Minimum Twist for 55gr Berger Bullets??

[Vartarg]

I've begun shooting in some area long range "benchrest" competitions, 100-200-300 as well as 600 yards matches...using a Savage 6BR.

I'm shot my Cooper M21 recently out to 300, and it performed well with 39gr SBK's......which got me thinking about using the 55gr Bergers for the 600 yard distance.

What's the minimum twist I'd need to utilize that bullet? Is there a factory rifle made with the faster twist?

Your feedback and comments are appreciated.

George

[Bill K]

Trying to recall who posted re. twist on 204R.. But they mentioned 1/11 as the twist for the 204R and long range shooting with heavier bullets.. Someone will have the straight info or puruse the site.. Bill K

[Joe O]

Berger list a 1:8 twist for that bullet,however some have had good results with 1:9.I had a surprise when my Ruger K1V 204 shot a group in the 1s with a 45gr Hornady SP,blem,with a 1:12 twist.Go figure.

[ryutzy]

You need a 1:9 twist for that bullet. Call Todd Kindler at the Woodchuck Den. He is very experienced with that bullet and is still doing more testing with it. His test gun has a 1:9 twist for that bullet. Todd was very instrumental in getting Berger to make that bullet. Todd is shooting it out of a gun with more firepower than the 204 so I dont know for sure about the 204s ability to push that bullet too fast. Personally I'd save that bullet for the 20 Lapua BR (20BR) or the 20X47 etc. JMO but the 204 shines best with the 32-45 grain bullets. Heavier than that it seems like the bigger 20s would work better.

[joghotrod]

I used some 50 grain Bergers at 600 yds in my 9 twist .204 AR with good results. Some of the guys I was shooting with were supprised that the .204 was that good out to 600 yds. The 55 grain Bergers were not available back then. I later had a 6BR upper made so I could shoot with better scores.

Jimmy

Noticed you are from La. Where do you shoot?

[wirelessguy2005]

I would agree that a 9 twist is probably the minimum that you would want for the 55 berger. However I would look at a different cartridge if you want to get the most out of the 55 berger. The 204 is really is at its best with lighter bullets, the 39 sierra offers the best balance of BC and speed potential for the 204 in my opinion. Anything heavier is best suited to a bigger cartridge such as a 20 BR or 5/35 SMC. If you really want a performer you should take a look at the 5/35 SMC. Here is some info on the 5/35 if you are interested in reading up on it. http://www.smallcaliberclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=40

[Valar]

Yes 1 in 9 in minimal. I have a Shilen 24 inch 1in 9 It shoots 50 g bergers with same poi as 40 grainers. I wiped a coyote out at 296 yrds with a 50 grainer last week. Berger recomends 1 in 8 twist for the 55 grainer. This is from there new reloading manual. Let me know how it performs if you get up and running at 600?

[joghotrod]

I would agree that a 9 twist is probably the minimum that you would want for the 55 berger. However I would look at a different cartridge if you want to get the most out of the 55 berger. The 204 is really is at its best with lighter bullets, the 39 sierra offers the best balance of BC and speed potential for the 204 in my opinion. Anything heavier is best suited to a bigger cartridge such as a 20 BR or 5/35 SMC. If you really want a performer you should take a look at the 5/35 SMC. Here is some info on the 5/35 if you are interested in reading up on it. http://www.smallcaliberclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=40

I started reading about 5/35 SMC after you posted this link and that sounds like the way to go. Do you have one? How much would it cost to build one?

Jimmy