223 barrel twist

[elsie]

I'm a rookie here and this is my first question ever.  I can choose between twists on a SB2 223.  either the 1-12 or 1-9.  Is one better than the other or more accurate and will one shoot several different bullet weights accurately.  I think the newer barrels are 1-9 and older ones could be either.  Both are new rifles so theres no history of what shoots best in either so I'll have to depend on info here to help pick which one.   

[myarmor]

I personally have only owned the 1-12 barrels. Mine have shot excellent up to certain 55gr, but you will have more versitility in the 1-9. From most reports the 1-9 barrels shoot the lighter weight pills good too.
And welcome to GBO. Good choice in the 223 as a starter.


-Aaron

[elsie]

Hello Mr. Tim which is your preference?

[quickdtoo]

Welcome elsie!  Mine is a 1:12", the only thing I've shot in it are factory loads, mostly Win white box 45gr JHP which shoot well under 1", I've also shot 52gr Blackhills Match and Ultramax reman 40gr NBT, they both shoot good too, just not quite as good as the WWB, don't have a 1:9" barrel, but they shoot good too and you have the option of shooting bullets heavier than 60gr or so, I only know of two bullets over 60gr that shoot good in the 1:12", the 63gr Sierra #1370 and 64gr Win PP, the 1:9" can shoot bullets up to around 75gr with good accuracy.

The one determining factor you haven't mentioned is ejectors vs extractors, most 1:12" 223s are ejector which are notorious for sticking brass which can be eliminated with a little polishing and tuning, but extractors are more reliable if that concerns you, 1:9" barrels have a good chance of being extractors, but both were made.

Tim

[elsie]

Well I got a 1-12.  Thought I was ordering and expected a 1-9. After all of the discussions on here about twist on 223 I decided to measure the twist before I even set it up to shoot.  Dealer said he ordered the gun from his dist and doesn't control what they send.  The dist says they use the FIFO method of inv. control and sends from stock on hand.  Am I screwed or will it do ok.

[quickdtoo]

Shoot it, but read the Handi Basics 101 first since you're a Handi rookie!   

What do you want to kill with it, and are you using factory or handloaded ammo?

Tim