Twist vs. Caliber

[Plank Road Farm]

Been lurking for a while and have read threads that talk about fast twist for heavy bullets and slow twist for light bullets.

What caliber and barrel twist is the best to get so as to allow for varmint and deer hunting?

I've been considering 6.5 x 55, but not sure how accurate it will be in a lighter bullet with the fast twist rate.

Maybe, the .243 would be better.

Any other options or opinions?

 

[rcmodel]

In general, you have to be worried about long heavy bullets.
Not so much shorter lighter bullets.

It is very hard or almost impossible to over-stabilize a light bullet, but real easy to under-stabilize a heavy bullet.

Regardless, with factory rifles in 6.5 x 55 or .243, you will take whatever rifling twist you can get. There isn't a lot of choice like you see in AR-15 223's.

As for the two calibers, IMO, the .243 is a better varmint rifle, and the 6.5 is a better big-game caliber.

rcmodel

 

[Plank Road Farm]

I really like the 6.5 x 55.

I have a 1903 CG M96 Swede that I'll keep as is.

I'm looking to build or purchase another rifle in 6.5.

Want to start reloading for this caliber.

Has anybody developed a good varmint for this caliber?

 

[rcmodel]

The loading manuals are full of them.

I'd start looking at the 95 grain Hornady V-Max bullet if it was me.

rcmodel

 

[matrem]

It seems that most twist rates for a given caliber was based on older bullet technology,I've noticed that a lot of barrel makers are speeding up the twists.As somebody else implied,it's less likely to spin a bullet too fast than too slow.

 

[JesseL]

It seems that most twist rates for a given caliber was based on older bullet technology,I've noticed that a lot of barrel makers are speeding up the twists.As somebody else implied,it's less likely to spin a bullet too fast than too slow.

What was old is new again.

All the early small bore (i.e. 8mm and smaller) military cartridges started with heavy-for-caliber bullets.

I think the advent of spitzer style bullets and sore shouldered soldiers drove the trend toward middle weight bullets at slightly higher velocities.

 

[matrem]

"What was old is new again."I was referring to jacket & bonding process technology,but I guess yours is another point to consider.

 

[Hunter0924]

Bullet twist relates more to the length of the bullet than the weight.
A longer bullet needs a faster twist to stabilize.
One thing to consider is though, a too fast of a twist for a short bullet can cause it to destroy itself from the rpm.

 

[NCsmitty]

IMO, a 1in9 twist is ideal for your application and will handle 140gr. down to the 85 gr. in the 6.5x55. I find the newer actions capable of higher pressures a great match for it. With more powder capacity than the 260 Rem and a much longer neck to support the bullet being seated out near the lands, the 6.5x55 will exceed your expectations and show the design brilliance of those Swedish engineers of 100 years ago.

NCsmitty

 

[Plank Road Farm]

Thanks for the comments.
I'm going with the 6.5.
A smith I know has built one from a M48 action with a shaw barrel.
Does not have engraving on the stock, but has bent bolt & scope mounts.
Wants $475, said it should shoot 1" MOA or better.
Good deal?

 

[skinewmexico]

Will an M48 action allow you to load it to modern pressures? Most factory ammo is downloaded to account for all the reallly old Swedes, so the 6.5 doesn't shine like it could.

 

[Plank Road Farm]

"skinewmexico", good question.

As I understand it the Yugoslavian M48 Mauser is an intermediate action design of the German 98K action.

Acording to this ad there doesn't seem to be a problem.
http://www.mauser.org/rifles/hist_m48/index.htm

But, I will ask that question before I buy.

I have found a Tikka T3 in a walnut stock that has a recoil pad installed.
The dealer said it was a "one holer" (arn't they all!) for $530 OTD.
I know that will withstand the higher pressures.