.223/5.56 twist rate

[FergusonTO35]

Been having all kinds of fun with my little Zastava bolt action .223 and have an Anderson complete lower that has been sitting around with nothing to do. I've never really been into the AR's that much, but I can certainly see their usefulness. Palmetto has complete uppers for as little as $200.00. As long as it functions correctly and gives at least minute of coyote accuracy I would be happy. Thing is, they all have 1:7 twist. I really like the 55 grain Hornady soft points I shoot in the Zastava and would rather not have to use different bullets. Anybody know how well the 1:7 twist usually shoots with 55 grain slugs? Some folks say they are horrible but there are also plenty of knowledgeable shooters who say that the difference is nil as long as you are using quality components, i.e., not bulk 5.56, and any real differences in accuracy are going to show up at much longer range. Any experiences here?

 

[RI Chevy]

I think the 1:7 is good for the .55 grain bullets. The heavier. 62 grain bullets stabilize better and are more accurate with the 1:9 twist.

ON EDIT:
I have these backwards. 1:7 for heavier bullets, 1:9 for lighter bullets. Sorry.

 

[Big1066ih]

Thought it was other way around?

 

[RI Chevy]

I think you are right. My bad.
I have them backwards. [emoji5]

 

[Big1066ih]

I was looking for a cheap 1:9 upper chambered in .223 Wylde but most were around $400 and up

 

[RI Chevy]

I have an original Bushmaster with the 1:9 twist. Got it when they first came out with them
Nice accurate piece.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Isn't the .223 Wylde a .223 chamber with 5.56 leade? The AR that I would really like to have would be an M16 replica with the 20" barrel and standard stock. Never cared for any of the carbine versions but a $200.00 upper on the lower that I already have would make a nice farm gun.

 

[Big1066ih]

I ended up with a complete PSA upper in .300 blackout for $259

 

[Big1066ih]

Isn't the .223 Wylde a .223 chamber with 5.56 leade? The AR that I would really like to have would be an M16 replica with the 20" barrel and standard stock. Never cared for any of the carbine versions but a $200.00 upper on the lower that I already have would make a nice farm gun.

.223 Wylde is just the chamber, so you can shoot 223 and 5.56 accurately...at least thats what i gather on the interwebs

 

[FergusonTO35]

Oh hell, this is what I need right here. I'm gonna ask my dealer about it.

https://grabagun.com/del-ton-20-government-profile-rifle-kit.html

 

[mdavlee]

1:7 is fine for 55-90 grain. 1:9 is iffy over 65 grain

 

[RI Chevy]

I thought the 1 in 9 twist was better for stabilizing bigger bullets Mike? Prevented keyholing effect or tumbling?

 

[mdavlee]

I thought the 1 in 9 twist was better for stabilizing bigger bullets Mike? Prevented keyholing effect or tumbling?

9 is slower twist rate than 7. You need them spinning faster to stabilize sooner. That’s why a 22-250 with a 1:12-1:14 won’t shoot over a 70 grain normally without they doing crazy things

 

[RI Chevy]

Hmmm. Ok. Thanks Mike.
Barrel length matter?

 

[FergusonTO35]

Hell's bells, PSA does make an M16A2 style upper. Gonna have to get one coming soon as I get paid for some sold items!

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...y-handle-assembly-no-bcg-or-ch-516446027.html

 

[mdavlee]

Hmmm. Ok. Thanks Mike.
Barrel length matter?

Barrel length after 14” in a 223 doesn’t change anything besides velocity. Shorter and stiffer is usually more accurate. 18-20” 308 work great. 22-24” 6.5 calibers work good

 

[srb08]

While you can't over stabilize a bullet with a fast twist barrel. A bullet with a lightly constructed jacket can deform and come apart in flight. The centrifugal force literally tears the bullet apart.
I haven't seen it happen in a .223 but have with a light weight bullet in a 1-7" barrel in a 22-250.
I shoot a couple of different 55gr bullets in a 1-7" twist barrel and they shoot fine.
If you want something with a little ass, try the 60gr Nosler partition.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Sounds good. My .223's are loaded mild, around .221 Fireball level, so that shouldnt be a problem. Do AR's normally cycle light loads well?

 

[mdavlee]

Gas setup and buffer will matter on that

 

[breese]

I have the S&W MP15 Sport with a 1.7 twist.
Zeroed at 200 yards with 55 gain and does great patterns.