01-01-2012, 01:14 AM
Bill Alexander Wrote:The barrel length is the first question. Long tubes do well with a 9 twsit while 18" and under should be tightened up to account for the lower velocities.
Is there a threshold on a 16" barrel which generally indicates which weight and length bullet might not be stabilized with field grade accuracy. I have a 1 in 9 twist 16" barrel and it shoots factory Hornady 123 A-Max to my satisfaction. I was curious if the slower twist was any different in effect with shorter lighter bullets compared to the longer heavier bullets. I've been satisfied with my handloads using 100/120 grain Nosler BT, 85/100 grain Sierra HP, 120 Sierra Pro hunter and 95 grain V-Max. My rifle does not seem to like Black Hills loaded 123 SMK factor compared to the Hornady 123 A-Max. I bought my 6.5 Grendel for varmint and Hog hunting and assumed the barrel twist would work in a similar manner as with the 5.56 barrels, (77 & 80 grain need 1 in 7 or 8 twist, 69 grain and lighter 1 in 9 twist).