New to Stevens Model 200 in .223/I forgot about thinking about twist rates

[skinman]

Fellas,
I was searching the web and found for myself as well as for other's some very useful information on the .223. I found this info at an ammunition store. The twist rate determines the accuracy of what weight of .223 you are using. The stevens is a 1:9 twist.
1:12-40 to 52 grains
1:9-55 grains
1:8-62 grains
1:7-75 or 90 grains
For those who have the AR-15-1:7, 1:8, 1:9-55-62 grain + 75 grains. So I am going to the range today with the Hornady 55 grain V-Max. The wind is calm today and will be 71 degrees for the high. I'll see how she does? If I can't get her dialed in....I may be looking at the T/C Venture in .223. They have great reviews for this 1:12 rifle. My only downside is that I have a rifle basix on my stevens, set at just over a pound.....easy to target and never a missfire. I'll report back with my targets with pics today of the stevens with Hornady ammo.

[Bearcat 74]

From just the factoy loads I have shot it's hard to beat the 55gr V-Max Hornady ammo. 

[skinman]

I'll take your advice. I bought a box and will go out to the range tommorrow. I found that the stevens is a 1:9 twist, which is a little fast. T/C Venture is 1:12 and claim it gets 1 inch MOA at 100 yards, guaranteed. Would wonder what they use to get that kind of accuracy?

[STRANGE1]

I believe the 1:12 twist works best for smaller weight bullets and the 1:9 works better with the heavier.  I think.  If i have that backwards, someone please correct me.

FWIW, Savage uses a 69gr bullet to test fire the 1:9 twist 223's and a 40gr bullet to test fire the 22-250's (which typically have a slower twist rate----1:12 in the stevens line).

[Bearcat 74]

Strange1, you are correct about the twist rates.  Both my .223's are 1:9 and both are sub MOA with 55's.  I had an Encore .223 barrel and it was sub MOA as well with 55's.  The 1:9 will handle up to a 69gr bullet, a few have got 75's to fly from 1:9's but I think they can be tricky.

[jmayton]

It's bullet length, not weight that determines the needed twist rate.  Though weight and length usually go hand-in-hand, there are a few exceptions.  The short but heavy 60gr Nosler Partition will often shoot well in even a 1:12 twist.  I shoot 55gr Sierra Gamekings in my Handi 1:12 and the exact same load in my 1:7 AR, but it also really likes anything 75grs and heavier.  Twist rates and bullet weight combinations are a great guide, but see what shoots well in your rifle.  You might be surprised.

[skinman]

For what it is worth, according to the Savage manual they list the .223 as test fired with a 69 grain Federal Sierra Match King BTHP in a 1:9 twist. This is a 100 yard test target.

Anything in the 1:7, they shoot 69 grains and heavier at the same 100 yard test target.

Just a guideline, not one that someone has to shoot. Just like in my Omega, find the right load for that particular gun and then you just have to love it!

[Dand]

I'd bet that 1:9 will shoot much longer/ heavier bullets than just 55 gr. I have a 1:10 Ruger #1 that prefers 52 to 64 gr bullets with 55 and 60's often shooting best of all. Like others are posting, I'd expect bullets in the 60-65gr + to do well in your gun. Oh, I can even get ok groups with the 70 gr Speer SP - but the gun is not a bughole  shooter - just under an inch is the best I've got with anything.

[Nightsniper]

I don't think I would worrie about the 1:9 on Stevens200.  Mine shoots 55Gr.VMax Sub Moa @ 100yds. with 40Gr.VMax it will do .5 @ 100yds.

[84Jim]

My 1:9 savage with a 20 inch barrel will shoot up to 77 gr. sierra MK's.  When I tried 80's (different ogive, longer bullet) they were all over the paper.  A buddy has a 26" savage 1:9 that will shoot 80 MK's.  I guess the extra barrel gives him more velocity and spins the bullet enough to stabilize it.  All of my .223's like 55 grain bullets, including my 1:8 AR's.

[moorepower]

Just because it is a 1-9 do not rule out the 40's and 50's as they may still shoot better.