Riflining rate for .223?

[The Deer Hunter]

So I am finally getting around to getting an AR-15 rifle. I have the lower but no stock or upper. I checked out some different models at Kittery yesterday and although I liked the 20" version in the past, the 16" (or 18" according to the sales clerk) seems much handier and considerably lighter.

Now the upper I am getting is a Stag arms upper receiver. It has a 1/9 rate of twist. I know some rates are good for different weight bullets. I don't plan on buying surplus in bulk, or any kind of specialty ammo, probably what I can afford (so probably whatever is cheapest and available). Is the 1/9 rifling rate a good, all around rate of twist?

The upper is a flat top version with the carry handle, but they also have the same upper with a flip up rear sight. It doesn't say what brand it is, so I assume its Stag. I'm planning on using the Iron sights as of now and I was wondering what you thought about the flip up sights.

And does $489 sound good the the complete 16" upper, with bolt and charging handle?

 

[benzy2]

1-9 is pretty standard for the .223. You can run up to about a 69 or 70 grain bullet. You can't launch the really really long guys but everything else comes out fine. If you are looking for a general round it does great. If you are looking for a long range .223 load it is a little slow. I originally wanted a 1-7 but realized I would never really get the use out of those long bullets and went with a 1-9 and haven't regretted it.

 

[Float Pilot]

Man I have not thought about the Kittery Trading Post since the last time I was there in 1981. Being an young Alaskan stationed on the east coast was pretty tough. Fortunately my old Master Chief (I was Navy for six before the Army and Air Force) was from Maine. So he taught me where to go in order to unwind or buy toys. I bought lots of stuff at Kittery over a 3 or 4 year period....That and another Gun Shop down in Uncusville Conn...

1 in 9 or 1 in 7 twist. If I was going to shoot heavy bullets 69 to 77 grains , I would only go with 1 in 7 or one of the custom 1 in 6.5s...

 

[Bartkowski]

1:9" is probably best for your situation because you say you are going with what is cheapest. Since 55gr. ammo is generally the cheapest around a 1:9" will be great.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Man I have not thought about the Kittery Trading Post since the last time I was there in 1981.

Well I can sure tell you it has changed quite a bit.

1:9" is probably best for your situation because you say you are going with what is cheapest. Since 55gr. ammo is generally the cheapest around a 1:9" will be great.

Sounds good.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

My .223, CZ 527, has a twist of 1:12, which doesn't like reloads with the 60 grain or heavier projectiles, or the military SS 109 (M885). The old military M193 55 grain rounds shoot very well. A 1:9 should, as previously written, shoot well for you using either weight bullets.

LD

 

[cracked butt]

When I had the 1:9 barrel on, it stabilized 69 gr SMKs ok, if you are going to shoot heavier bullets, you'll want a 1:8 or 1:7 anyhow.