WTK-Info on 22/6mmAI

[SDWhirlwind]

Well.......I just can't stand it....I bought this reamer a few years ago but still haven't concluded if it was more out of curiosity or stupidity??? Forgive me for my kinda ramble type post.lol

Don't know the freebore on it. Seller had cut 1 chamber with it. I did recut an older 223 factory barrel tight to fireform with if needed and out of curiosity. I have been shooting a 22/250AI on a recut 223 factory barrel and it runs just shy of 3800fps with 50BT's and has been my short range yote rig with the XC being on standby if/when they stop within half a mile. So the recut barrel mentioned above would push the 50BT at almost 3900fps from the factory tube. Kinda thought only 100ish fps wasn't worth it over the 22/250AI but still have the itch to see what it will do in a custom new barrel. Barrel life isn't my concern with this, well not currently Bought the blank off Midway closeouts 3 or so yrs ago for like $130!

So my dilema, I have a Douglas CM #5 14 twist blank. I know durn good and well if I use it afterwards I will be wishing 2 things, #1-I would have used stainless and #2-I would have used a faster twist?????

First, I am hoping it will/would be fast enough to stablize the 60Vmax???? I would think I can push it at least 3600ish @ 24" length(gonna be a truck gun mainly because of my disabilities). However, I was thinking faster twist in case I wanted to try the 75Amax??? I did shoot 75BTHP from a 9twist AR yrs back accurately but have never had anything experience with the Amax.

So, any of you gents shot the 60Vmax from a 14 twist in anything bigger than 223?

Secondly, it is heavier than I want but I do have a 9 twist Krieger Rem Varmint contour also, just hate the thought of wasting a nice Krieger on a barrel burner such as this will be. At the velocities of the 22/6MMAI(actually reamer states 22/244AI so I assume they aren't different?) will a 9 twist shoot the 75Amax? or would it be questionable. I don't want to go 8 as I believe that will cause pressure issues and velocity loss with say the 60Vmax or lighter??

Just tell me I am being ignorant and have too much free time for such a barrel burning project. Need something to do. Few pdogs, fewer little ones for some reason so it is going to be a loonnnnngggggggg summer for me. Just an FYI, I have built myself a 6TCU,6BR, 6XC, a 6x47Lapua and a 6.5x47Lapua so it isn't that I need another long range yote popper, just a project to keep my mind and hands busy for sanity sake.

Suggestions and ideas appreciated as long as they are somewhat civil and no name calling, got enough of that from my exwives(yes plural)!!!!

Thanks everyone and have a super Memorial Day weekend and please don't forget why it exists!
Respectfully,
Dennis

 

[40X Guy]

Dennis, I love barrel burners and IMHO barrels are consumables. If in your shoes with that reamer I would opt for an 8 twist and have it chambered/throated for 75 and 80 grain bullets. You will be glad you did. If wanting to shoot 50-60 grain bullets stay with your 22-250 AI, or build a Swift with a 12 twist. With that big of a boiler room in a 22-6AI case you want slow burning powder and heavy bullets. Drive em fast, but shoot slowly, barrel heat will build up after 4-5 shots in that baby. I built a .220 Weatherby Rocket last year on a 40X action with a Krieger 28 inch HV barrel in 12 twist, but wish i had gone with an 8 twist and longer freebore. But it sets chrony records like no other with 55 Noslers.

Frank

 

[xswanted]

I just had a 22-250AI built with an 8 twist. I'm shooting the 80 gr SMK's out of it at 3360. Shoots amazingly well...and flat.

I would be a touch on the iffy side for a 9 twist and the 75 Amax. Might not be able to stabilize all that well. I know mine was really touch on seating depth with the Amax. I built the gun hoping those bullets would be the winners but the 77 and 80gr sierras just shoot better in this particular setup.

Solve your problem and build TWO!

 

[wboggs]

I have a 22-6mm standard version chambered in a 1-8 Krieger, 30" barrel. Top velocity is 3600+ with 80 gr bullets and 3700+ with 75's. Top accuracy (0.12" 3 shot grp) is at 3550 using Berger 80.5 gr hybrids.
Your improved version will take almost 5 more grs of powder and give a little more velocity. My advice is to run the 80 gr around 3500+ and get accuracy. The extra velocity isn't that much advantage.
Heed the advice of 40X Guy, shoot slowly.
The fast twist is for heavier bullets only. Light ones will start disintegrating at the extreme velocity a 22-6mm can produce. If you want to shoot light bullets at 4200-4400, get a slow twist.

 

[ChuckMiller]

To answer a couple of your questions or at least give you my opinion on them. You can shoot 75gr Amax's with a 1-9TW, I do it with a Rem PSS 700 223 with RL15. In fact it's the best shooting bullet I've found in that particular rifle. As to a 1-14tw with a 60gr Vmax I can tell you it doesn't work in my 220AI. Where that rifle will shoot small groups with 50's if you use the 60gr Vmax you'll think the scope took a dump. I'm not sure what speeds I'm running with it but I'm well over 4000fps with the 50's. The only reason I built it with a 1-14tw is I already had one with a 1-8, a LA sitting there and a killer deal on a 1-14 stainless barrel, seemed like a natural. Hindsight I would have done something else. If your going to build a big 22 you need a fast twist.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Thanks everyone for the replies, info and opinions thus far. Need to do some thinking and pondering before I do some machining and reaming!

Any other info on shooting 60Vmax in a 14 twist or what it takes to run the 75Amax as far as twist and velocity appreciated. Gonna be gone for a few days so will read etc when I return.

Respectfully,
Dennis

 

[357Mag]

SD -

Please check you PM's.

Regards,
357Mag

 

[wboggs]

Someone has already done extensive testing on slow and fast twist 22-6mms. J.C. Munnell wrote a series of three articles on the subject in the Feb., May, and July 2009 issues of Precision Shooting, testing 1-14 and 1-8 twist rifles. He is an experienced reloader and excellent writer and the articles are a must read for you. You can order the back issues from them if you don't have them.
If you want to shoot the lighter bullets, you will probably be better served with a slow twist. For the heavy weights, the 1-8 is the way to go.
Bill

 

[John from MN]

Personally, I don't think I would use a 14 twist in anything bigger than a 22-250.

I feel your pain. If I had that reamer I would HAVE to use it. I enjoy the madness of putting another rifle together.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do. I'd rock that 9 twist if I were you.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

C'mon you guys, you're making me more confused Might have to do one of each eh???? I am thinking a 50BT or similar would sure cut down leade on a running dog huh??? LOL Also flat enough to not have to do leade and holdover for when they put their heads down and light their arse on fire.

Guess I could pipe wrench the 14 twist and see if I can twist it a lil tighter???? Got the itch real bad but not enough scratch to buy yet another blank!!! Have 13 blanks now which just makes things more confusing in situations like this. However, only 1 22 cal fast twist, that being the niner.

Hmmmmm...................

 

[Sam in Va.]

If you get a 12 twist barrel you will be able to shoot the 60's... I use the 8 twist for the 68- 80 grain bullets with fantastic success.