Twist Rates 45LC

[DCmauser]

What are the about-right twist rates for lever action (and too single shot) rifles chambered in 45LC?

From catalogs or online websites, I see:

Marlin 1894 and H&R 1871 both in 1:16" twist;
Armi Sport 1860/65 Spencer also in 1:16" (204mm);
Henry Big Boy catalog lists 1:38" ;
Win./USRAC/BACO/Miroku Model 1892 not-sure?

Is one twist more accurate for lower pistol loads and the other better for +P loads?

[243dave]

The winchester 94's were 1-38" twist and changed to a 1-26" twist. I have a 94 trapper with the 1-26" twist and it shoots everything good but it loves the 300gr xtp mags.  They are a long bullet so I'm glad I have the 1-26" twist, the 1-38" twist may have trouble.  I imagine if you stay in the 250gr range or smaller bullets you won't notice a difference in accuracy.  If you step up to some of the 300gr and longer bullets a faster twist will probably give you the edge.  Its better to have too fast of a twist than too slow of one.  If you think you may want to shoot some real heavy bullets(300gr and bigger) to hunt with I'd get something faster than the 1-38" twist, if your using it for cowboy action kind of play get the one thats slick and fast and don't worry about the twist.     Dave     

[w30wcf]

DCMauser,

Marlin changed the twist from 1/38 to 1/16 several years ago. Not sure why since I have the 1/38 twist and it shoots bullet weights up to 350 grs. very well. However, the 350 gr bullets do need to exit at least at 1,300 f.p.s. or they will partially keyhole.

w30wcf

[DCmauser]

Thanks guys,

I guess that I was thinking in Pressures versus Weights (density/length) and Speeds, because I recently got one of those bronze-brass frame modern Henries, and have not found any HRAC warnings against factory +P loads, and will need to reasearch more info before reloading for the 45LC.   I do not plan to load to maximums.
Other makes/models above are just on an out-years wish list.

I saw another recent post comparing 1:16 to 1:18 - closer fine differences compared to the 1:38.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,196692.0.html