Barrel 223 twist for cast bullets

No one is "overboard" or "wrong" on fast twist barrels with cast bullets.

The OP, 2frogs, asked a simple question; "My question for you guys with more years of experience is what is the ideal twist for 55,to 60 grain bullets.. just in case I might want to rebarrel it."

Understanding the effects, good and bad, of how the twist of the barrel effects casts bullets is not "negatism", it is knowledge.  It is the furtherance of such knowledge that is one of the aims of this forum, if I am not mistaken?

It is common knowledge a specific length of a bullet at specific velocity will perform best (as in accuracy capability) in a specific twist barrel given good quality of all.  Thus, for best accuracy with a cast bullet, we can adjust the velocity level to the twist rate of a given twist barrel such as is on 2frogs M110.  Or, if he is going to rebarrel, he then has the option of adjusting the twist by selection to match specific cast bullets for best accuracy potential.  So, we see, 2frogs is asking if he rebarrels what would be an "ideal" twist.  He is not asking what is best for the current barrel is he.......

Now, to further answer 2 frogs question without any "negatism" toward any concept or other members here let me add my opinion, especially since I don't claim to cast "a perfect" bullet.  For the last 50 years +/- [not sure that is "more years of experience" as 2frogs asks for but is what I have to base and opinion on] experience casting 22 cal bullets for and loading in 223 Rem chambered rifles.  Those numerous rifles have had twists of 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.5, 12 and 14 inches.  Over the years i have used and thoroughly tested numerous different styles of 22 caliber cast bullets some of which I no longer have.  I currently have 223 Rem chambered rifles with 8, 9, 11.5, 12 and 14" twist barrels.  I currently have the following moulds and have tested them in the 223 chambered rifles; 225107, 225438, 225415, 225462 and the MP 227-65.  

Now, in my humble experience were I to rebarrel any action for a 223 chamber I've found the "ideal" twist barrel to give the best accuracy over a range of velocity from 1400 upward of 2200 fps with 50 to 60 gr cast bullets and at full velocity potential with jacketed bullets [2frogs didn't say which] is a 12" twist.  That will give the best stability and accuracy out to longer ranges than 100 yards.  Now, for John and MP1886s edification, that is not saying an 8" twist 223 chambered barrel isn't capable of giving the same level of accuracy with either cast or jacketed because it is.  However, with jacketed bullets the same velocity levels with pretty much equal accuracy are obtainable but with cast bullets in the faster 8" twist the velocity levels for best accuracy drops down to the 1200 - 1600 fps range. 

BTW, MP1886 continuously states or insinuates, even though I've corrected him numerous times, I don't think fast twist are accurate.  Fact is I just last month set the current record at our local club for the 400 aggregate 300 yard F Class match.  I shot a 400 with 35 Xs using an 8" twist 223 chambered rifle.  Kind of belies MP1886s mistaken belief.....that and the fact I shoot a heck of a lot more cast bullets through standard twist rifles than I do through rebarreled rifles with slower than standard twists.  

LMG

 

This is an interesting post. I see nowhere in my previous post mention of your name. It's amazing how you came to the conclusion that I was naming your specifically. MP1886 doesn't have any mistaken beliefs, I think the problem is that you have a phobia of people picking on you because of your fast twist beliefs which for the past 20 years or so keep changing. It's a persons right to disagree with another persons' beliefs, ideas, and assumptions......except if your Donald Trump.