.223 Rem "Rate of Twist" - Help With Question

Marner

I'm shopping for a varmint rifle and leaning towards the Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless in .223 Rem.

The Technical Data indicates than in this calibre the rifle is available with either a 8 in. or 12 in. "rate of twist". http://www.tikka.fi/pdf/specs/T3VarmintStainless.pdf

Why would it be available with 2 different twist rates and what might the advantage or disadvantage be of one or the other?

Thanks in advance for any offers of clarification.

Invicta

to stabilize heavier bullets you need a faster rate of twist, thats what the 1 in 8" twist would be for. the 1 in 8" twist would be good if you are shooting 60+ grain bullets. the 1 in 12" twist is for shooting light varmit bullets.

scubabobf

Hi and welcome,
The rate of twist determines the maximum weight of bullet you can shot accurately. In general the slower the rate of twist the lighter the bullet you can shot. The 12 in 1 twist can only stabilize bullets up to 55 grains. The faster 8 to 1 twist can stabilize nearly all weight of bullets. Some would argue the 8 to 1 may overstabilize lighter bullets with a decrease in accuracy. The fast twist may speed some lightly jacketed bullet so fast they spin apart. Regards.
Scubabobf

tsr1965

The faster 1 in 8 twist should work with everything from 55 grain to 75 grain. The slower twist is better for 35 grain to 55 grain. It all depends what you want to do. The lighter bullets will shoot flatter at distances to 300-400 yards, then it is game over. The heavier bullets have a higher ballistic coefficient, and will give good accuracy to 600+ yards.

Best

5mmgunguy

Marner I would stick with the 1-12 twist.

Marner

Thank you all for the insight. It's much appreciated.

I don't expect I'll be taking many shots out beyond 200 yrds.... 300 at most and the lighter bullets would likely best suit my purpose. So it seems the slower rate of twist is my best choice.

Thanks again

sandwarrior

Marner,

I would go with the 1-8" twist. You won't overstabilize light bullets unless you try to shoot really long range with them. You won't be able to stabilize heavy bullets in a 1-12". Meaning, with a 1-12" you will just be able to stabilize a 60 gr. bullet. And that is only when you push them hard. If you go with the 1-8" you could stabilize up to a 77 gr. bullet.

For years and years the 'ol 'tried-and-true' mentality prevailed in shooting, particularly barrel twists. Since we've adopted heavier bullets the need has arisen to take a look at not just the .223 caliber but all calibers. And start duplicating what some European countries have been successful with for over 100 years.

lpaalp

+1, what SW said.

200-300 yards is not excessive for a 223 varmint rifle, lighter or heavier bullets. The 1-8" twist will let you shoot heavier bullets, less affected by wind, more effect on the critter.

Marner

It becomes obvious that it's not a decision to be taken lightly. I'm certainly glad I asked [:)] As I reflect further, keeping open the option for a heavier bullet may be a good idea.

Again thanks to all for the help.