Twist and Bullet Weight

[mcsphog]

Working on a load for long range tack driving load with my Savage Accu-Trigger 22-250 Rem. The barrel has a 1:12 twist and I am currently reloading with 55 gr. Varmint Nightmare SP bullets and getting good groups. Another reloader at the range I was taking to said I should move up to a little bigger bullet for a little better accuracy, but he has a 1:9 twist and using a 68gr bullet. What is the bullet weight range I should stick to in a 1:12 twist range? or is the 40-55 gr range the best for this twist. Thanks.

 

[Charles E]

With regard to twist rates, weight is a factor, but less important than overall bullet length. You can *probably* stabilize a 63-grain Berger. But whether or not it will be more accurate, who knows?

There is a general principle that the better the bullet, the more accurate it will be. I would guess that a 52-53-grain custom benchrest bullet will be the most accurate you can find, particularly for 100-200 yard shooting. Berger's are "semi" custom; usually quite good bullets.

As to "heavier bullets shooting better" -- jeez, I guess there is no end to the old wives tales that get passed around on the range -- or even the message board, for that matter. If he/she meant heavier are better for longer range, there is some truth to that, but as always, the variables out number everything else.

 

[mcsphog]

Thanks for the info. I was talking to him about if it would be better to seat the OAL to just off the lands, when he started in about the heavier bullet.