22-250 twist rate

RBrowning · #1 02-25-2010, 09:51 AM

Can anyone explain why the rifle manufacturers typically put a 1:12 twist on a 22-250 but will put a faster 1:8 twist on a 223 Rem? I know that the 22-250 was developed as a varmint rifle and as such usually uses 40-55 grain bullets just fine. But the 223 has been in use out to 6-800 yards with the heavier bullets in the 60-80 grain weight. There are even hunting style bullets available that I would think would benefit from the additional velocity of the 22-250 but probably won't stabilize because of the slower twist. Is a custom replacement barrel the only solution for using the heavier bullets in the 22-250?

Thanks for your insights.

mjoslin · #2 02-25-2010, 10:00 AM

All I can figure is varmint bullets at 22-250 velocities with a fast twist would cause them to come apart. I don't know of any factory fast twist 22-250, but I don’t know as much as others on this site.

B23 · #3 02-25-2010, 11:30 AM

I'm sure someone will know this for certain but I think Savage makes a 22-250 in a 1-9. I'm not 100% positive though.

mkg · #4 02-25-2010, 11:48 AM

Yes Savage does make a 1:9 twist 22-250, I might add that they will sling an 80 grain A-max quite well .

Mike

britz · #5 02-25-2010, 12:24 PM

it is all about marketing.
The basic consumer uses the 22-250 for varmint hunting and the 40-50 grain bullets are real popular so most manufactures will put a 14" twist. Savage is one of the only ones to do a 12 twist and it is hard to get your hands on a 9 twist.

I don't think anyone actually makes anything heavier than 60 grain bullets for the 22-250 (factory loads)

223 is a millitary cartidge and many people use it for target shooting be it f class or what not. Heavier bullets work well for this so I believe you can actually purchase 69 grain bullets for the 223 from factory. Also, due to the speed you do need a little faster twist w/ the 223 over the 22-250 to handle the same projectile.

A rep from sierra told me that you really can not over rotate a bullet w/in reason. I believe that If your bore is in good condition you can shoot 50 grainers w/ ease w/ a 9" twist. I too wish more manufacturers would make 8 or 9 twist barrels. But the truth of the matter is that the bulk of consumers who love the 250 do so becase of it's speed w/ light pills.

Mark.

D.ID · #6 02-26-2010, 01:38 AM

I have bean tossing around the idea of getting a savage 1 in 9 since they started making it. With the heavier bullets the 22-250 is impressive but I had not bean willing to consider one previously because of the lighter bullet restrictions of the factory barrels. I am glad to see someone in the industry responding to the will and opening the door of potential for some of these cartridges.

bulletbill · #7 02-26-2010, 11:25 AM

I had a savage 12fv in 22-250 that I screwed a McGowen 1-8 22-250 barrel. Cost about $300 to do it and couldn't have been happier. Should have never sold that rifle. I was sending 75gr VMax at 3100fps. Yes it was a laser. 500 yard prairie dogs were not a problem. I did get as high as 90gr SMKs in it, but they didn't explode the P-dogs well, kinda just went right through em...