Help with Twist Rate for 223

[martyd]

Hi,
I hope I chose the correct Forum to ask my question.

I am just getting into accurate/precision centerfire target shooting.
I do not have the funds to go for really good rifles and scopes.
I will be shooting 223/5.56

I am looking at Savage 10 FP & 12 FV which I believe have a twist rate of 1:9
I am also looking at Savage Axis II which I believe has a twist rate of 1:7
I was given several thousand rounds of 223 reloads with 55gr FMJ which I believe to be reclaimed bullets, if that is the correct terminology.

I am only interested in punching paper but would like tight groups.
My gun club has 100, 200, 300 & 500 yard ranges. I will probably be shooting the 100 yard range the most.

Which would be the better twist rate for the above ammunition?

Thank you for your feedback,
MartyD

 

[XTR]

1:9 is fine for 55s. You may find that those pulldown don’t give you optimum precision. Full metal jackets are not known to be particularly accurate.

if you start reloading for you were self and start loading bullets in their 69 to 77 grain range or higher you may find that nine is not a fast enough to twist, However if you don’t shoot past 300 yards you may never know the difference

 

[moorepower]

My 1-9 shoots 68 bthp with no issues keeping them stable. If you shoot mostly 100 yds, a 52 grain flat base would be my firs pick. The 12FV and it's sub 2lb trigger would be a great start with a budget.

 

[SKWERLZ]

My 1-9 shoots 68 bthp with no issues keeping them stable. If you shoot mostly 100 yds, a 52 grain flat base would be my firs pick. The 12FV and it's sub 2lb trigger would be a great start with a budget.

Yea, 1-9 is excellent for up to 69’s and they often do well with 75/77’s especially with the extra speed in a bolt gun.

^^^
Definitely explore that flat base recommendation if groups is your thing.

 

[Bill K]

1/9 twist will work just fine for what you want. As for the FMJ pulldowns, don't expect any great accuracy with them, just shoot them practice good trigger control and form and have fun.
But start reloading with the better bullets, work up an accurate load, for your rifle, then go for groups at the various ranges you want to shoot at.

 

[Albany Mountain]

1/9 for the lighter bullets.

 

[Rick300]

My Savage 1/9 shoots the Berger 70's very well, better than a factory rifle should.

 

[dsinfour]

I use 75 grain bullets and the 1/9 barrel will work

 

[jelenko]

Using Litz's stability calculator, H75's at 2850 fps in a 1:9 twist barrel, the stability factor is 1.42 - not bad.

 

[kzin]

the standard axis II is 1/9 (I own one)

apparently the Axis II Precision is 1/7

Yes the 1/9 would be ideal for the 55g bullets but 1/7 would still be fine and give you more options.

If you get hooked on shooting accurately you'll probably outgrow those commercial reloads fast.

 

[Shynloco]

Hi,
I hope I chose the correct Forum to ask my question.

I am just getting into accurate/precision centerfire target shooting.
I do not have the funds to go for really good rifles and scopes.
I will be shooting 223/5.56

I am looking at Savage 10 FP & 12 FV which I believe have a twist rate of 1:9
I am also looking at Savage Axis II which I believe has a twist rate of 1:7
I was given several thousand rounds of 223 reloads with 55gr FMJ which I believe to be reclaimed bullets, if that is the correct terminology.

I am only interested in punching paper but would like tight groups.
My gun club has 100, 200, 300 & 500 yard ranges. I will probably be shooting the 100 yard range the most.

Which would be the better twist rate for the above ammunition?

Thank you for your feedback,
MartyD

Like others have said, the 1:9 is your best bet shooting Sierra 52 FB's or even 53's FB's @ 100 yds. Gotta find what powder and load works in your particular rifle. Those pulldowns would be good for practice (not grouping but rifle placement and trigger feel). Ya can't use junk bullets and expect consistency no matter the rifle. Consistent groups means CONSISTENCY in all aspects of the load to including the casing, the primers, the powder. the load, trigger pull and even rifle placement. Good luck but have fun!

 

[jelenko]

Be mindful of what you practice with.
If you use practice to work on your technique, having poor results due to the ammo will cause you to try things that are actually bad because when you do use good technique, you still get bad results.

To get benefit from practice, your rifle and ammo must shoot much better than you.

 

[Alguapo]

My Savage 1/9 like the 60 grn. Vmax's and the 53 grn. Vmax's. I worked up several powders with the 60's and the best group I got was with W748. The 53's liked the H322.

 

[k80skeet]

I have a couple of LRPV in .223 and you can't beat the 69gr Sierra Match King in the 1-9 twist barrels it sits on top of 25.0 Winchester 748 with a Fed 205 Match and .005-,010 of the lands. Mine shoots mid 1s for 5 shot groups. one tiny little hole. But it shoots everything from 40gr to 77gr really good. but the 69gr SMK's are the best by far,

 

[SKWERLZ]

I have a couple of LRPV in .223 and you can't beat the 69gr Sierra Match King in the 1-9 twist barrels it sits on top of 25.0 Winchester 748 with a Fed 205 Match and .005-,010 of the lands. Mine shoots mid 1s for 5 shot groups. one tiny little hole. But it shoots everything from 40gr to 77gr really good. but the 69gr SMK's are the best by far.

Lol!
25-25.5 of W748 and 69smk is one hell of a combination

 

[k80skeet]

Lol!
25-25.5 of W748 and 69smk is one hell of a combination

Glad you liked it. It sure works in my rifles. Russ

 

[Davidheart]

Just remember you likely won't be able to use the new ELD-M bullets or most high BC bullets in 1:9 twist barrels. I would recommend getting a 1:8 - 1:7 twist barrel if you're just starting out and don't plan to shoot lighter than 53gr V-Max's. You'll outgrow your 1:9 twist quickly if you venture into 300 yard shooting or want to use higher BC bullets.

 

[DGP4]

If all you are going to do is punch paper the choice for me would be simple: Savage 12 FV. Fairly easy to change the barrel if you want a different twist later on, but the 1:9 twist will shoot anything up to a 77 grain bullet reasonably well.

 

[jnr88]

69 Sierra Match King over 24.4 Tac. Savage Model 12 BVSS. I.m very competitive at 300yards.

 

[Rob01]

If you plan to use it in matches I would get a 7 twist. I definitely wouldn’t go slower than 8. If just blasting and wanting to use 55s then the 9 would be fine. Could use 69s with that too if loading.