Let's talk rifle twist rates.

[HJPP]

I'm considering a Savage in 22-250 or .223. Which twist rates should I be looking for, for 45 to 70ish grain loads?

[jerry]

I believe they are cataloged at 1:9 for the 223 & 1:12 for the 22-250

[HJPP]

Thanks. I'm open for opinions on size too.
Is the added speed of the 22-250 worth the extra ammo costs?

[Shootester]

If you want to shoot up to 70 grain than go with the .223. It has the 1:9 twist of rate so it will be able to stabalize the heavier bullets.

[Oxford]

There is also a point of diminishing returns in going to a twist rate on the slow side. For example look at the chart below. The difference in grouping ability between an 8" twist and an 8.5" is .016". But the difference between a 15.5" and 16" twist is just .004".

So, my advice is pick a twist that is best for the bullet being used without going too slow and getting a stability factor too close to 1.0.

TWIST RATE IN INCHES/TURN EXPECTED MOA
GROUPING
8 .272
8.5 .256
9 .242
9.5 .229
10 .217
10.5 .207
11 .198
11.5 .189
12 .181
12.5 .174
13 .167
13.5 .161
14 .155
14.5 .150
15 .145
15.5 .140
16 .136

[HJPP]

Thanks for the replies.
If I use a 1/12 rate, can I successfully use the 45 grain Winchester USA loads? Will they stabilize?
I can get a Savage 22-250 with a 1/12 twist, for an extra $50.00-OUCH.
Mr. OXFORD---You completely lost me with your high tech answer. Please break that down for me.
Thanks again for your replies.

[Shootester]

HJ basically he is saying that if you go with the 22-250 you will be able to group the shots together better than the .223. If your going to be using 45 gr, as long as it is in 22-250 cal., it will work, but you should probably stay away from anything above 55gr with that gun.

[HJPP]

Thanks.
So over 55 gr. should not be used with a twist of 1/12 because of insufficient rpm's causing wobble?
This is almost too much for my brain to comprehend.
So the extra speed of the 22-250 is good for grouping, with light loads, but only up to a point, then one should add rpm's to the bullet and be sure it's not going to wobble????
What about too many rpm's, causing the jacket to come loose?
Am I making more out of this than I need to? Thanks

[Shootester]

I don't think the jacket will come off with the rpm of a rifle. You need to look at what you will be doing with the rifle. If you will be doing target shooting, then go with the 22-250, it is more accurate, and is about the same money wise for match ammo. If it is hunting then either one is good, but the ability to use a heavier bullet makes it easier to take down the bigger animals with the .223.

[samuel]

I dont understand Oxford,s chart unless they are talking the same weight bullet.Still dont know if a chart like that would apply.I have a custom .22-250 with 1in8" twist and use up to 70gr bthp,s.It does great at 600yds with groups 2.5" to 3". I havnt played with it enough to know how good it really is. sam.

[HJPP]

Thanks fellas.
I'm not going to do match shooting, but would like to be able to throw some 70gr. if I want.
I read somewhere that if you put too much spin on a bullet, you could spin the hide off in route to target.
Savage is offering a 1/12 and 1/9 twist on the 22-250 12VLT.
Just want to get the right twist for the bullet. Probably just shoot cheap 45gr.loads mostly and a few heavies.
Can I use a 1/9 twist on that light of bullet?

[Shootester]

It shouldn't be a problem. I haven't shot that light of a round in mine, but my gun shoots 55 gr sub moa at 50 yds.

[HJPP]

Thanks;
Has anyone shot 45 gr. winchester USA's with their 1/9 twist? Will it work, or is it too many revs?

[ouch]

I shoot 40 g Calhoon bullets in my 223 savage 11.

22-250 gets very expensive unless you hand load.

Factory 223 loads can be less than half as much for cheaper ammo.