7-270 wsm 1-8.5 twist

[gamma]

Im just about to barrel a 7-270wsm for a buddy, he,s always used a 1-9 twist using 180 grn vlds. I can get my hands on a 32" 7mm barrel with 1-8.5 twist, just wondering will this run it OK or would I be best to wait and find a 1-9.

 

[TonyR]

Both the 180 VLD and 180 Hybrids shoot well in a 1:9 but a 1:8.5 will be fine. Some top shooters seem to prefer a 1:8.5 or 1:8.75. I shot both 8.5 and 9 twist barrels with my 284 Shehane and both were very accurate. The 8.5 theoretically might be a little slower for the same powder charge but that effect is probably less than the differences in individual barrels of the same spec. Given the expected barrel life with that cartridge, you might want to have another barrel on order anyway if your friend plans to do a lot of shooting.

 

[gamma]

Thanks Tony, that a good reply. I couldnt get an answer to this anywhere else.

 

[GLC]

+ 1 on Tony's answer, I have both 1-9 and 1-8.5 I cannot tell the difference, actually the 1-8.5 was a little easier to tune with hybrids, but it could just be the barrel.

Kind regards
Gary Costello
UK