6 groove vs. 4 groove for a 22-250AI 1:9/1:8

[harry.hacking@kiewit.com]

What differene does the numer of grooves in the barrel make? I am looking at building a 22-250 AI with a 26" 1:9 twist for paper and varmint. looking to shoot bullets from 55 gr to 75, with the majority being 69-75gr.

thanks for the help,

 

[Larryh128]

The claim is that a barrel with less grooves will last longer but I certainly can't prove or disprove that notion. Personally, I wouldn't get too worried about the number of grooves, buy the barrel that you want & have fun. I would however get a couple of opinions on the twist rate. I think you could be pushing a 1-9 with 75gr bullets.

 

[butchlambert]

I agree with Larryh128,
I have yet to see proof that the amount of lands and groove make one barrel better than another. A good barrel is where you find it.
Butch

 

[JayCutright]

Don't worry about the # of grooves, they all shoot if they are made right.

I have heard some theory that 6 grooves cause more copper fouling because the bullet is being engraved into two more lands, thus producing more edges or right angles to collect copper, makes since I guess, but, I have seen some good shooting 6 groove long range barrels that didn't seem to copper any more than any other barrel, so much for the theory. Just take what's available the odds are in your favor that it will shoot, most of them do.

I would go for the 8 twist. The 69 & 75 gr bullets will shoot in it plus you will be able to run the 80 gr Sierra Match king too.

With your chamber (22-250 AI) you will soon be forgetting about those lighter bullets in favor of the 80gr SMK.