Bullet weight for a 1:7" twist .223 ?

[tlend]

I always get this confused... Fast twist like a 1:7" better for heavy bullets or light? Will a 1:7" stabilize 55gr fmj's or should I be looking in the 69/72 range? I'm using a Colt AR15 match/target so I don't think I can use the longest/heaviest bullets since they won;t feed in a magazine (or will they?)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Waldog]

in a .223, 1-7 twist is for HEAVIER BULLETS. Specifically 85-90gr VLD's. Mine also shoots light bullets as well. HOWEVER, light-weight "varmit" bullets may well come apart in the air due to rotational forces of the 1-7 twist.

 

[tlend]

Thanks! I'll be working this one up in the near future, good to know where to start.

 

[EddieNFL]

Fast twist - longer bullet.

 

[Jim Watson]

The 77 grain Sierra is a long heavy bullet meant to be loaded to magazine length.
That would get the most out of your fast twist barrel for sustained fire.
See Mk 262 military ammunition.

 

[kelbro]

Another good one is the Hornady 75gr BTHP match. It can also be loaded mag length. Shoots very well in several of my 223s and 223AIs with a 'nearly full' case of Varget or H4895.

 

[tlend]

Thanks for the info. I'll try the sierras first and Post results when I get em.

 

[P-32]

You can also load the 80 and 90 gr. bullets one at a time because they won't fit the mag.

The 77gr SMK's are meant to be loaded in the mag. Their shape is different than the 80 gr bullets. My 7 twist loves the 77's.