50gr bullets in a 1-8" twist .223

[Southwind]

Just got a new Mk 12 upper w/ 1-8" twist and wondering if my light varmint bullets will work in this barrel. I have a savage 1-9" and shoot the 50's and the 69gr matchking. Plan on shooting the 69's and 77's with the Mk 12, but just curious if a 50gr bullet will work as well.

For the Savage, I use 20gr of IMR 4198 and also 26gr of IMR 4895. Both group very well with the 50 gr V Max.

I remember reading the thread about the guy shooting the 1-7" twist AR with 52gr Matchking's that were blowing up 10yards down range.

 

[bigedp51]

The Sierra manual for loading the AR15 with a 1 in 7 twist starts with 40 grain bullets, and NOTHING is said about the lighter bullets blowing up in a 1 in 7 AR15.

http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra223ar.pdf

Also this webpage is full of information and shows twist and loading data.

223 Rem + 223 AI Cartridge Guide within AccurateShooter.com

 

[bruddah]

I agree the rifle should have no problem shooting them. Accuracy may or may not happen. People shoot 55 gr out of 1:7 twist all the time. I would think 50 gr out of a 1:8 would be no problem.

 

[leadbullet]

No worries, it will be fine and accurate too.

 

[Rprecision]

I dont think you can shoot a 40 grainer (V-Max, Nosler BT, Etc.) fast enough out of a .223 / 5.56 1/7 twist to make it go boom.

My 22-250 1/8 twist has shot plenty without problems

Now there is something that can happen from throat problems. If you have a really rough throat it can damage jackets and they come apart due to jacket damage. That is usually pretty rare and more known of chrome lined bores + worn out, erroaded, etc

 

[EddieNFL]

I've shot more than a few 52 SMKs through 1:8s. Very accurate.

 

[scudzuki]

I shoot 50 grain MidSouth Shooter's Supply varmint Nightmare pills and 40 grain Sierra Game Kings out of 1:7 and 1:8 twist barrels.
They shoot fine.
Accuracy is appropriate... I get around 1.25 MOA at 100 yards out of a Daniel Defense chrome lined 18" barrel with plinking reloads assembled on a progressive and 2 MOA out of other 1:7 and 1:8 barrels like PSA, AR Performance, etc.

Joe