Twist rate and length

[Crow Hunter]

Does the length of a barrel have an effect on the stabilization of a bullet?

Does a longer barrel with a slower twist stabilize a heavier bullet?

My question comes from the thinking about the fact that if you increase barrel length you increase velocity of the bullet. Therefore if you are driving a bullet faster into the rifling will the rotational velocity of the bullet not also increase? If the rotational velocity increases will that not increase the stability of the round?

So if you need a 1/8 twist rate to stabilize a 77 gr bullet in a 14.5" barrel, if you increased the barrel length to 24 inches could you stabilize a 77 gr bullet in a 1/9 twist or slower?

Has anyone ever tested this?

[Bimmer]

OK, I'll take a stab at this...

Yes, if a longer barrel gets you more velocity, then that means the bullet's spinning faster (more rpm), and more stable.

Of course, you have to assume that you'd get 12% more velocity out of a 24" barrel than a 16" barrel if you want the rpm equivalent of 1/8.

Now, somebody tell me I'm an idiot...

Bimmer