Basic .223 Question re: Twist

[Fotheringill]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Savage 12 with a 1:7" twist.

Simply put- will shooting 55 grain give me good results or will the round go "wild" as compared to a much heavier load?

 

[jonbearman]

It should be fine unless it is thinly jacketed or something weird. If it were me shooting I would suggest at least a 68 grain hornady match.

 

[searcher]

A bit of velocity loss with the 1-7, but will shoot the lighter bullets fine. I have a couple of Colt H-Bars and a Krieger-barreled A/R, all 1-7's and while intended for heavier bullets - do well indeed with Hornady Z-Maxes in 50 grn weight, Berger 52's, 52 Amaxes, etc.

 

[Fotheringill]

Thank you for your responses.

 

[SooStan]

I agree what they said. My 1x8 shoots 52 very good.

 

[mac86951]

Tag another 1-7 twist that does fine with 40-55gr bullets too.

-Mac

 

[CM21VE]

What jonbearman said, I have seen no issues with my 1:8 all the way down to 40 gr. BT.

 

[Fotheringill]

Rifle ordered and am awaiting delivery. Truly, thank you for your input.

 

[Beau]

I would not bother shooting any varmint bullets like Blitz or SX out of it.

 

[boltgunluvr]

I would not bother shooting any varmint bullets like Blitz or SX out of it.

Diddo. that twist will ruin thin copper jackets at the bullet manufacturer's intended speed. Shooting light bullets defeats the existence of the 1:7. It will shine with the heavy pills. My 1:12 shoot 53 and 55 gr pills like a laser.

 

[cocopuff]

when you guys mention your shooting the light bullets out of your 7 twist and doing fine...Just what does this mean,fine...like one hole at 200 yards,etc..My 9 twist will not shoot a 55 or 50 fine..Maybe 1 1/2 at 100 which to me isn't fine at all..Now the sierra 69 and berger 73 grain will do fine..Like 1 inch at 300 if I do my part..so please define what is fine...I am sure others want to know as well...Like I hear people say if they can hit a paper plate at 100 with a derr rifle,thats fine...Bull..

 

[searcher]

With my factory Colt H-Bars w/ 1-7", I get 1/2" to 5/8" 5-shot groups at 100 yards and rarely better - in "no wind" conditions. With a Krieger 1-7" bbl A/R, I get 3/8" groups in same conditions. My 1-12" and 1-9" barrels do better but this is what mine get. I have tried factory varmint ammo that friends had on hand and none of them shot well in any of mine, more like the 1 1/2" groups cocopuff mentions. I guess it just depends on your load and gun capability. There are lightweight varmint bullets that can easily handle the 1-7" twist. Never had a V-Max, Varmint Grenade or Non-lead Ballistic tip come apart when really pushed hard. Just my experience.