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Gunsmithing rate of twist questions for .223

spswatip

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 22, 2008
159
54
Eugene, Oregon
Ok, here goes. I am not up on twist and bullet weights and stabilization so here is my question: I have been looking for a rem 700 .223 and have wanted a SPS tactical w/ the 20" barrel. These are 1 in 9 if I'm not mistaken. I have found a SPS varmint w/ a 26" barrel but it is 1 in 12 twist. The ammo I get is 55 grain FMJ american eagle, but I could start reloading again if needed. My question is if I bought the SPS varmint what length could I cut down the barrel to and still get decent performance. I realize I will loose velocity as I cut the barrel down but my concern is more with stabilization than velocity, and I want a shorter barrel rifle.
 
Re: rate of twist questions for .223

I have a factory Remington VLS 22-250 in 1-12 I believe and it has been turned into a AR-15 varmint gun. I think I finished it off at 20".

Anyway, it shoots awesome. I think if you have a decent barrel you will still be fine for what I think you are using it for.