Optimal twist rate for 18” 223 Wylde

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  • illini40

    Sharpshooter
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    Nov 28, 2010
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    Good morning

    Is there a preferred optimal twist rate for an 18” barrel in 223 Wylde?

    Majority of the 223/556 rounds that I shoot are standard. Would like the ability for more accuracy, but not really looking for a dedicated precision gun either.

    Thank you
     

    rob63

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    May 9, 2013
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    Sample of one so take it for what it's worth, but I have a rifle with an 18" barrel in .223 Wylde that has a 1/7 twist rate. It is decidedly more accurate with heavier bullets and has a very noticeable drop-off when using 55 grain ammo. I have another rifle with a 20" 1/9 twist barrel that doesn't have this issue.
     

    76Too

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    Dec 9, 2019
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    Just Passing Through
    1/8 for the win. Nothing says mediocre like right in the middle :D

    it really depends on the range you intend to shoot at. 1/7 will let you stretch out the heavy bullets (personally shot 77 & 80gr's out to 600yds with excellent results) but 1/8 will give you the option to shoot basically anything and that seems important to me when ammo is so scarce as it is now.

    i shoot 55's/62's/69's in my 1/8, but my Hi Power match guns are all 1/7's for the heavy pills.
     

    Jaybird1980

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    Jan 22, 2016
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    1/8 for the win. Nothing says mediocre like right in the middle :D

    it really depends on the range you intend to shoot at. 1/7 will let you stretch out the heavy bullets (personally shot 77 & 80gr's out to 600yds with excellent results) but 1/8 will give you the option to shoot basically anything and that seems important to me when ammo is so scarce as it is now.

    i shoot 55's/62's/69's in my 1/8, but my Hi Power match guns are all 1/7's for the heavy pills.

    I agree 1/8 is the most versatile, and intended use determines what to recommend. OP stated standard rounds ( I'm guessing that means 55 gr.) So I say 1/8 or 1/9. I wish there was a good bolt gun in 1/8 that isn't 10 pounds. I kept my Savage 200 that shoots great with 55 and 62gr for a $275 rifle, it's great for coyote and groundhog out to 300 yard
     
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    Oct 3, 2008
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    On a hill in Perry C
    I agree 1/8 is the most versatile, and intended use determines what to recommend. OP stated standard rounds ( I'm guessing that means 55 gr.) So I say 1/8 or 1/9. I wish there was a good bolt gun in 1/8 that isn't 10 pounds. I kept my Savage 200 that shoots great with 55 and 62gr for a $275 rifle, it's great for coyote and groundhog out to 300 yard

    Tikka T3x Lite 22.4" barrel, 1 in 8 twist, 6.4 pounds. I've got an the earlier T3 Lite that will put 75 gr HPBTs in a sub 1/2" group at 150 yards, 55 gr HPBTs aren't much worse.
     

    DadSmith

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    My 1/8 doesn't like anything but 75-77gr bullets. The rest are okay except 62, and 55 which are absolutely horrible, doesn't matter what brand i use.
     

    Jaybird1980

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    Tikka T3x Lite 22.4" barrel, 1 in 8 twist, 6.4 pounds. I've got an the earlier T3 Lite that will put 75 gr HPBTs in a sub 1/2" group at 150 yards, 55 gr HPBTs aren't much worse.

    Thank you sir, I was also informed that the Ruger American compact is 1/8. I may have to look into these when things settle down.
     

    Hohn

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    Jul 5, 2012
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    1/8 is the best overall twist for a modern AR, as it will stabilize everything 80gr and lighter. If you’re barrel only “likes” a narrow bullet weight range, it’s not the fault of the twist. Rather it’s likely your reamer design or load choice.
     

    700 LTR 223

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    I have an 18" Rock River varmint with a 1 in 8" , very accurate with Sierra 77 Match and pretty good with the lighter Sierra 52 match as well.
     

    Sniper 79

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    Whatever you can get a deal on. If shooting junk ammo at a hundred yards you'll never know the diff.
     
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