Heavy 90 gr VLD .224 bullets & optimum speed and twist rate...? PROJECT GUN

[USMCDOC]

Greg any freebore depth advice for a varmit gun just built for the Berger 90 gr VLDs...? My barrel pick ended up being a Bartlien S.S. 5r, 1.250" straight cylinder barrel 31" long with a gain twist of .750, 1-7.500 to 1-6.750
You seem to have a bit of experience with these bullets.

The .169 FB will basically work.. but i think that you should go just a tad longer, maybe a .175 or even .180, just incase you decide that you want to try the new offering from SIE.

As for a twist rate, i would think seriously about a 6.8 twist

 

[RDavies]

I have tried the 90gn Sierras and Bergers in bigger cased 224s and the biggest problem you will have is bullets coming apart on their way to the target if you run too fast twist rate. The 90gn Bergers shoot great in 7" twist at 22BR and BRX velocities but way too many of them will start coming apart prematurely if you push them too fast. I can also conform that 8" just Isn't consistent. If I was to go this way again I would be looking more at trying a 7.5" twist barrel. It might not have perfect stability 1.5 stability at sea level on a cold dry winters day, but should be good to go for the rest of the year when it is slightly warmer and more humid.

 

[USMCDOC]

I have tried the 90gn Sierras and Bergers in bigger cased 224s and the biggest problem you will have is bullets coming apart on their way to the target if you run too fast twist rate. The 90gn Bergers shoot great in 7" twist at 22BR and BRX velocities but way too many of them will start coming apart prematurely if you push them too fast. I can also conform that 8" just Isn't consistent. If I was to go this way again I would be looking more at trying a 7.5" twist barrel. It might not have perfect stability 1.5 stability at sea level on a cold dry winters day, but should be good to go for the rest of the year when it is slightly warmer and more humid.

i was running a 7.2 twist myself, which is right on the edge of stability.. but for the Berger 90, it worked really well! But my suggestion for the 6.8 is more so for the new 95 from SIE.