.204 Twist thoughts?

[xswanted]

Hey guys,

I'm going to get a 204 put together for a calling rifle.

Planning on running the 35 grain Bergers pretty much exclusively, MIGHT run the 40 grainers as well just to see how they do.

I'm thinking 12 twist is the way to go, however I've heard some of the 40s like the Nosler BT won't stabilize in a 12.

Would an 11 be the way to go, or should I just do a 12?

Thanks

[rickiesrevenge]

I'd do an 11 for the versatility.

Aaron

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by rickiesrevenge

I'd do an 11 for the versatility.

Aaron

Plus one, go with the 11. Bill K

[NeilA.]

I had Benchmark make a 1-11 for my .204LRPV, on the advise of the members here- thank you. So far, during break-in, it is looking very, very promising! I'll be getting it out a lot more in the next month or so, and taking it on our September PD trip. (I've been shooting 39's- last 5 shot group, 4 in basically one hole)

[trotterlg]

Spinning them too fast is not a good thing to do, it takes energy to spin them up and it also loads up the bullet and can make them fragile when hitting things. If a 12 twist will do the job then use it, a faster twist is not better if it is not needed. A faster than needed twist will also mess up the BC the bullet at long ranges, over stabilized bullets end up flying nose high after a few hundred yards, so that is a bad thing also. If faster spin was better then every rifle out there would be a 1 in 7. Larry

[montdoug]

When the the 40 grain V-Max was released it was an interesting study in barrel twist. Great performing bullet if sploding rodents was your goal and priced well to boot but a fair number of 1 in 12 twist .20's weren't very fond of that bullet. I ordered a 1 in 11 Pac-Nor 3 groove specifically with the 40 V-Max in mind, it drives tacks with em! So do other 1 in 11's I've heard of using the same projectile for what it's worth.
If 40 grain bullets were again my goal I'd once again go with a 1 in 11 as added insurance for that weight projectile, it worked to perfection last time .

[LT17]

I am happy with my 1:11 Pac-Nor. Maybe a 1:12 would be better with stubby bullets, but this twist seems to suit the 39gr Blitzking and 40gr Vmax very well for me. If you are sure you wont be shooting heavy stuff then a 1:12 is probably better, but for me the 1:11 gives more flexibility.

[redrock ranger]

My Pac Nor 1-11 twist 20 Practical shoots the Nosler 40 gr. BT very well.
I think you will be pleased with the 11 twist barrel. Might be able to stabilize a 45 gr with 1-11.

[Hog Patrol]

My 1-11 20P which is shooting similar velocities, shoots like a laser with anything up to and including 40s. I use the 32s to get the most velocity.

[rickiesrevenge]

Originally Posted by trotterlg

Spinning them too fast is not a good thing to do, it takes energy to spin them up and it also loads up the bullet and can make them fragile when hitting things. If a 12 twist will do the job then use it, a faster twist is not better if it is not needed. A faster than needed twist will also mess up the BC the bullet at long ranges, over stabilized bullets end up flying nose high after a few hundred yards, so that is a bad thing also. If faster spin was better then every rifle out there would be a 1 in 7. Larry

BUT we're not talking about going from a 12 twist to a 8 twist or some other big change. Going to a 7 or 8 twist for a 40gr bullet would be silly. NOT getting a 11 and taking the chance that it won't shoot a bullet that you want to use is silly.