300WSM Length and Twist ???

[bebberson]

I am building my first custom rifle chambered in 300WSM, I plan on shooting 180 to 200 grain bullets. After my research I think I am going to go with a 26" barrel and a 1 in 10" twist. I would like to keep the barrel as short as possible because this rifle is going to be used as a tactical hunting rifle.

What do you guys think?

 

[Michael Eichele]

I am building my first custom rifle chambered in 300WSM, I plan on shooting 180 to 200 grain bullets. After my research I think I am going to go with a 26" barrel and a 1 in 10" twist. I would like to keep the barrel as short as possible because this rifle is going to be used as a tactical hunting rifle.

What do you guys think?

In my opinion, if 200 grains is the biggest bullet youre going to use, I would go with the 11x. 11 is perfect for 200's and will offer less spin drift at longer range and hold your BC higher longer. You will also get a bit more velocity at less pressure. Save the 10x for 240's. 11x will handle any 200-220 grain pill.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

I have a Sako 300 WSM with an 11 twist and I would go with a 10 or tighter if possible. From what I've read on this site, it's better to have too much twist than too little. I have been told that the 180 HAT's will not stabilize in less than a 10 twist and the 200 HAT's need an 8 twist. I have also been looking at some 177 GS bullets that need a 9-10 twist. If you ever want to shoot some of the wildcats or more specialized higher BC bullets, you might think about a tight twist.

 

[ZSteinle]

I shoot a 26" with 1-10 twist. I have shot everything from 145gr. to 210gr. and all seem to stabalize well in the 1-10 twist

 

[BountyHunter]

With a 26" barrel, go the 1-11 twist. It will shoot anything up to the 210s easily. that is not a super super LR rig where you have to worry about the super high BC bullets.

I would not build a gun around an exotic bullet that may or may not be there tomorrow. Some have regretted that here. I have done it and if the bullet does not work in your gun like you dream, you are SOL. Plus one man operations can shut down, die or just quit and leave you hanging with no bullets.

In my 26" WSM I can run Barnes 168 TTSX at 3350 and the 210s at 2850. It does not get any better than that out of a 26" barrel carry gun.

BH

 

[bebberson]

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

...if the bullet does not work in your gun like you dream, you are SOL.

I'm no expert on this subject but I've read a few conflicting opinions on this subject from different guys who seem to be knowledgeable on the subject.

Why are you SOL if you get a 9 or a 10 twist and end up shooting a bullet that only needs an 11 twist?

 

[BountyHunter]

Two reasons.

1. Some one of a kind bullets require special throating which works great for them and might not work well for "standard" bullets.

2. Faster twists will cause higher pressures sooner so you will give up velocity as compared to the same bullet in a slower twist. I can run 210s out of a 11 or 12 twist faster than a 10 twist, proven it time and again. I have had all three in WSMs.

IMO you are smarter figuring your max weight bullet and twist that will work with that bullet and then building. that was stated by others also.

For example, very few are shooting the 240s in the WSM or Win Mag so why twist for it with a 9 twist? You really need a larger case to push the 240s right, and when you do that you can stay at the 10 twist. The 9 twist was originally for NRA 1000 yard shooters who were running 240s at 2650-2700 fps if that.

Particularily for a first time build, this can be limiting.

Anyway, just my opinion.

BH