As a data point I'll add my 2 cents. I only have a single 1:8 barrel in 223 Wylde. It came in a 16" PWS rifle that I have. According to Strelok Pro, the Barnes 70gr VOR-TX has a gyroscopic stability factor of only 1.33. The Barnes 70gr. VOR-TX bullets are solid copper and have a nominal length of 1.073", so I'm sure that's a factor. As it so happens that particular load out of my particular rifle groups like shit.
I can't remember the exact numbers, but I want to say it was around 1-1.5" at 25 yards. Badly enough that I wouldn't want to shoot any of it through a suppressor on that particular rifle, and I didn't bother with further distances. The same rifle will shoot 5 rounds of IMI Razorcore into a ragged hole at 25, and around an inch at 100. Heck, it groups m193 better than it does the 70gr Barnes.
ETA: I remembered that this barrel didn't do great with Black Hills 70gr GMX Barrier either. That ammo uses Hornady 70gr GMX all copper bullets with a nominal length of 0.9" and produces a gyroscopic stability factor of 2.19 according to Strelok Pro. Not as bad as the Barnes, as I recall, but not good by any stretch.
This has put me on the hunt to build a more precision orientated upper, but is shying me away from anything slower than 1:7. Which is posing some difficulty as far as available options.
Last edited by georgeib; 03-18-23 at 19:57.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” -Augustine
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