-250. Since most .22-250 Rem shooters prefer bullets in the 50-73gr range, a good “do-it-all” solution is a 9-twist.

Overall, what twist rate is best? For all-around use, including 500-600 yard ground hog matches, we like a 9-twist. That will let you shoot some pretty-high-BC bullets at long range without “choking” the lighter bullets too much. If you don’t plan to shoot at long range, a 12-twist barrel will do the job. The slower twist will give you a bit more velocity, and minimize the risk of jacket failure at high rpms. That’s one reason why the majority of factory .22-250 rifles are sold with 1:12″ twist barrels. Savage does offer some 9-twist barrel options. That’s nice if you shoot in windy conditions and need to stabilize a longer bullet. If you plan to use your .22-250 for across the course (high power) competition, you’ll want to use the 77-80 grain boat-tail match bullets. For those, we suggest an 8-twist barrel (as long as it is a true 1:8″ twist). That will let you shoot the excellent 77gr and 80gr Sierra MatchKings, and 80gr Bergers.