Which is more accurate?

[@sgtusmc1sgtusmc266]

I want to see that 55gr 1/12 twist when it hits ballistics jell vs the 1/7.

[@David-xs9nv]

He did one awhile back on watermelons. Interesting results.

[@charlesmullins3238]

@@David-xs9nv my favorite vid….been shootin my 1:12 fn spr vs my dd5v3 1:11 and fn likes 168s and below and dd 175smk it’ll put 5rds on a Pepsi lid@100yrds…fn put 5 168gmm in a dime….

[@meanman6992]

I’d rather see 1:14 vs 1:7

[@Houndshobby]

I’ve seen it and 1/12 is has better wound channels !!!

[@alanniederlitz8630]

Tim did a watermelon test with the 2 rifles and same ammo... 1:12 EXPLODED the melon

[@Mrgunsngear]

I was surprised a little by the 62gr in the 1:12''. I didn't see that in my testing of the Brownells 1:12'' barrel until I got over 69gr.

[@Skenderbeuismyhero]

More proof that barrels don't adhere to physics but to some ancient form of magic, maybe Indian astrology.

[@jayjohnson3732]

Yeah, I’m a little skeptical of the relevancy of these results because they are based on only one group of each configuration, and only one type of ammo in each bullet weight. I’m also curious about what they do in ballistic gel. The “lore” I have heard says that when fired from the 1 in 12 barrels the bullets are far more likely to immediately begin tumbling on impact with the intended target and do more damage.

[@donwyoming1936]

From my experience shooting M855 in Model 604 M16s, some rifles stabilized the heavy projectiles no problem. Other rifles had groups open up to perhaps 6 MOA. Never saw any tumble. We were allowed to use M855 in the 1/12 rifles. They just told us accuracy would suffer, but still good enough to fight with. 🤠

[@marinioaweischo6614]

@@Skenderbeuismyhero It's so much into it, even two rifles of the same brand and barrel length can get you different velocities. Tightness of the chamber/bore, smotheness and so on, nobody is able to produce with zero tolerances, and if it was possible nobody would pay that price.

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

@@marinioaweischo6614 yeah, especially when these aren't exactly high end custom rifles, and they're shooting cheap .223 ball out of 5.56 chambers(I assume.)

[@edwardnelson3304]

Thank You, H&R for bringing back into production these M16's. We enjoy them. Thanks MAC for the video. Blessings.

[@fate930]

Can you ask federal to lower their prices a bit or offer more bulk packaged products? I love their ammo too but it is often the most expensive on the shelf even for plinking ammo

[@michaelshanahan4965]

@@fate930TargetSports USA for ammo.

[@Doublezzranch]

I saw a video with two rifles like yours, one with a 1/12 & other 1/7 twist. When shot into ballistic gel, the 1/12 would take a violent, almost 90° turn and yaw out of the gel while the same ammo out of the 1/7 kept a almost straight shot path into the gel. I just wanted to share what I had seen with the two different twist rates. Great video Mac, love those "old" AR platforms.

[@ecleveland1]

You are correct. The weapon system was designed to have incredible terminal ballistics in the human body. The design was to cause as much damage as possible and to stay within the rules of the Geneva convention.

[@keithbugden4399]

This is the reason for the debate in 223 killing ability with ball ammo. The guys with the 1:12 twist say it is devastating and guys shooting 1:7 don' t see the same effectiveness. That's because the 1:7 bullets tumble creating huge would channels and the 1:7 doesn't. Of course with newer ammo especially solid copper 1:7 twist works beautifully.

[@ErikHenrichsen]

Geneva dealt with POW treatment. The Hague convention of 1899 dealt ammunition restrictions and assorted topics relating to war. The U.S did not sign this treaty. Having said all that, the notion that the .223 Remington was designed to destabilize on impact is an oft repeated falsehood.

[@waynehendrix4806]

"If you must kill, please do it in this way. It reduces the amount of blood left on the ground afterward."... haha. @@ecleveland1

[@waynehendrix4806]

Now I have to crack a history book again. Thanks... @@ErikHenrichsen

[@dh0073]

Great video! I was getting ready to swap my 1:12, 20" Barrel to a 1:7, 20" so it could fire more varieties of ammo and you uploaded this at a perfect time!

[@jimsiggy]

Back in the '80s, I read an article in SOF magazine, where this test was performed, with the same results. So, there are no surprises here, but it is nice to see you validate it.

[@keayrhyasen1154]

around '84, we started hearing rumors about a new round being developed for the M-16. it was supposedly designed to penetrate a WWII style metal helmet at 800 m. it was going to be a "flechette" round where the copper jacket peeled away halfway to the target increasing the range. gotta love rumors but this was most likely the testing of the heavier grain rounds for the rifle at the time. (too many people complaining about the lack of stopping power of the smaller caliber). i never fired the 'new' round as i got out of the service in mid '86 but watching this video, i can bet there were a BUNCH of US Air Force Security Specialist pissed off to beat hell trying to get their re-certs done on the same rifle they've used for years, which suddenly started pushing out 7 MOA groups. lol. not sorry i missed that sh*t sh*w. i loved that rifle. after 30+ years, i decided to build my retro M-15/AR-16, complete with the slick side carry handle upper and 20" 1:12 twist pencil barrel. only thing different is the Brownell's retro 1x4 scope because... uh...er... you know.... the eyes t'aint what they used to be. another rumor i've heard about the 55g FMJ is it's "sweet spot" is at the 3,200 fps range. something i've noticed from all manu's is 3,000 fps is the most you'll get, as replicated here in this video. it would be interesting to see if there's an accuracy improvement using Lake City brass while pushing that 'optimal' speed range. regardless, 55 grain FMJ at 300 yards is devastating to a 5 gallon jug of water there's a video on KZbin about it ; ) Thanks, MAC.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Back in the 1980s just prior to when NATO adopted the SS109/M855 62-grain "green-tip" enhanced penetration round for the 5.56x45mm cartridge as its standard, army testing of twist rates found that 1:9 was optimum for stabilizing both the old 55-grain M193 round and the new M855. However, trouble hit when the 62-grain tracer was tested; it was not stable out of a 1:9 barrel, due to its greater length than the standard M855. The army switched to a 1:7 which solved the problem, albeit at some cost in accuracy with M193. If you plan to use exclusively 55-grain (or lighter) ammunition, then the 1:12 with a 20-inch barrel is optimum; it is close to the original configuration designed by Eugene Stoner et al.(which was 1:14). However, if heavier and/or longer fare are to be employed, a faster twist is needed. Every barrel is unique, but most 1:9 tubes will stabilize adequately up to 69-70 grains or so, some a bit heavier. If 70+ grains are to be used frequently, then a 1:8 or 1:7 are best. Service rifle competitors who single-load shots of 80+ grains for the 600 yard stage sometimes use a slightly faster twist than 1:7 to achieve optimum results.

[@terrysaunders2026]

@GeorgiaBoy: You know your stuff. Most of my friends never knew about anything slower than a 1 in 12 twist.

[@jorgesolis9468]

1:8 seems to be a good all around twist rate for 55 gr varmint loads and even heavy 77 gr loads

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@terrysaunders2026 - Thanks for the kind words. I have always been fascinated with military history, and in this case, small arms development. The place you really hear about very light bullets and relatively slow twist rates is in the varmint shooting community. I'm not a part of that, but picked up a few things here and there. Bolt-action rifles in 1:12 or 1:14 are quite common with people shooting prairie dogs at 400-500 yards away using 40-grain pills at 3,500 fps MV in some cases. Getting back to Stoner's design, the initial AR15 in 1:14 tested well in typical temperate climate conditions, but failed to stabilize 55-grain slugs under cold/Arctic tests, which is why Army Ordnance asked for it to be changed to a 1:12 twist for the M16A1. That's the story I've seen in the histories of that time.

[@waynehendrix4806]

Great info. Thanks.

[@danulman8837]

There’s absolutely no sense in getting a barrel twist slower than 1/9 if accuracy and bullet weight variety are at the top of your priority list. My experience is based on the use of ammunition I handloaded for my .personal 223/5.56 rifles. I have 7, 8 and 9 twist rifles that ALL shoot 0.5 MOA or better at 100yds with bullets ranging from 50 to 75 grains. My 1/9 twist.223 bolt gun shoots 45 caliber sized, one hole, 5 round groups at 100 yards, .904 inch, five shot groups at 300 yards using a 69 grain Sierra TMK and the last time out fired a three shot group at 925 yards that went into under 5 inches with a Hornady 75 grain ELD MATCH bullet. I’ve tried every grain weight bullet between 70 and 80 grains and the ONLY bullet that has worked is the 75 ELDM. Every bullet between 45 and 69 grains shoots bug holes. I’ve never seen or heard of a 1/12 twist barrel shoot what I would consider acceptable accuracy with anything over 55 grains. The ability to accurately hit my intended target consistently for maximum terminal effect is far more important than the hoped for, maybe, possibility of a bullet tumbling and maybe traversing the target in a direction that possibly increases its terminal effect. I’ll take alittle extra bullet weight and “put it right there” accuracy any day over 3 to 6 inches at 100yds….

[@alancranford3398]

Thank you for reminding me that we could measure rifling twist by revolutions per minute on the projectile. I had trouble enough with my command while on active duty during the change-over from M16A1 rifle with M193 ball to M16A2 rifle and M855 ball. "Is that green tip going to start fires?" You also demonstrated a slight difference in velocities with a small sample size, reminding me that I have to take greater care defining what my own test results tell me. Off the cuff it makes sense that a 1:7" twist would produce more barrel friction than a 1:12" twist and produce lower velocities. You pointed out the need for more shots fired to validate results--and you used H&R barrels in testing--good call. I don't know if other brands of barrels would change the results. My test results will vary due to test equipment, test conditions, barrel brand, ammunition maker, and bullet design--but the figures should be close. The M193 and M855 projectiles are boat tail bullets with spire points. Some .223 Remington bullets have flat bases, different nose profiles (ogives--can shift center of air resistance), may have hollow points (shifts the bullet's center of gravity) and may be shorter or longer projectiles. The 1:7" twist was to stabilize the M856 tracer in sub-zero temperatures. The M196 needed 1:12" rifling for stability under Arctic conditions--the original 1:14" twist rate failed to stabilize tracer rounds. What this means for the shooter is that using bullets heavier than 55 grain in 1:12" can possibly work okay and that bullets heavier than 62 or 64 grains can be stabilized in 1:7" barrels. The way to find out is shooting benchrest groups at 200 yards under anticipated shooting conditions--yes, I know, firing at 100 yards may be the limit due to available shooting range facilities. Bullet length makes a difference. This difference is more important to handloaders using custom bullets and demanding maximum performance. Firing those heavy and long 64-grain M855 factory loads through an old Colt SP-1 (1:12" rifling) to a maximum range of 50 yards from off-hand positions on eight-inch bullseye targets or M9 silhouettes probably won't yield significant differences in precision. Using the same rig on jackrabbits at 300 yards will--if the shooter can see the target and aim from a steady position. About three inches at 100 yards won't cut the mustard when the target is 300 yards away and smaller than three inches.

[@ETHRON1]

I know this pertains to the clones that said, it's been my experience with standard rifles today the 1/7 is best for 62 grain and heavier but the 1/9 is optimal for 52, 53 and 55 grain bullets...using a 16" barrel.

[@timberwolf2459]

Love these types of videos - ammo is expensive and we all want to be as accurate as we can. But, in the past you've used multiple target stickers for this kind of thing - I'd recommend going back to that, since it makes a better side-by-side comparison. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@thesanfordmethod1905]

Exactly the video I wanted to see , thank you !

[@C-M-E]

Rather interesting sidenote, while doing research to make my own rifle, I came across an aged formula for determining optimum twist rate for a given barrel length and projectile weight/diameter ratio. It is crazy accurate from the tests I've run on various projectiles and explains a wealth of information on why twist rates are what they are for particular projectiles.

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

Do you mean the barrel's overall diameter? As if the formula's taking resonance into account? Should that be the case, it'd be super interesting, didn't know it could affect accuracy at relatively short ranges. And if it isn't the case, sir, you still just sprouted something that sounds extremely interesting to look into. Any tips on where to look for? Google became kind of a... say, "sponsor catalogue", not yielding results unless someone payed first, or happens to be hippiepedia. Have a good one!

[@shura0107]

I agree with needing a larger sample size for velocity. 36 fps difference? As Paul Harrell would say: that's within the variation of one round to the next; not enough difference to make a difference. Is the tighter twist converting more energy into angular velocity? Most likely, and I'm sure there's math that will support that. Does that make a difference? Probably not in a vast majority of use cases. There might be one extreme example where it might, like shooting at a very long distance, but I doubt it within the standard use case of the round (within 300 yds).

[@johnw4999]

I bought two A1 clones opting for 12-twist. Love them!

[@Mjdeben]

Thanks for finally comparing the velocity between the two twist rates with the chronograph! I've been curious about the twist rate effect on bullet speed for a long time now. Really wish 1/9" twist barrels were still common like they used to be. Seems like the best compromise for a 16" pipe.

[@paullinkins8121]

Note that a higher twist rate will impart more angular velocity to the bullet which adds to the bullet's energy. It makes up for the lower velocity in terms of terminal effects.

[@waynehendrix4806]

Even 1:9 was used by bushmaster on 20" Got it. Love it.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

Old Mini 14's ran a 1:10 twist. Bullet always leaves the deer sideways out to 120 yds (55gr).

[@HorsepowerDr]

@@waynehendrix4806 my rifle is a 1:9 twist...at least at 100yds theres little difference between the 55gr and 62gr using same brand of ammo , using different brands from one to the other widens that some

[@robertseafield5810]

Good video. The 1 in 12 twist is perfect for the 55 gr bullets. When I was in the Army, (69-72) we used the Colt scope for testing some M16A1 rifles. All would shoot into an inch at 100 meters with the military M193 ammo. I worked in a depot weapons shop. Concerning your vision, try an adjustable aperture.

[@chicorodriguez3964]

Excellent video this is something I wanted to know

[@richardwebb547]

Got a military standard (civ) AR A1 2nd hand in the late 70's. Measured the twist myself and came up with a 1 in 14. Yes you heard correct 1 in 14 twist. 55 gr @ 100 was about 4-6". @ 200 it opened to about 6-8". The 62 gr out of the 20" barrel got a little squirrelly @ 100. One 5 rd group would be 6-9". The next grouping would be 9-12". I was using a 3' sq backing for my target @200. This is where the grouping got really squirrely. At 200 yards, out of a 10 rd string, I generally could find 3 or 4 bullet holes in the 3' backer.

[@rodneychapman458]

Interesting vid, just for general thought I bought a colt A1 AR sporter in 1978. Like new con 1in14.shot great made in 1973, in mid 80s retired to the back of the safe. Thanks for all your work.

[@thudable]

EXCELLENT job as always. Interesting, and relevant content. Thanks MAC !!

[@AnthonyScott_Little_Black_Duck]

Your videos are always very informative

[@fargoalspach557]

I own a 1:7 Wyndham weaponry retro M16 and love it.

[@garyh1449]

I have 2 Windham's, A 16" and a 20" retro . Love them both.

[@TheRobman139]

Yes, that is definitely the class way to go. 👍

[@GrumpyGenXGramps]

Now THIS is actually something I have wondered.

[@mikhailgregovszki7478]

Certainly interesting results... wonder if it would be similar with other manufacturers, and different barrel lengths. I imagine the 1:7 would be better for a shorter barrel, as they both kind of compensate for each other in this regard. There are just so many things that can affect accuracy though, it is impossible to test them all. Thanks for sharing, and maybe next time use a magnified optic, might help you compensate for the older eyes. I'm nearing my 40's and am noticing my sight is getting worse, so a big scope really helps!

[@alexanderstordeur9434]

I prefer 1:8 twist as a good over all with the vast majority of 556 ammo I can find on the market. Works best with any thing 62 to 77 gr bullets. But still works just fine with M193 and anything 50 to 60gr and also 80 to 87gr bullets. 1:7 twist is perfect if you like to use heavy hard hitting or long raing bullets 69gr and all the way up to 90gr or I think 112gr is the heaviest bullet offering in .223. But will still do ok with 55gr to 68gr that most of your ball ammo is going to fail into. 1 : 12 twist. Your sweet spot for accuracy is probably going to be with in. 40 to 64gr. Probably best with 45gr al the way up the 62gr that's not M855/ss109. Assuming you are not planning to shoot past 300 meters. Or gofers at 100m

[@cfzippo]

FWIW. Desert Shield/Storm. My USAF TACP with the 2nd BDE/101, was issued M-16A1s. The Army had A2s with their 62 grain bullets. With the Army issued ammo, our USAF A1s were key-holing the rounds at 25 yards. The 101st was awesome, and issued us all new A2s.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

I bought a model 1 sales 12" twist bull barrel for next to nothing once and built a rig for my friend to use on vermin and with 40grain vmax it was a laser beam. 1/4 moa with hardly any reciol, he LOVES that rifle. It's all about the right system.

[@Sparks00psn]

1/4” group at 100 yards? How many shots did you fire in that group? 1?

[@KenBlackRifleAmerica]

Perhaps in the future you could test the 16" barrel vs the 20" barrel using the 55 gr and the 62 gr rounds. Most AR15's I see sold are the 16" variety. Thanks for your outstanding videos!!

[@jasonmcclish2580]

Awesome video! Very useful information. Thanks guys.

[@poppysworkbench6508]

The most accurate AR I ever had was assembled with a surplus 1:14 original non chrome lined barrel that I got from SARCO in 1985. Only mods were a free float tube and a special hand grip screw that took the slack out of the trigger. Factory FMJ 55gr 1 to 1 1/2 inch. Hand loads 55gr SP 1/2 to 1 inch. And my all time best 53gr flat based match that would do under 1/2 all day. Those were 5 shot groups. Never shot or owned any other AR that could do that even with expensive match barrels.

[@deadmeat8754]

Always enjoy your content!

[@pneumaticman5927]

Having a great time reading all these comments by Gen X and Boomer viewers. Gen X here with Army service in the 80s through early 90s. I went to the A1 to A2 transition, and the 1911 2M9 transition. At this time, we were really excited about it. That is until we had to carry those damn things at port arms all day, but at least we could hit something. This is awesome.

[@gutshotgriz3936]

Just found your channel…Awesome!!!

[@MannElite]

would like to see comparison alongside 1/8 .223 wylde barrels

[@lastinline000]

I have that barrel, 20". I run 75 grain Hornady and have MOA or better at 100 yards, I roll my own. I would group 55 and 62 grain like this video.

[@edbecka233]

Ditto! My Wylde 24" HB AR has the 1:8 twist.

[@Spushed]

With the slower twist rates adding velocity in mind I would recommend the 1 in 8 twist not the 1 in 7 twist. The 1 in 8 twist stabalizes 77 grain perfectly fine with the added bonus of a bit more velocity.

[@stevenlehman2408]

I feel you pain with the eye sight, had to go to a crossbow with a scope because if I focused on the pins I couldn't see the deer clearly if I focused on the deer I couldn't see the pins. That all happened at the age of about 62, love the content keep it coming!

[@Militaryarmschannel]

Thanks my friend. Yeah, I hate that I'm not able to focus as sharply as I once could. I love shooting iron sights and the day I lose that ability will be a very sad day.

[@phillipk1258]

@@MilitaryarmschannelPat Mac has some really good content on this exact topic. Might help in some of your applications.

[@jkng4606]

​, my fiend is 8 years older than me, he's 68 and doesn't need glasses after laser eye surgery

[@michaelblacktree]

I'm in the same boat. My eyesight has been slowly degrading. Nowadays, I'm happy to hit a pie plate at 100 yd with iron sights. But thankfully, there are plenty of optics available!

[@chriscarnes87]

Just paint or replace the front sight with something high-vis. It’s still hard to focus on a black front sight even with good eyes.

[@corruptbanjo27]

Imagine what the 1/8, 223 wylde, 20 barrel would do... supposed to be some of the most optimal for everything from 55-77 grain.

[@Jerry10939]

I was first issued and trained with the M16A1 in the army with a 1:12 twist. At a Canadian Bull zero target I could put two rounds in the same hole at 25 meters with government ball ammunition. I could do the same with the M16A2 with the 1:7 twist. . We used a different zero target for it. I prefer the Canadian Bull. The difference ammo made a difference. The manual said that the A2 could use the NATO 5.56 as well as the M193 ball round of the A1. Although not as accurate. However, the M16A1 couldn’t shoot the 5.56 NATO round well it went off target. I carried the A2 during Desert Storm. The A2 was better in some ways. But because it was Zeroed slightly differently from longer range you had different hold offs for it. I preferred the A1 because it was zeroed out to 250 meters but you could still hit the 300 meter target with iron sights without a significant hold off.

[@deejayimm]

I work in EOL care. Getting old is a blessing, sir. Rock those eyes with pride and happiness.

[@garyh1449]

Yup, getting old beats the alternative. LOL

[@Master_Yoda1990]

It all depends on the ammo used, on paper 1:12 twist is better at stablizing heavier bullets and may over stabilize lighter bullets where as the 1:7 is opposite, however in reality you may find the difference in performance to be minor when shooting 300 yards and under, over 300 yards the differences start becoming more noticable.

[@kevinfryer380]

Very informative. Thanks

[@deepskywishingwell2602]

Great video , always wanted to see a wring out of the two twist rates. Would love to see more about other twist rates and higher bullet weights

[@ulisessalas6420]

Huh🤔!!! Interesting results. Awesome review brother. SF!

[@Militaryarmschannel]

Thanks for watching my friend.

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Really enjoyed, good info, thanks

[@Militaryarmschannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

@@Militaryarmschannel your content is always first class.👍

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

There's some other possibilities about 1:7 having slightly lower muzzle velocities: One is that of the barrels used here, the 1:7 is just slightly shorter. Second is that slightly more of the explosive energy is getting diverted into the rotational kinetic energy of the projectile, rather than it's linear kinetic energy. Third is that the 1:7 barrel may be slightly higher friction than the 1:12 barrel.

[@jm9371]

Very good video. If you spin something faster, it takes energy.... basic thermodynamics state that nothing is free. The marginal velocity reduction of a faster twist rate was something that I have often wondered about. Clearly, by moving to faster twist rates, the trade off of stabilizing a wider range of bullet weights was a good call. I learned something today and thank you.

[@gibstera5580]

Interesting results. I like to think if optics was possible if the results would have been the same. I just recently did a comparison between two builts. Same bolt assembly, upper and lower, but different barrel twist and length. One rifle has a Green Mountain 1:6 19-inch barrel: 77 grain @ 100 yrds .34, .41, and .63. Other rifles have a Citerion barrel 1:12 20-inch barrel 55 grain @ 100 yrds just as good. .40, .46, and .57. When time permits, revisit this, but this time, switch the bullets weighs and see what happens. Thank you for sharing.

[@kentchristen6048]

That's awesome content right there.

[@careylymanjones]

I wish someone would make a modern-style upper with a 16" 1:12 barrel. Loaded with M193, it would make an AWESOME home defense carbine. M193 is quite accurate, out of 1:12 barrels. Which is not surprising, as M193 was designed for 1:12 barrels.

[@storytimedavidcollins2897]

In the beginning Eugene Stoner brought about the SP1, 20” barrel, 1in 12 twist 55 grain bullet and the gun world was happy which to this day is still the very best set for an AR type guns effectiveness. My very first AR / SP1 updated with an AR15/M-16 A2E2 upper for the way better rear site with a forward assist. I was a member of the West End gun club in the early 1980’s and we had a thousand yard range, so I can tell you for certain that a 1 in 12 twist with a 55 grain bullet gos sideways/ key holes at 900 yards. A 25 grain to 40 grain will stay accurate out to 1000 yards and beyond. Groups are measured in feet at those kinds of distances. 62 grain and heavier goes sideways from 100 to 300 yards out of a 1 and 12 in my experience. A 1 in 9 twist rate is what I have found to be the best rate for all around bullet weights from 40 grain to 77 grain fairly well. But if you want the most effective rate for what the AR was originally designed for you want a 20” 1 in 12 barrel with 55 grain projectiles, but if you’re going to need to be able to use 62 or 77 grain projectiles you need a 1 in 9 twist rate. Be safe out there and always remember that projectiles can travel up to 28 miles so always use or have something behind your targets, never place a target on a hill top, because every single round that goes through the target or misses the target can fly for miles. The 28 miles thing is from WWI both the Germans and the US were involved in volley type fire and a 1903 Springfield or 1917 Enfield rifle could fire Ball M1 - 180 grain full metal jacket spiral tipped bout tail projectiles out to 28 miles.

[@Kesssuli]

Pretty sure there is something really wrong in those numbers. 28 miles is distance for rockets. Even heavy artillery will struggle to reach numbers like that. 2.8 miles would be closer to truht what 30 cal bullet will stay airborne when fired in arch.

[@storytimedavidcollins2897]

Well History is truth, it’s things that actually happened. WWI holds a lot of unbelievable records and events. The farthest confirmed shot with iron sights was in WWI, when a US Marine made a shot at 2,850 yards with the iron sites on his issued 1903 Springfield rifle. This information came to me the last page of an NRA National Rifle Association, Rifle Man magazine. The history is that there was a German soldier who would stand up on the top edge of there trenches with a large way oversized yellow or Orange brightly colored clown sized tie to draw fire from the US troops so that German snipers hidden in no man’s land in between the trenches could shoot US soldiers. The Marine fired a single shot at the guy with the tie and he went down, so the powers that be decided that it was a good time to advance on the German lines. So the Marines traveled across no man’s land and successfully occupied the German trenches and captured all of that territory and found the German soldier with the big oversized tie with a bullet hole right through the tie and right through his hart, confirming that he was hit from 2,850 yards away with iron sights once again firing Ball M1 180 or 182 grain FMG boat tail ammo. Back in the mid 1980’s a guy did the math and hit a 55 gallon drum of water at 18 miles with a 45/70 round out of a trapdoor Springfield rifle to see if a legendary story from the battles against Native American Indians was true. My youngest daughter will listen to stories, but won’t believe anything if she can’t fact check it. So maybe you need to do some research yourself. Several years ago vehicles traveling on the 10 freeway Westbound in the Indio area had 50 caliber MG projectiles stick in their windshields that were believed to be ricoches from 23 to 30 miles away at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base. I was hoping to give some very valuable helpful safety advice on how far a projectile can fly and for people to be careful when making shots. 22LR ammunition used to come with a warning that it was dangerous for up to 2 & 1/2 miles, but I believe that CCI removed that warning realizing that 22LR can travel much much farther than that. Be careful with how far away your missed shots can travel was my point.

[@robison87]

Definitely not 28 miles.

[@storytimedavidcollins2897]

@@robison87 Definitely 28 miles Look it up !!!! I try to give helpful information to save lives, probably and not make the gun community look bad by someone just not taking into account or consideration of how far their misses can actually travel was the point of my comment. The 28 miles thing was an actual documented thing from World War One that all sides did. Say you’re 28 miles away from the front/ behind the lines , you’re relaxing and think that you’re good and all of sudden 20 to hundreds of projectiles start raining in and killing or injuring people and stuff all around you, it would be very disturbing to you and your moral. That was the hole point of why it was done. Like I say, look it up.

[@robison87]

@storytimedavidcollins2897 no man no lol. I already knew it couldnt, but to appease you I googled it and they can go about 4-5 miles max under perfect circumstances shot at a 45 degree angle for maximum range. You should look it up lol.

[@roblowe9283]

Great Show

[@Modulus83]

Awesome stuff! 😊

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

I go with a 1 in 8 twist for all my builds. It stabilizes everything from 52 grains to 77 grains, which is the heaviest that I can achieve useful velocities without exceeding max overall length while not exceeding max pressures.

[@Grizzlyman420]

I have a 1/9 and it kinda sucks! I need a 1/7 or 1/8 for those heavier bullets

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Interesting results. Thank you

[@mrouija25]

Thats weird, my test results were different. My 1-12 twist was key holing at 50 yards with anything over 55gr. Pretty crazy to see key holes already at 50yds!

[@misterroller-b6p]

yeah i've experienced very similar results, my 1:12 twist would keyhole 69gr @ 25yds! really only stabilizes 55gr.

[@roul3688]

I have a IWI Zion with 1:8 twist that won’t shoot 69gr under 4 moa. I also have a Barrett with a 1:7 twist that shoots the same load sub moa.

[@Alshen]

REC7? Mine also shoots 77gr SMKs at 1 MOA or less.

[@roul3688]

@@Alshen Yessir, gen2

[@terrysaunders2026]

@military arms channel: No key holing with 1/12” barrel and 62 grain bullets? When we took our GAU-5s to the range with 62 grain ammo we got frequent key holing at 100 yards and beyond.

[@neils2357]

Gun Kenobi with an interesting vid. Cheers Mac.

[@williamdurdin1964]

Great information Thnx

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

Very interesting results indeed.

[@craigsavarese4554]

As far as your “old” eyes go, both my parents had the eye surgery to improve vision/remove cataracts. They were in their sixties and loved the results. I am now approaching the same age, however I could never deal with the massive amounts of eye drops you have to do for a couple of weeks after the procedure.

[@waynehendrix4806]

It seems to make sense that many, including bushmaster centered around 1:9 twists. Makes some sense that it might retain better velocities, and accuracy would still be really acceptable for 55 gr use. I had never seen a 1:12 barrel before.

[@colloidalsilver1096]

Great video

[@richardturk7162]

Very interesting. Kind of what I expected.

[@johnnottahcal5725]

I’m a smidge older yet so I concentrate on the middle front sight post and try to ignore the one on the left and right. 🙄 I held out for 1:12 cuz I think it rocks with 55 and my primary target is paper and ground pigs.

[@denniscraig6022]

I have a Rem. 700 with an 18-inch 1in 12 twist 223 barrel. 50 grain is .5 moa but 77 grain in any brand key holes and is all over the place

[@onseki1774]

I went 1:12 for my 601 retro build just because I already have multiple 1:7s and I needed an excuse to try it out. I will probably only shoot 55gr winchester/federal anyway. Indoor ranges near me ban M855 also

[@seancrosby2715]

I run a 1:7 16" barrel... Hornady Black 62gr consistently runs a 1 1/2-2" group at 100 yards...5 and 10 shot groups with the occasional flyer

[@brandonbeck1946]

What if you had a short barrel with a 1:12 or 1:10 twist? What velocities or accuracy would you have

[@ETHRON1]

As others have stated it would be interesting to see a comparison using ballistic gel...but I would use a scope to get more refined shots...

[@edbecka233]

Those carry handle ARs can be tough to mount optics unless you want to have to use an add-on cheek rest and deal with the above-bore distance.

[@uboat792]

In very simple terms, the heavier the projectile (it is actually a function of bullet length and sectional density, but we are simplifying things here), the faster (lower number) twist rate you are likely to want to utilise. It is bullet length that determines twist rate not weight.

[@awsomedude12345678]

Shhh not so loud. It seems most of the viewers of this video think something of scientific value was presented. You have to shoot hundreds of rounds of increasingly harder to stabilize bullets all sorted for imperfections from each rifle. Than take the ratio of decreasing accuracy and compare. Especially since you are using different barrels

[@awsomedude12345678]

Fun fact with your fun fact you actually dont use s.d but the ratio between the width and length the density has more to do with the bullets acquired momentum and how far it will travel before losing its stabilization

[@packerjansen12]

I had a rifle with a 1/9 twist that couldn't stabilize a box of M856 Tracer (64 or 65 grain I believe) rounds that I had. Couldn't accurately hit a steel gong at even fifty yards with it. Switched to a 1/7 twist on my upper, works fine now.

[@AllAboutSurvival]

I've always leaned towards the 1:7 twist rate for its versatility with a wider range of bullet weights

[@leonhart2452]

I first 223 rifle is a Stevens 200 with 12 twist. With 55 gr bullets it would group them into about 1/2 groups and all the holes in the target were round. With 62 gr bullets it was about 1.5 groups and very few had rounds holes in the target. Most were about twice as long as they were wide. Evidence the bullets were not stable. Much further away and they would probably start to tumble. I recently bought an AR-15 rifle with an 8 inch twist. Haven't had a chance to repeat the testing on it but I feel I can assume the 55 gr bullets will leave round holes as well as the 62 gr bullets. I have only shot a few rounds for function testing, none for accuracy. Being a not to expensive AR I doubt it will shoot as well a the bolt gun.

[@darrelldutsch]

Thank you

[@carlbecklehimer1898]

The original was 1:14 iirc. The XM193 was barely stabilized when it hit tissue and caused the nasty wounds that were reported.

[@joatmon6132]

Another wonderful video. If you ever redo this, add in your notes to add 40 grain. I bet 1/12 will be very accurate and in same area as 55 but 1/7 will have a noticeable impact shift. Again, great video, love you channel, and I'm suprised I'm note subscribed. I'll fix that.

[@dlkline27]

Light bullets, slow twist. Heavy bullets fast twist. Back in my gun repairing days I had a Sako heavy barrel in .222 sent my way because is was lacking accuracy. I happened to remember that model had a 16 twist so I loaded up some 45 grain bullets. It turned into a tack driver with that load.

[@lanedexter6303]

I’ve seen sub MOA accuracy with cheap 55 grain from a 1 in 7 Colt HBAR at 200 yards (off bipod, with scope). But I’m told 1 in 7 can over stabilize 55’s, so when you get out past 500 or 600 they hold their attitude and don’t nose over as their trajectory curves. I still have the HBAR but don’t have a 600 yd. range.

[@sorryociffer]

I’d like to see a 1:14 barrel thrown in for once… Including a 1:9 would be useful as well…. Using bullets from 40gr up to 77gr… Maybe a summer project for me…

[@thesanfordmethod1905]

With 1 in 14 and 1 in 12, make sure you hit "watermelons", not regular melons or cantalopes etc, for the full effect, because of the pocket of air in regular melons inside, you won't get the hyperstatic effect. :)

[@sorryociffer]

@@thesanfordmethod1905 As fun as that would be, I want to concentrate on accuracy measurements. I may look into a block or two of ballistics gel though as I would love to see the various wound channels with the various weights through the various twists and how they will differ… especially a 1/14 with some 40gr blitz or TNT varmit bullets at 3600fps…

[@onpsxmember]

If you do, go by length of the bullet. The longer they are, the more revs are needed. You can find the same mass with different lengths and different mass and same lengths. From there the more mass is on the outside or mass removed from the center the easier it is to stay on route rotating along the same axis.

[@Grizzlyman420]

So a 1/9 will shoot 75-77 grain fine?

[@sorryociffer]

@ Technically, yes. It’s on the edge though. Many guys get good results with 55gr with a 1/7.

[@driverjamescopeland]

Fast twist is great... IF you have a projectile capable of taking advantage. It also depends on the desired range as well. Another component is the profile of the bullet itself. If you have a projectile that's prone to destabilization, a faster twist rate may actually accelerate it's tendency to tumble at an earlier point in its trajectory.

[@jimmyslim1628]

You live in Indiana if I remember correctly. I'm in Southern Indiana so can confirm, yes humidity can be horrible here, can be 100% at any point.

[@pablosuarez4592]

I use a 20inch Wilson Combat barrel heavy bull,1:8 twist. It gives me quarter size groups at 200 yds with 68 Hornady Frontier bthp match ammo😊

[@AR-jz7lp]

I had a varmint bolt action .223 with a 1/12 twist 26" barrel, it would stack 5 rounds of 45 gr jhp on a dime but anything over 55gr was unusable. Twist rate matters a lot.

[@RobertMcCandless-nr7cv]

Great video! I shoot a lot of NRA Matches and use a Krieger Barrel DCM 223 Wylde 7.7 Twist 20" and shoot .223 75g Hornady Match Bullets, or some of my friends reloads which are the same, same cost for me, just availability if he has them loaded. At 300-yards there is no difference. But went to PA at a 600-yard range couple of times and did better with the reloads. So, I wish I had the space and money I would reload, but here in the communist state of NJ, 300 yards are rare but available, not so much for further than that. And this is where I do 95% of my shooting. I do get a new barrel every two years, should do it every year but just too much. New upper is about $600 with shipping a pop. The average I have shot at the high-power competition is in the low 700's, with 745 the best. Not the best shooter by far, we have a guy that shoot 790's all day long. I find the .223 shoots much better than 5.56 commercial or reloads.

[@OldManMontgomery]

One notes there is velocity deviation (with the same ammunition) between two firearms than with twist rate. To find a difference in velocity by twist rate, one would need to fire five round samples in five or ten of one twist rate rifles and then compare to the average of five or ten rifles with the other twist rate. This using the same 'lot' (batch and manufacturer) for both twist rates. Probably a good idea to compare the same components with different bullet weights in the same way. I've been reloading since the early 1970s and chronographing since the late 1980s and I've never noted a meaningful difference in velocity due to twist rate. No literature has mentioned such a phenomenon either. However, twist rate does affect accuracy. As told in the video, longer (typically heavier) bullets of a caliber require faster twist for proper stabilization and accuracy. A lot of overspin is better than a little underspin. I have no use for an M16 or clone (used one long ago), but do have a great interest in the ammunition - rifle interface. Garmin chronograph looks good. Costs $599.99. $600 is a fair amount. I have a 'brand X' chrono that does quite well and didn't cost half that. Have to consider it.

[@BlownF150]

The earlier TM's from the military specifically discussed the differences in M193 and M855 in the A1 and A2 rifles, detailing terminal performance on target as well as POI shift and how much a soldier can expect accuracy to degrade in putting M855 in the A1 rifles.

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

1 - I'd buy one of those for the 20" barrel, and 'cause they're being made by one of the M1 Garand manufacturers 🙂And would go with the "variety of ammo" twist rate 😛 2 - That's a beautiful dagger. Sometimes seemed to have a second bevel, but depended on the angle. Is it Lockwood? Loved the fittings and leather color choice 🙂 Thanks for the vid Tim! Was super helpful indeed! 😀

[@turrettooling1968]

Exactly! I think the 1:7 twist was really designed to stabilize tracer rounds. The problem is that this kind of twist rate decreases the effectiveness of M855. I have had very good results with my 1:9 twist for M855 (accuracy wise). Not sure how good the terminal ballistics are. Another great video!

[@MissionaryForMexico]

It has a lot to do with weight of bullet big time! We learned this in USMC sniper school!

[@jfess1911]

The slower twist helps most if you shoot cheap ammo with low-quality bullets. These are often a little unbalanced (lead core with bubbles, non-uniform jacket thickness, etc). The faster those bullets are spun, the larger the groups. Many people don't see a difference with high quality stuff as long as the twist rate is fast enough to stabilize the bullet well.

[@bobmcgoober27]

Test a 1:14 with a 43 grain spitzer!

[@Jwilliamstech]

I'd like to see this same test on a Lead Sled with scopes swapped and sighted in on each rifle. That's damn good shooting for open sights but once you stretch out to 100 yards the scope would eliminate some errors. Great video though!

[@sogerc1]

Makes sense that the faster spinning bullet slows down more (or rather doesn't speed up as much) but the 1.2% difference is so little there's no reason to get a 1:12 barrel. From a performance POV at least.

[@doon44]

Real early M16’s had a 1-14 twist rate.

[@jeffie8696]

The slower twist rifling in my experience loading for varmits in 223 is easier to push a bullet through and therefore can be pushed to a higher velocity while maintaining pressures,had my bolt gun rebarreled in a 1-7 twist and had issues with high pressures . Of course this is just anecdotal all things considered like manufacturing tolerances and quality control

[@leonhart2452]

Another thing on twist rates, early jacketed bullets had jackets that showed a wide variation in jacket thickness from side to side as well as bullet to bullet. This variation would cause one side of the bullet to be heavier than the other side. This change in center of gravity at slower twist rates was not as noticable as at faster twist rates. These off balance bullets were stable at the slower twist, but not as stable at faster twist. This lead manufacturers to use slower twist rates to better stabilize these old bullets. Bullet technology has advanced over the years, making better bullets. This better bullets still shot well in the slow twist barrels. But as bullets got better people started to want bullets with higher BC's. These high bc bullets being longer than standard bullets wouldn't shoot well in slow twist barrels, thus the change to faster twist rates. The new 8.6 blackout is an extreme example of this. The 8.6 uses very long bullets at slow velocity and uses 3 inch twist to stabilize the bullets.

[@jessicasimp4459]

According to Chris of Small Arms Solutions… the penetrator core in the 62 grain is not properly centered and causing fliers and lower accuracy. And because of the 62 grain being more intended for the machine guns like the FN Minimi.

[@doejohn8674]

Dang, love that chronograph!