.223 bullet weight
 

So my .223 has a 1:9" twist and I have only ever shot 55gr rounds through it. Would it make much difference in my accuracy to go up to 60-63gr or down to 50-53gr?

(I've only ever shot 55gr v-max through it bc it's my 'yote gun)

I think 1: 9 is good for heavier If I remember correctly. Could be wrong.

It makes sense that you try it and find out.

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only way to find out is try it . I have 2 of the exact same barrels one shoots 55 ok the other not so much I have to shoot 62 gr out of it to get the same groupings

my 1:9 shoots both about the same.

Yeah i'd heard somewhere that 1:9 was ideal for 63gr, but the manual that came with the rifle specifically mentioned 55gr. Guess i'll invest in some different brands/weights and check it out. Gives me an excuse to spend a weekend at the range at least haha.

Any favorites? I'm partial to Hornady, but it can get pricey.

Every rifle and barrel can vary a bit, but for the most part...

50-69gr: A 1:9 twist should stabalize almost all bullets in this weight range quite well.

70+gr: Some 1:9 can work, but 1:7 or 1:8 are better options.

Under 50gr: Again, some 1:9 can work great for the smaller varmint rounds. But if you get down toward the 36gr varmint grenades and such, you're better served with a 1:12 or 1:14.

this a general rule of thumb

gracious made by Fixer (on this forum)

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/...i/42274d0c.png

The M16A2 rifle has a rifling twist of 1 in 7" to stabilize the M856 tracer rounds (since the M856 is slightly longer than the M196).

Krisko,

First of all Mountainman is correct. I theory the 1:9 will shoot 55 grain to around low 70s OK. The faster the twist the heavier the bullet that will shoot best in it! In the 1:9s they usually most like the mid 60 grain bullets best as far a optimum accuracy. However the theory is not always perfect. Most 1:9s will shoot the 55 grain rounds well. As the guys stated, the 50-53 grain bullets will shoot OK and should be fairly accurate as well.I do not believe it will give max accuracy performance but for the average shooter if not shooting on a bench on the bags one would never know the difference. So yes it will shoot them. For example I have a Rock River Elite CAR A-4 with a 1:9 twist. Shooting Federal P223 E ammunition in 55 grain. It will group around 1/2 to 1 MOA at 100 yards with the 16 inch barrel. Which is good for a tactical type rifle. It likely would shoot the 60s grain bullets a little more accurate ??? but I am satisfied with the performance of the 55s. I had previously posted a thread on barrel twist compared to bullet weight if you want to research it.

Correction from previous Post! The M-16 A-1 Rifle has a 1:12 Twist Rate.