Author Topic: 222 Rem twist rate 1-14 vs 1-12 (Read 1515 times)

flintlock54 · « **on:** April 29, 2003, 02:30:50 AM »

Making plans to have a custom contender carbine barrel made up to shoot 222 Rem. or 222 Rimmed. Accuracy, not bullet weight, will be most important. Would I be better off having the barrel made with a 1-14 twist and restricting my bullet weights to 50 grains, or would 1-12 twist be just as good so I could use up to 55 grain bullets.

flintlock54 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2003, 06:21:11 AM »

Not quite the answer I was looking for. I do plan on asking the barrel maker but I also thought maybe there might be someone on this forum that might have some experience to offer.

Let me re-ask my question differently so it does not make me look like I just fell off the turnip truck.

I would like to shoot 40-55 grain bullets. But after looking at the Shilen and Lilja web sites there seems to be a gray area between the 50-55 grain range. 1-14 twist for 50 grains and below and 1-12 twist up to 55 grains. My concern is what affect does 1-12 twist have on the the 40 grain bullets. I would rather just use the 1-14 twist if the lighter bullets are not going to shoot as well.

PaulS · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2003, 05:34:12 PM »

custom257,
Always go to the tight side for rifling twist. It is better to spin a bullet just a bit fast than it is to spin it too slow. I have a 35 caliber barrel with a 1:10 twist that shoots a 158 JHC pistol bullet to .33 inch groups at 100 yards - all the data says that twist rate should be way too fast.
If it works, it must be true!

PaulS

KN · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2003, 05:38:23 PM »

I agree with paul on this one. The 222 is alittle slower tham the 223 and could have trouble stabilizing some 55gr bullets. Especialy if your not pushing them fast. KN

flintlock54 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2003, 01:54:19 AM »

Thanks everyone!

Most reference charts for factory bolt rifles list the 1-14 twist for the 222 Rem. With the lighter bullets that maybe ideal.