twist choice

[chet]

looking to order a new 223 barrel for my savage, i want to try shooting the 75-80gr bullets, i have choices of 7-8 9 twist. the 7 is a 5r rifling the 8 and 9 are standard 6 groove. i currently also shoot a 6br, will a 223 with the heavier bullets in the 223 be near as accurate as the 6br.and from shooters who have been down this road how would barrel life compare

chet

 

[Falfan2017]

7. Unless you want the option to shoot smaller bullets like 55 grain then 8.

 

[1lnbrdg]

I've never had a problem with down to 50gr bullets with a 7-twist. Since i do shoot a lot of the 80's, all of my barrels have been a 7/something twist.

.223 while very accurate, never going to be a 6BR with a 105gr bullet . . . . .

 

[Ned Ludd]

7.0-twist will do everything you require. I have Bartlein 7-twist 5R barrels on my .223 Rem competition rifles (F-TR) for use with both the Berger 80.5 Fullbore and 90 VLD bullets. They are ridiculously accurate/precise for that purpose, typically about a quarter minute at 100 yd. Although not the norm, I have gotten groups in the 0.1s on occasion, but the limiting factors are most likely me and the setup more than the potential of the loads themselves. I do load development the same way I shoot, firing off a bipod/rear bag, so I'm probably leaving a bit on the table as compared to a BR setup. Not sure how many BR shooters use .223 Rem, my guess is that it's not such a popular cartridge for that purpose. In my hands, barrel life is upwards of 3000 rounds, even with fairly stout loads using H4895.

 

[284winner]

I'll second, third and forth that 7 twist option. Ideal for your needs

 

[Beau]

Sometimes button rifled barrels aren't as tight twisted as advertised. I'd never buy an 8 twist button barrel if I expected to use anything sexier than a Sierra 80. 7 twist barrels are never a problem.

 

[chkunz]

I get good results with the 223 75-80 grain bullets in the 8 twist in a 26 inch barrel. When in doubt go with the faster twist.

 

[Boatschool02]

The 52, 53, 60, and 69 grain Sierra shot exceptionally well in my 7T Krieger. If you plan to focus on anything heavier (longer) than the 75 vld, I'd go with the seven twist. Your freebore to support the long bullets will influence alternate bullet choices more than inherent accuracy potential with the fast(er) twist.

 

[Evlshnngns]

28" cbi 223 match barrel, 7 twist. 4 shots of Hornady "black" 75gr hpbt factory ammo at 100yds. I wont try anything lighter than 69 with it.

 

[284winner]

I get good results with the 223 75-80 grain bullets in the 8 twist in a 26 inch barrel. When in doubt go with the faster twist.

If staying 80 or less, yes the 8 is fine.

 

[1lnbrdg]

With the older Sierra 80's yes, true 8-twist was good. I'm not bezerkly certain that the newer "pointier" Sierra 80's work quite so well with an 8-twist.

7/something twist works with anything down to 52gr so why risk it?