Twist rates

[Moose420]

I'm soon to be the proud owner of a Savage Model 12 BVSS 223. It has a 26" fluted bull barrel with a 1 in 9 twist. I'm thinking about shooting a Hornady 40gr. V-Max moly coated bullet. Is that too much of a twist rate for it to be stable? Also are there any reasons I'm going to want a 22-250 over a 223? I'll primarily be shooting at targets and small varmints at distances ranging 200-600 yards.

 

[people]

I shoot 50gr out of a 1:8 twist. You should be fine with 40gr. The only reason to use a 22-250 is more speed. When shooting at those ranges you will want a little more than a 40gr bullet. You can shoot that far with a 40gr bullet it will be very hard to get the wind right at those long ranges.

I do take a lot of long range shots with my 223 but it gets hard in the wind.

 

[Illinois_shooter]

1 in 8 twist is a little to fast for 40 grain. I think the heaver bullets will shoot better.. I shoot 40 v max in a 1 in 14 @ 4000 in S Dakota very accurate and leaves just a red mist in the air.

 

[fdshuster]

Moose420: Consistant "winner" over the past 8 yrs. and 2500 rds. has been the 69 gr. Sierra #1380 in my Savage 1-9: same bullet Savage advises as being the first choice for accuracy. Have also had very good results with the 50 V-Max, but have never tried anything lighter. Beyond 400 yds or so, the 69 gr. begins to struggle, especially in the wind, so recently re-barreled with a Hart 1-8, good with the 80 gr.

 

[Obtunded]

Your gun will work just fine with 40's, although the long throat of a factory rifle will make it hard to seat them for optimal accuracy.

the 22-250 has about 1000 fps over the 223. This makes it flatter shooting and velocity makes shooting varmints that much more spectacular, but dead is dead.

I have a 6BR that I use for uber long distance gopher hunting because it is supremely accurate and predictable, but the 4200 fps 204 Ruger is my absolute favorite. I never have to adjust the scope as its point blank range is amazing!