Howa 1500 .223 twist rate problem

[mannyrock]

Dear Guys,
 
   I see that a person has asked for opinions on the Howa 1500 Ranchland in .308.  I have a question regarding the .223
 
   These Ranchlands look like great rifles, but I have read that the rate of twist in the .223 barrel is 1 in 12.  Doesn't this basically  limit you forever to 55 grain bullets?
 
   With the great proliferation in the last few years of 62 grain and 67 grain factory ammo (and military ammo) in the .223, does it make any sense whatsoever to buy a rifle with a 1 in 12 twist??  My understanding is that many manufacturers have gone to 1 in 9 as a middle ground standard.
 
  Thanks for all info.  I have never owned a .223
 
Mannyrock

[geezerbiker]

The simple answer is yes.  The .223 was originally designed not to shoot anything heavier than 55 grains and the 1 in 12 twist rate was considered optimal. 

The military is shooting some funky long bullets that are hard to stabilize and need the 1 in 9 or 1 in 7 twist rate.  This is party from trying to make up for the fact they shouldn't have given up .30 cal and are trying to make .22 make do.  The heavier sporting bullets are trying to make a .22 into an acceptable deer hunting round when it's more suited to varmits and small game.  My opinion for what it's worth

I've never considered loading anything heaver than 55 gains bullets in my .223s so for me it isn't a problem.  I picked up a Howa .223 varmint rifle last month but I haven't shot it much yet.  From all I've heard these are great rifles and I'm really looking forward to dialing it in...

Tony

[Casull]

I personally don't see any problem with the 1 in 12" twist.  A few years ago, I was taking my 14 year old daughter deer hunting.  She was/is very muzzle blast shy and a little recoil shy.  I worked up some loads with some of the heavier (but certainly not heaviest) .22 bullets for my Howa .223.  With just a little load work, I had workable rounds with 5 different bullets weighting from 60 to I believe 64 grains (the heaviest being the 64 grain Winchesters).  The best load was a little under 1 inch and the worst was a little under 1 1/2".  All of these were certainly passable for deer hunting accuracy.  I ended up going with the Nosler 60 grain partition since I felt it would provide the best terminal performance, but she ended up never firing a shot.  With some decent load development, I'd be surprised if any of those bullets couldn't be kept at an inch or better.  Now, that same rifle with 55 grain bullets can easily shoot 3/4" or a little better.  I would call that pretty good versatility.

[hoghunting]

 My 14" T/C Contender barrel also has a 1 in 12" twist, and has no problem keeping groups smaller than 1" with 62 gr bullets.

[mannyrock]

 
Dear Guys,
 
   Thanks for the info.  It sounds as if the 1 in 12 may work OK by giving 1 to 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards with the heavier bullets, which I think would be fine for my type of hunting (nothing smaller than a ground hog, and nothing farther than 150 yards.)
 
  Regards,  Mannyrock

[2ndtimer]

I have a Weatherby Vanguard Varmint Special  (Howa action) in .223 Remington with the 1 in 12" twist.  It shoots 55 gr bullets very well as well as anything lighter.  I prefer the 1 in 12" twist rate, because I prefer to shoot the lighter bullets as fast as possible at safe pressure levels.  My standard load in the .223 is either a 50gr bullet at 3300 to 3400 fps or a 40 gr bullet at 3600 to 3700 fps.  I don't think the faster twist barrels can achieve these velocities without pushing the pressure.  I haven't tried any heavier bullets, but I believe it would shoot the 60 gr Nosler partition okay since it is a rather short bullet.  If I want a bullet heavier than 55 gr, I will use my .243 Win.  If you shoot nothing smaller than groundhogs, maybe you should consider stepping up to the .243.  I use my .223's on ground squirrels, prairie dogs, rock chucks, and up to coyotes.  Anything bigger gets at least a .24 caliber bullet.  At least so far.