223x5.56 rifles what is there about in 1-8 and 1-12 twist

[telshe49]

a fellow shooter has a slot for a 223/5.56 and would like some info regarding twist rate and availability of makes. Mainly bolt action preferred. Max range about 600 yes.
Many thanks Telshe

[zanes]

Sako.

[20series]

Tikka do both twists 8 and 12 but the vast majority are 12.

Remington Tactical, SPS, PSS are 9 and the VS are 12.

Howa were all 12 but now they are doing 9

not sure on the others

I'm looking at a 223 for the family and quite like the look of the Mossberg MVP's which are 9 twist and take the standard AR mags.

Alan

[saddler]

Mate has this for sale for £600: http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.ph ... ngton+vssf
(& he's used it with UK RG5.56 ammo up to 500m or so without issues)

1:12 was the only option for years & the varmint hunters never complained - if it was a poor choice of twist, then why is it still being made?

1:12 WILL stabilise SOME of the heavier bullets (60gr+ range) but this will depend on the bullet shape & the ratio of how much of the bullet surface is in contact with the rifling. Likewise, some of the lighter bullets if made of a non-lead option tend to be unstable in 1:12 twists.

Initially .223 rifling was based around a 1:14 twist & some US barrel makers still offer this twist.


The faster twists come into their own with the heavier bullets (69gr-75gr-80gr) at longer ranges (900m-1100m) etc.
See the three-part article in Target Rifle(?) by Laurie Holland purely on .223 & what it is & isn't capable of.

[telshe49]

Many thanks for your input. Something to think about. I had a Speedmaster in 223rem with a 1-8 twist and a 24 inch barrel shot like a dream. This was the only one l have used.
Regards
Telshe 49

[1066]

Our club has one of the new Howa .223's with a 1 in 9 barrel. It shoots the 69smk's well at 600 yards.

We got our from Ivythorn sporting (excellent price and service)

[Blu]

Tikka do both twists 8 and 12 but the vast majority are 12.

Remington Tactical, SPS, PSS are 9 and the VS are 12.

Howa were all 12 but now they are doing 9

not sure on the others

I'm looking at a 223 for the family and quite like the look of the Mossberg MVP's which are 9 twist and take the standard AR mags.

Alan

Alan, I went out to our local range the other day and the guy who takes care of the ranges was zeroing a new scope on a Mossberg MVP patrol rifle in .223. He had his target out to 300 yards after zeroing in at 100 and I have to say for an out of the box rifle it was amazingly accurate.