Twist rate for 50 & 55 grain bullets

[Sidewinderwa]

My brother is building a 204 for the heavier 55 grain Berger bullets. He tried to get a 1:8 twist barrel but wound up with a 1:9 twist barrel. He is waiting for the action to be built, it will be a custom action. I am also interested in shooting the heavier bullets for longer shots. My concern is will I still be able to shoot the 39 grain bullets with a rifle with a 1:8 or 1:9 twist? Does anyone have a 204 with a 1:8 or 1:9 twist and what is the range of bullet weights that will reliably shoot without being unstable? How light of a bullet can you shoot? How do you like shooting the heavier bullets? Do you still get the "red mist" effect with the heavier bullets? Is it worth building a new rifle to shoot the heavier bullets?

[Joe O]

Berger recomends a 1:8 twist for their 55s.A friend just had a 1:9 twist installed on a 204 LRPV,but hasn't had a chance to work up heavier than 40gr loads.His first groups were under 1/2",with loads he had for a factory barreled LRPV,Sie 39 BK OAL 2.350,WW brass and 27 gr Varget,Rem 71/2 primers.

[Sidewinderwa]

That looks promising. Keep us posted on accuracy with the heavier bullets please.

[Joe O]

Will do.BTW.in the field this year, the Berger 50gr HPs were not giving the terminal splash effect the VMax or Blitz Kings were.Accurate though.

[Valar]

I just finished a ar 15 with a 1 in 9 twist Shilen bull barrel.
I did load work ups for 40 grain Hornady v max, 34 grain midway usa dogtown bullets" Cheap excellent for barrel break in I thought" 32 Grain v maxs and 26 grain vmax
With the right load all for bullets shot fine, Excellent I think. Zeroed scope with Dog towns. three shots in the upper fours with right load. Next 32 vmax again with right load in the fours several holes touching. Same for 40 grain vmax was best group in the 3s. 26 grain varmit grenade still shot in the 4s. Bear in mind I am shooting a stock ar 15 trigger with excesse travel and heavy pull! I was shooting in a ten to fifteen mile an hour windat a hundred yards. I can not wait to try with a better trigger anda calm day! I also plan to tweak my best loads either way bye a tenth of a grain of powder. This ar 204 outshoots my previous best gun right out of the gate, a Rem 700 vs heavy barrel. I do not think a 1 in nine will stabilise the 55 grain berger. I am working up a load or 4 for the 50 grain berger, hope to test this weekend. I dont think I need 50 grainers buy curiousity killed the cat! I have heard the 50 and 55 grainers will shoot excellent in a 1 in 10 liga barreled 20x 47 This wildcat is a 6.5x47 lapua knecked down to 20. However the velocity of the charge gos up over 600 fps at start for these loads. I do not think you will e dissapointed in the 1in 9 but all guns and barrels vary. Good Luck! PS. the 34 grain dog town bullet shot about as well as any, a occasional flyer but for leisure targets and prarie dogs might as well save a buck!