Barrel for 284 Shehane 8.5 or 9 twist.

[Steve N]

Given the wide range of conditions we shoot in which would be the better option for a 32" barrel? Loads will be up there to use in poor conditions at longer distances. I am worried that the 8.5 twist may give heavier recoil, foul worse and not give as much velocity. But it should be able to shoot the new 183 Sierras OK. A 9" twist is what I use now and shoots 180 vld hunting projectiles OK.. Not sure how their thin jackets would go in a 8.5 twist with a hot load up their clacker.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Steve.

[willow]

Given the wide range of conditions we shoot in which would be the better option for a 32" barrel? Loads will be up there to use in poor conditions at longer distances. I am worried that the 8.5 twist may give heavier recoil, foul worse and not give as much velocity. But it should be able to shoot the new 183 Sierras OK. A 9" twist is what I use now and shoots 180 vld hunting projectiles OK.. Not sure how their thin jackets would go in a 8.5 twist with a hot load up their clacker.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Steve.

If you really want to give the 183s a run I'd opt for the 8.5.

[AlanF]

Steve,

If in doubt, go for the tighter twist. You correctly identified the main risks of going too tight, but my first few 284 barrels were 9 twist, and now I only get 8.5s and haven't seen any of those concerns happen. On the other hand with 8.5 I sense that all the projectiles I use, even 168VLDs, are more accurate.

BTW I don't think Sierra jackets have had the same blow-up problems as the earlier Bergers, so 183s should be fine.

Alan

[Steve N]

Thanks for the replies. 8.5 it is then.
I appreciate the advice and love the sport!

[RAVEN]

I'm with Alan
Most of my barrels are 8.5's I also have 8.75
168 also shot well out of 8.5
the only Bergers I saw let go was out of 6.5X284's

RB

[Frank Green]

my current .284win, is a 1-9 twist. I've shot primarily 180 Berger VLD's thru it. I can win any match with it. Gun shoots that good. I still have to do my part of course.

I've tested only 20 rounds of the 183 SMK thru my barrel at 117 yards only. No load work up etc...and the gun shot .400" or better. According to my twist rate calc's they need a 1-8.52 as a min.

Guys who have shot the 183's in cut rifled barrels haven't had a problem with a 1-9 twist (feed back from the US team guys) but guys shooting button rifled barrels had problems.

1-8.75 twist barrels have been popular as well.

If it was me putting a new barrel on the gun I would go with the 1-8.5 twist. Which it will be when my 1-9 dies!

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

[Steve N]

Thanks Raven and Frank. Sounds like nobody would advise against an 8.5 twist so I will go that way for this project.
Steve.