308 Win. twist rate?

[NYH1]

A few years back I bought a Remington 700 SPS Varmint (26" 1 in 12 twist heavy barrel) in 308 Win. They had them on sale for $420 or $440 IIRC, so I had to buy it.

I swapped out the cheap flimsy plastic stock with a Bell & Carlson M40 stock, bedded the action and put a Timney trigger in it. It has a Leupold Mk 4 4.5-14x50mm LR/T scope. It shoots Federal Gold Metal 168gr. BTHP absolutely awesome, sub MOA.

I wanted to try the Federal Gold Metal 175gr. BTHP to see how well they shoot. I was wondering if the 1 in 12 twist would work with the heavier bullets? Doesn't the USMC M40A1/A3/A5 all have 1 in 12 twist and use 175gr. bullets?

Thanks, NYH1.

[Pappabear]

Those twist rates are guidelines but not hard facts. I have a 1/9 Rem 700 5R that "shouldn't shoot 77 grain bullets, but it shoots 77, 80 grain bullets just fine. Buy a box and shoot and find out. I had a 308 Remmy 5R 11.25 twist and it shot 175's just fine.

PB

[NYH1]

Those twist rates are guidelines but not hard facts. I have a 1/9 Rem 700 5R that "shouldn't shoot 77 grain bullets, but it shoots 77, 80 grain bullets just fine. Buy a box and shoot and find out. I had a 308 Remmy 5R 11.25 twist and it shot 175's just fine.

PB

Thanks Pappabear.

I too have a 700 5R 223 with 1 in 9. I actually set my 308 up just like my 223. It's also a good shooter. The heaviest I've tried in my 5R so far were Winchester Match 69gr. BTHP and Federal Gold Metal 69gr. BTHP. The Federal's shoot a little better so I just stuck with them.

NYH1.

[maximus83]

I have that same rifle with the same twist rate, barrel cut to 24" and braked. It shoots FGMM 175's fine, sub MOA.

[Watrdawg]

I also have a Rem 5R with a 20" barrel and it handles the 175's fine.

[NYH1]

I have that same rifle with the same twist rate, barrel cut to 24" and braked. It shoots FGMM 175's fine, sub MOA.

Cool, good to know.

I also have a Rem 5R with a 20" barrel and it handles the 175's fine.

My 223 is the 5R. My 308 is/was an SPS Varmint. Still good to know yours handle the 175's ok.

Thanks, NYH1.

[maximus83]

What I haven't tried yet--and would like to this summer--is to see what the 1:12 factory barrel's upper limit is. For instance, I wonder if it'll struggle with a heavy load designed for long range, something in 180/185gr like the Berger Juggernaut.

[NYH1]

Those twist rates are guidelines but not hard facts. I have a 1/9 Rem 700 5R that "shouldn't shoot 77 grain bullets, but it shoots 77, 80 grain bullets just fine. Buy a box and shoot and find out. I had a 308 Remmy 5R 11.25 twist and it shot 175's just fine.

PB

Thanks Pappabear.

I too have a 700 5R 223 with 1 in 9. I actually set my 308 up just like my 223. It's also a good shooter. The heaviest I've tried in my 5R so far were Winchester Match 69gr. BTHP and Federal Gold Metal 69gr. BTHP. The Federal's shoot a little better so I just stuck with them.

NYH1.

I shot some Hornday Match 75 gr. BTHP's in my 5R 223 this past weekend. They actually shot pretty good.

NYH1.

[geoff3]

Hello I have a Remington 700 L/A 308 with Douglas 1/10 24 inch barrel it likes the heavier bullets 175, 190 grain out 400 yards Remington 700 AAC-SD S/A Tactical Rifling 1/10 20 inch likes 175 out 400 yards the range ,geoff3

[Pappabear]

Hello I have a Remington 700 L/A 308 with Douglas 1/10 24 inch barrel it likes the heavier bullets 175, 190 grain out 400 yards Remington 700 AAC-SD S/A Tactical Rifling 1/10 20 inch likes 175 out 400 yards the range ,geoff3

So please clarify, you have a Rem700 LA that was rebarreled in 308? I was under the impression that was not a thang, wouldn't feed reliably. I ask because I have a newly gifted LA pre 64 action that I could custom build. Don't know if custom builds are still viable in pre 64's, or just buy what you want with new DD Delta 5, Tikka's or Bergara.

And I need a new rifle like a fish needs a bicycle. But that's not the point. A new 6.5 PRC couldn't suck.

PB