Is 1/9" twist a deal breaker?
I have been lurking for a few months and trying to pick up as much as I can before I start asking the inevitable stupid noob questions. That being said, here goes:
I am going to be purchasing my first AR next month. I have decided to go with an adjustable piston system(just my pref. though it may be based on an ignorant bias). in 5.56. I have set a $ limit of $1,600.00 without any extras.(though this number somewhat flexible). I would love to build from the ground up but just do not have the time available to do it right. My problem is that every time I find a complete rifle that has the features that I want in my price range it invariably has a 1/9 twist.
I have searched for info concerning the advantage/disadvantage of 1/9" twist rate. I find that all agree that 1/7 or 1/8 to be better for the longer/heavier rounds. I understand the reason for this and do not argue it.
How big is the disadvantage of 1/9 with the longer rounds? Is the real issue simply one of long range accuracy or are there real safety issues? Is there any disadvantage to running 55gr in a 1/7? I know that this info has to have been covered here but I am just not finding it. A nudge toward the right thread ...?
I am willing to spend a little extra if need be but I don't want to spend more if it only means being able to hold sub MOA groups at 300yds. I will not likely have the opportunity to test this anyway. I will be shooting mostly 55gr as this the most affordable for me and I am limited to 100yd range. This is primarily going to a recreational range toy.