Author Topic: Twist Rate Question  (Read 603 times)

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Offline DancesWithSquirrels

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Twist Rate Question
« on: February 28, 2010, 06:06:57 AM »
I own an SB-2 Ultra Varmint with a serial number prefix (HS) that indicates it was made in 2002 according to the FAQ.  The caliber is .223.  Also in the FAQ it is said that the twist rates for the .223 barrels is either 1/12 or 1/9 depending on when it was made.  In an attempt to be sure of what I have I did the usual test of running a tight patch on a cleaning rod through the bore and measuring the length of a full rotation.  Unfortunately the results I got tell me I have a 1/14 twist rate.  This seems awful slow for a .223 and contradicts what the FAQ says.

Has anyone ever heard of a .223 Ultra Varmint with a 1/14 twist rate?  I repeated my test several times to make sure I was not screwing it up and I get the exact same results consistently.

It would seem that I would have difficulty getting any decent results with any of the heavier 22 caliber bullets.  So far  I have only been working with loads for bullets in the 50 to 55 grain range.  The results so far are not great but they are acceptable with best groups just over MOA.  I still have a lot of work to do but I would like to squeeze sub MOA groups out of this rifle if possible.  I would think I might have better luck with lighter bullets.  Any opinions?

DWS

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2010, 06:28:26 AM »
Welcome! You're the first, it's always possible they used a 22-250 blank when they chambered it.  :-\ Are you using a ball bearing handled rod to check it? If the rod can't rotate freely, you'll get a slower twist reading, due to the shallow rifling it's not easy to get an accurate reading.  Regardless, the Win White box value pack 45gr JHP is the gold standard for accuracy in older H&R 223 barrels, so I'd try 40-45gr bullets, the Win White box shoots ½moa in 1:12" barrels, it shoots so good in mine I don't handload for it.  ;)

Tim
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Offline DancesWithSquirrels

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2010, 06:35:34 AM »
Tim,

I've got a pretty good cleaning rod and it rotates fairly easily.  Don't recall the brand off the top of my head but it is not a cheap rod.  I will rerun my test a couple more times but I'm reasonably confident of my results.

Thanks for the WWB tip.  I may give them a try.  But one of my pleasures is working up my own loads for my guns.  I enjoy the process as much as the shooting.  I will pick up some 40-45 grain bullets to work with.

DWS

Offline DancesWithSquirrels

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2010, 09:49:51 AM »
Well, I reran the check 3 more times and made sure I had a nice tight patch and my cleaning rod was rotating freely.  Still comes out to a 1/14 twist rate.  Bummer.  Guess I'll have to round up some 40-45 grain bullets.  :'(

DWS

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2010, 09:54:15 AM »
You've may have another option, since it won't shoot 50-55gr loads very well, contact H&R and tell them the problem, they may very well replace the barrel, although their standard of accuracy is 2" or less 3-shot groups at 100yds with factory ammo.....problem is they may not have one right now.  :-\ That's if you don't want to shoot the lighter bullets, worth a try.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline DancesWithSquirrels

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2010, 10:32:41 AM »
I may just get in touch with them.  Although I realize no twist rate will perform well throughout the range of available 22 caliber bullets I would prefer something that performs well in the middle of the road bullet weights.  That should give me acceptable performance with a broader range of weights.  I'd rather not be stuck with only light bullets.

DWS

Offline bikerbeans

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2010, 03:13:00 PM »
Make it two.  I just received a 1988 vintage handi with a factory fitted 223 accessory barrel.  Twist rate checked 3 times and it is 1 turn in 14".  I will have my gunsmith check it and see what he comes up with.  I will not tell him what I think the twist rate is.  I don't know the age of the barrel but it is an ejector so probably before 2006 or so.  2 barrels @ 1:14, must be a conspiracy. ::)

PS: I hope nobody reads this post as I was thinking of listing it on the GBO classifieds.
RIP Tom: Tom Nolan, ( bikerbeans) passed away this afternoon (02-04-2021).

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Offline PHATINJUN

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2010, 03:13:47 AM »
Dances, Is your bbl a fluted Ultra? Reason I ask is some of us or at least me like light bullets in 22cal. I will send you an offer in PM so as not to turn this into a classifide add. any way I think you got a great find and maybe we can turn your lemons into lemonade.Kurt
Deceased 2/16/24
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Offline DancesWithSquirrels

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2010, 06:26:24 AM »
I guess I am going to try and work with this gun with lighter bullets.  I received a couple of trade offers that were tempting.  But the more I thought about it the more I was convinced that I might have a good thing here.

DWS

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2010, 07:14:23 AM »
I wish two of my three Hornets would have had 1:14 rather than the 1:16 which was only good for no more than 45gr. bullets.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Twist Rate Question
« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2010, 08:03:04 AM »
the early original M-16's (.223) came with 1/14 barrels, later changed to 1/12 and then much later changed to 1/7 to shoot the heavy tracer rounds. I say keep it and try different bullets, it should make a nice varmint gun for light(short) bullets....<><....:)
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