All About Twist Rates
Table of Contents
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over twist rates today. The twist rate of a barrel is an important factor to consider and be aware of with any firearm. Our goal with this blog post is to provide a brief overview of twist rates while delving into features, considerations, and more relevant information. Without further ado, let’s talk about twist rates.
Understanding Nomenclature
Before delving too deep into what twist rates are, we must first cover some nomenclature and what certain values mean. A barrel’s twist rate is often referred to in a “1:x” format. The “1” in this format refers to a single, full rotation of a projectile. The “:” is read as “in” while the “x” value refers to the rate of spin. For example, the value of 1:9 is referred to verbosely as a “one in nine” twist rate.
Often times, these twist rates will be of the right-hand variety, often being accompanied by “RH” at the end of the value. Some manufacturers denote the right-handedness of their twist rate while others do not mention it due to it being a common and widespread practice. It is also worth noting that sometimes the “in” part of the format is denoted with a “/” or “-“ rather than a “:” by certain manufacturers.
Purchase Ammo
What is a Twist Rate?
Simply put, in the world of firearms, the term “twist rate” is used to refer to the rifling of a bore and its frequency. This is to say, twist rates are related to the rate of spin of a bore’s rifling. For example, a 1:7 twist rate would refer to a barrel with a twist rate of one full rotation for every seven inches of rifling.
What Firearms Have Twist Rates?
Anything with a rifled bore will have a twist rate. A twist rate is by no means an elusive or arcane concept as any bore with cut rifling will have a rate of spin which corresponds to the rifling of the bore.
Slow and Fast Twist Rates
In the wide range of firearms and calibers, there are a variety of twist rates. These twist rates represent both slow and fast values which are ultimately dependent upon factors such as barrel length and caliber. When it comes to twist rates, the lower the number, the faster the twist rate. Conversely, higher numbers equate to slower twist rates.
For example, a 1:7 twist rate is a faster twist rate than a 1:9 twist rate is. If you consider both of these twist rates in the context of a 16”
5.56x45mm NATO barrel, a 1:7 twist barrel will facilitate two full rotations while a 1:9 twist barrel facilitates just under two rotations. Simply put, low values equate to fast rates while high values equate to slower rates.
How Can I Find Out My Twist Rate?
In most cases, one will be able to examine the barrel of their firearm to determine their twist rate. On firearms such as ARs, one can simply look at the body of their barrel to find their twist rate and other information. On most barrels, this is at the 12 o’clock position on the barrel towards the muzzle end or at the halfway point. In addition to denoting who made the barrel and other traits such as material and if it is cold hammer forged or chrome lined, one will also see their twist rate.
Additionally, one can confer with the literature which accompanied their firearm or barrel or consult the manufacturer’s site for information regarding their twist rate. Of course, one could also directly contact a manufacturer if there is any doubt or if the need arises. Often times, the twist rate may also be printed on the labels present on the box the firearm came in.
Common Twist Rates
While there are many twist rates in existence across the spectrum of firearms, there are certainly some rates which are more common than others. Below are some of the most common twist rates one will encounter in many popular firearms in relation to popular calibers.
-
.300 Blackout – 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8 twist rates.
-
56x45mm NATO/.223 Remington – 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:12, 1:14 twist rates.
-
.308 Winchester/62x51mm NATO – 1:8, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:14 twist rates.
-
9mm Luger – 1:9, 1:10, 1:12. 1:14 1:16, 1:18 twist rates.
-
.45 ACP – 1:13, 1:16 twist rates.
-
.22 Long Rifle – 1:14, 1:16, 1:17 twist rates.
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of twist rates and calibers, just some of the more common examples one will encounter. Of course, some specialty and exotic offerings exist which deviate from established norms.
Optimized Ammo for Twist Rates
To best optimize one’s shooting experience, one should strive to shoot
ammunition that is optimal for use with their twist rate. Generally speaking, faster twist rates will better stabilize heavier projectiles while slower twist rates excel at stabilizing lighter weight projectiles. For example, an AR-15 with a 1/7 twist chambered in
5.56x45mm NATO will be optimal for use with projectiles with weights such as 62 and 77 grains.
It is also worth noting that projectiles and loadings optimized for one twist rate will also be stable when fired from faster twist rates. For example, if a particular loading is optimal for a 1:9 twist rate, it will also be stable in 1:8 and 1:7 twist rate barrels.
Purchase Ammo
Does it Really Matter?
While twist rates and their effects on potential accuracy and an optimal shooting experience are truly worth considering, do they really matter in the grand scheme of things? When you are just trying to get some plinking or recreational shooting in, the effects of an optimal or suboptimal twist rate/
ammo pairing may not be too obvious. For more serious and precise shooting applications, paying attention to the relationship between
ammunition and twist rates becomes much more important.
Conclusion
All in all, knowing about twist rates is certainly worth your time. While strict adherence to twist rates and optimal
ammo selection may not be necessary for all application, being armed with knowledge is certainly worth it. Regardless of the type of shooting or twist rate you are working with, we here at True Shot Ammo have a wide range of
ammunition for sale to help get you stocked up. Whether you are after
5.56 ammo,
9mm ammo, or something else we carry, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
View more posts about firearms:
