![]() Just like barrel length, there is almost never a "best" twist rate for any caliber - unless you shoot one, single load within that caliber and you never chamber anything else. Using a rate that's too low may cause the bullet to tumble, too. Using a twist rate that's too fast will over-stabilize a bullet, causing it to yaw and pitch. Faster rates are required for heavier bullets, and slower rates are best for lighter loads. We cover this in greater detail in the guide linked above, but the short-n'-sweet of twist rate is this: The numbers identifying a barrel's twist rate (such as "1:7" or "one-in-seven twist") indicate how often the rifling makes one full rotation inside the barrel per "X" inches. Twist rate refers to the rotation of the rifling within the barrel. It provides stability to the round as it exits the barrel, dramatically increasing accuracy and allowing the round to maintain a flatter trajectory as it travels through the air. Twist rate is just as important as barrel length. We believe the best barrel length is one wherein optimal or near-maximum velocity is achieved for the most popular or common variants of the cartridge being discussed, and wherein adding more length only results in a marginal increase in velocity. ![]() How do we determine the best length?Ĭonsidering there isn't technically a best length, we have to use a set of criteria. Or you may desire a compact, lightweight AR that requires a short barrel while sacrificing a marginal amount of velocity and range. But your barrel may be prohibitively long and heavy. With a long enough barrel, you'll reach maximum velocity for the caliber in question. It's important to remember that there is almost no universally "best" barrel length for any cartridge. A lack of energy is of particular concern in self-defense and hunting situations. Total effective range will be dramatically reduced, and you'll have less energy striking your target. This will result in the round dropping too quickly and/or being affected by wind drift more than it should. If your barrel's too short, the gunpowder in the shell casing won't have enough "burn time" to accelerate the round downrange, and your round won't reach optimal speed. Why is Barrel Length Important?īarrel length directly affects the velocity of your cartridge. But now, let's figure out what the best barrel lengths and twist rates are for the most popular AR-15 calibers. We wrote a pretty detailed technical guide that explains twist rates, types of rifling, and types of barrel steels. 223 loads have been established for decades, newer cartridges like 6.5 Grendel and 300 Blackout have spurred debate about what the best barrel length might be for your rifle (or pistol). A lot of calibers that'll fit in the AR-15.
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