.222 Rem. with a 10-twist Barrel

[South Pender]

I have a new Dakota Varminter (with a slightly-modified Nesika action) .222 Rem. single-shot rifle with a 10-twist Douglas barrel and Jewell trigger. I was very surprised when I discovered the 10-twist barrel (by the usual tight patch on rod method), as I was expecting a 12-twist, and this has got me to wondering which bullets are likely to shoot most accurately in this barrel. From the various stability tables, it would seem that 60, 63, up to 69-gr. bullets would stabilize fine. So am I better concentrating on these somewhat-heavier .224 bullets since they come closer to the ragged edge of stability normally associated with optimal accuracy?

 

[Ray123]

I have a new Dakota Varminter (with a slightly-modified Nesika action) .222 Rem. single-shot rifle with a 10-twist Douglas barrel and Jewell trigger. I was very surprised when I discovered the 10-twist barrel (by the usual tight patch on rod method), as I was expecting a 12-twist, and this has got me to wondering which bullets are likely to shoot most accurately in this barrel. From the various stability tables, it would seem that 60, 63, up to 69-gr. bullets would stabilize fine. So am I better concentrating on these somewhat-heavier .224 bullets since they come closer to the ragged edge of stability normally associated with optimal accuracy?

Not necessarily I have an 8 twist Schilen barrel in an AR 15 20" that loves Nosler 40gr BT 11 shots into .5" from an auto loader. AR 10 308 10 twist 130 gr Speer HP 2 5 shot groups back to back .3" and .4" with LC brass and primers.
If a barrel likes the bullet it will shoot it ...even the 8 twist 308 will shoot the Speer 130 gr HP into tiny groups. The 6mm Dasher 7.5 twist shoots small groups with 58 gr Hornady Vmax at almost 4100 fps.
Just a few examples of bullets not necessarily matching the twist rate, but still very accurate.
I'd try the 40 gr 224 Nosler BT, and a few 52, and 53 gr match bullets from various makers. The 69 gr Sierra has been accurate in my 7 twist.
I have a 6 twist for 95 gr SMK but haven't gotten around to trying in with various bullets. But the 40 gr Nosler BT will be tried ...along with a host of 52 and 53 gr bullets...in a 6 twist...and I expect some accuracy. I have a 3 twist in 8.6 or 338 blackout that likes 250 Sierra BT which would be easily handled with a 10 twist. So shoot the light bullets the barrel will let ya know.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

I'd concentrate on the various 52/53 match bullets for accuracy. And 50/55 for varmits, the extra twist would help open the bullets on impact.

Frank

 

[varmintshooter]

I have a 222 with a 9 twist that I use for fox hunting. I shoot 40 gr up to 55 gr bullets and it is very accurate, but then again I don't compete with it.

 

[South Pender]

Thanks, guys. You've given me lots to think about. I do have some Bart's and Watson 52-gr. match bullets, so will try them. According to the JBM ballistics program, I should be able to stabilize bullets up to about 70 grains, and so the 69-gr. Sierra will also be in the mix.