H&R/NEF .223 Twist rate to change from 1-12" to 1-9" in 2006

[Crosshair]

I joined the Graybeard Outdoors Fourm a few days ago since they have good info on the H&R/NEF rifles and I wanted to get one for christmas. I look around and see that all the info says that the .223 barrels are 1-12 twist. I had been told by H&R/NEF that the Fluted Ultra barrels where 1-9 twist. So I bring up that point in the H&R/NEF fourm. One of the Moderators (quickdtoo) emailed them to confirm it. Turns out that ALL H&R/NEF .223 barrels made will be 1-9 twist starting in 2006. This is great news to those of us who want an inexpencive .223 rifle that can shoot heavy bullets.

Here is the thread if anyone wants to read it. (My username is Crosshair there as well.)

.223 TWIST RATE TO CHANGE IN 2006

 

[Z_Infidel]

Probably not great news for folks who like 55 gr bullets, since the 1-9 twist will probably over-stabilize them. Or is that a non-issue?

 

[wanderinwalker]

Non-issue. The "over stabilization" rule does mean much to most who buy an NEF, I suspect. One shot at a time; it's not a ninja-AR. Besides, the only time twist rate seems to give problems with bullets is if you're driving light slugs fast, at which point some bullet jackets can come apart. I've seen it happen with heavy match bullets in .223, so I don't doubt one could push a 40gr Ballistic Tip fast enough in an NEF to get it to come apart.

 

[Crosshair]

To me it is a good thing since light bullets that get overstabilized are usually used at short range, so long range performance is not an issue. Bullets flying apart is usually not an issue until you start shooting them through a 22-250. Most varmint bullets hold together just fine at .223 velocity. I think this will be good in the long run because now people can shoot 62 grain surplus ammo in these rifles.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Okay, I'm glad I asked.

Regarding surplus ammo, I've had some trouble ejecting surplus 55 gr 5.56 cases from my NEF -- but it never happens with SAAMI .223 cases. Hopefully it won't be a problem with the new barrels.

 

[Crosshair]

Ya, bullets heavier than 50 grains will not be overstabilised by a 1-9 twist. Below that mabee, but those light bullets are used on close stuff anyway.

 

[nipprdog]

Okay, I'm glad I asked.

Regarding surplus ammo, I've had some trouble ejecting surplus 55 gr 5.56 cases from my NEF -- but it never happens with SAAMI .223 cases. Hopefully it won't be a problem with the new barrels.

new barrels now come with a mechanical extractor instead of the spring loaded ejector. this should help with stuck cases.