.223
- Thread starter hsc
- Start date
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I don't see why the lightest bullets (35 grain) wouldn't work. Generally the heavier/longer bullets are the ones that give you trouble. If the twist rate is too slow, the longer bullets won't stabilize. Edit - I just checked ArmaLite's website and they recommend 52 - 69 grain bullets for the 1:9 twist. I still think the lighter bullets would be okay, however.
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My 1:9 twist Remington 700 LOVES the lighter bullets. Shoots 36 and 40 grain Barnes Varmint Grenades well under an inch. They even do well in my 1:7 twist AR (Colt 6920).
MichiganScott
Member
The problem with light bullets is that they are designed for explosive expansion and have very thin jackets. The jacket can be disrupted or even simply weakened if your barrel has rough spots. The high rate of spin causes the jacket to come apart and you get comet trails with the bullet never reaching the target. It doesn't happen if you use bullets with tougher jackets like Nosler Ballistic Tips.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
You have to admit though, those thin jacketed bullets do put on a nice show when they vaporize inflight. 
David Sinko
Member
My 16" barrel with 1:9 twist shoots everything from undersized .223" 35 gr. Hornet bullets to 80 gr. A-Max with good accuracy. The lighter bullets are more accurate and the 80 gr. bullets need 100 yards to begin to stabilize and produce round holes on paper.
Dave Sinko
Dave Sinko
4barrel
Member
A 55 Spitzer has a thicker jacket & 27 1/2 gr. of Varget or 748 will punch 1 1/2 groups 10 shot @ 200 yards. 52 gr. flat base are ok also. Cases are good for 3 reloads & then trash them. I shoot a 20" bull barrel 1 in 9 twist flat top. Same loads for my 700 Rem. bolt bull but it shoot a little better.
