Author Topic: Twist rate for 22-250? (Read 631 times)

grouper sandwich · « **on:** January 16, 2004, 09:59:16 AM »

I asked the same question on the small bore board but thought that maybe I might get a quicker response here:

I want to buy a 22-250 and the only brand that I can find, outside of a custom rifle (ain't happening), that has a 1:12 rate is Savage. Is there much difference in the 1:12 and 1:14 twist rates with regards to stabilizing bullets up to 70 grains? Does the extra two inches make much difference? Would an extra inch of barrel help compensate for the slower rate? Any and all help is appreciated.

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2004, 12:02:22 PM »

You probably wont stabilize a 70gr bullet at 1-14". and it may not even do it a 1-12". If you want to shoot the heavir bullets you need to go with at least a 1-9". KN

grouper sandwich · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2004, 12:10:19 PM »

What would be the max bullet weight that a 1:12 or 1:14 twist rate would stabilize, in your opinion?

Bubba Jack · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2004, 12:50:40 PM »

My 700 vs 22-250 loves 50. 53. 55, 60 grain bullets. Shoots them almost in the same hole. I have to make a slight scope adjustments between the diffeent grains but it will still shoot very tight groups. I have never tried 70 grainers but I hope that this helps putting yur puzzle together.

The 22-250 is my favorite rifle to shoot and is wicked on critters too!

Bubba Jack

grouper sandwich · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2004, 03:50:02 PM »

Thanks, Bubba. With your information and some tidbits that I picked up on the Chuck Hawks site, it looks like 64 grains is about the max with a 1:14 twist. That should be plenty for what I plan to use it for, mostly range time and coyotes in the hills of west central Georgia. Apprecitate it.

JABS · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2004, 03:41:55 PM »

It is probably an easy one for you guys but I never find anything on that.
How can I determine the twist rate of a rifle?
Thanks for your help,

RodBuster · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2004, 04:32:48 PM »

Put a jag and patch on your cleaning rod. Make a mark on the rod near the handle. Insert and move towards the muzzle until the rod makes a full revolution. measure the travel to detrmine twist rate.

JABS · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2004, 01:05:05 AM »

RodBuster,
I tried this one time but it did not works. It was on a rifle with shallow riffling (B92). My patch was probably not tight enough. Now that I know it is the way to do it, I will be more persistent. Thanks for your answer.

woodseye · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2004, 10:40:00 AM »

Have had real good accuracy and sucess with the 1-12 twist in my 22-250.

woods

kciH · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2004, 02:28:36 PM »

You might well be able to stabilize the mid 60gr bullets with a 1-12 twist. The velocity also is a factor, as the RPM's increase with the velocity. In other words, it isn't likely to exactly parrallel the experiences of those of us who shoot heavy bullets in our match AR's. You will note that Savages .223 rifles have a much quicker twist rate, 1-9 compared to 1-12, than the 22-250 rifles. I've had some issues with light bullets driven fast that don't make it to the target in a 1-7 HBAR. The light, frangible, bullets get twisted too fast to hold together. You can back down the velocity of 55gr bullets in the 1-7 and start shooting groups, as opposed to patterns, at full velocity.

If you intend to use the 64gr Win Power Point bullet on coyotes, keep in mind that it's intended for deer and will likely cause severe pelt damage. Might not be a concern to you, but it's also not a delicate bullet that will blow up on a blade of grass if you miss your intended target.

Let us know how it works out, nothing proves it like doing it.

grouper sandwich · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2004, 02:58:18 AM »

So if I'm reading this correctly, and I may not be, the 1:12 twist is the slowest I should go with if I want to be able to shoot anything heavier than a 60 grain bullet. Is that correct? So If I buy the Tikka T3 (1:14 twist), then I should limit myself to 50-60 grain bullets? I think that I could live with that. It would be nice to be able to load the 64 grain bullets, but I'd rather have the Tikka than the Savage and the 64 grain pills may not work in the Tikka, if I'm reading it correctly. Thanks guys.