SmallCaliberCentral

I have been absent from the forum for some time and I'm sure the topic has been discussed at length. I am in the process of having a custom .204 Ruger built and the topic of barrel twist came up with the builder. I believe the factory twist is 1-12 and my Savage Varminter shoots either the 32 or 40 gr. bullet equally well. I will only be shooting Prairie Dogs and an occasional Rock chuck so I would like to get it right for the bucks. Should I stick with the norm or is there a better universal twist we could use.

Your expert opinions would be appreciated, thanks in advance...MS

Builder.. www.AbsoluteAccuracy.us

1:10 or 1:11 1:12 is too slow for most 40 grain bullets and it can be marginal for the 39 grainers. I shoot a 1:12 and it doesnt do well with the 40s but I can get it to shoot the 39s well. I'm on the edge for bullet stability. My next barrel will probably be a 1:10 or 1:11. I shoot a 24" barrel, if you are going shorter than that I would definately go with a faster twist than 1:12

I agree with the 11".

I built mine with a Pac-Nor 11 twist, 24" 3-groove Super Match, and it shoots the 39 & 40's in the .2's. Wouldn't change a thing. You can still shoot 32's if wanted, but for PD's and chucks where wind is always a factor, my personal choice is the heavier bullets every time. Terminal performance 'out there' is much more rewarding too.

I have to agree with 1 in 11" twist for anything from 32 gr. on up to 40 grain and even the 45 gr. Hornady will shoot in the 1 in 11 as well as many 1 in 12 twisters. I have a SS 25" super match grade 1 in 11" twist Pac-Nor barrel on a Savage 12VLP action. I have tested 32 gr. V-Max, 35 gr. FBHP Bergers, 39 gr. Sierras, and 40 gr. V-Max bullets in this rifle and they all shoot extremely well. I'm currently shooting hBN coated 40 gr. V-Max bullets and they Red-mistify the old prairie dogs and knock down coyotes pretty good too.

Don't limit your bullet choices by going with the factory 1 in 12" twist.

Thanks to all posting a reply and their advise. Met with the builder and decided on 1-11 with a 24" varmint contour barrel and H-S Varmint stock. Not sure what brand barrel yet. Took my .204 700 SPS in to use the action. Posted the original barrel and stock in the swap meet. Should be ready for PD's this summer.

Thanks again....MS