What Is Twist Rate and Does It Matter?

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You’re looking at an M4 carbine for sale, and you see the barrel has a 1:7 twist rate. What does that even mean? Will it affect your shooting experience at the range or competition, or is it just a stat that manufacturers like to highlight for some reason? It’s actually important! In fact, knowing your rifle barrel’s twist rate is essential to being more accurate and choosing the right ammo to help you get the most out of the rifle.

What Is Twist Rate?

Twist rate refers to how fast the bullet twists as it travels down the barrel. For example, a typical M4A1 has a 1:7 twist rate, which means the bullet twists a full rotation for every 7 inches it travels down the barrel. Other common twist rates on an AR platform rifle are 1:8 and 1:9, but up to 1:12 isn’t unheard of. The original M16 was 1:14, but this has fallen out of style due to changes in common ammo. While rifles and pistols have rifling in the barrel, shotguns typically don’t, as they don’t need to put spin on the shot to be accurate, although some designed for shooting slugs might have rifling. 

What Is Rifling?

Rifling refers to the grooves in the barrel that spin the bullet. The lower the second number, the more aggressive the rifling and the faster the bullet spins. It’s a tighter pattern compared to larger numbers with wider rifling. The goal of rifling is to keep the bullet spinning as it flies through the air so it maintains its accuracy.

How Twist Rate Affects Accuracy

As mentioned, putting a twist on a bullet helps aid in accuracy. The problem is finding the right twist rate for your needs. If you overspin, the bullet will go out of control. While you might find some claiming that an overspinning bullet will break apart, that is highly unlikely to happen with a modern full metal jacket round. Instead, you will just have worse accuracy. 

On the other end of the spinning spectrum, a bullet that spins too slowly won’t be accurate either, and it could tumble through flight. This could leave what’s referred to as a “keyhole” in the target. Think of a football and how a good spiral takes the ball farther and more accurately, while a wobbly ball faces far more air resistance. The twist rate is that same spin.

Which Twist Rate Is Best for You?

The best twist rate for you depends on a number of factors. A handgun, like a striker fired 1911, will have a twist rate of 1:10, because it has a shorter barrel and smaller bullets. Chances are, manufacturers won’t give you much of a choice as handguns tend to be optimized for an intended cartridge, like 9MM. A 1:7 barrel is ideal for the typical 62-grain round, and it can even handle up to 90 grains. Lighter ammo, however, like 55-grain, won’t do as well. Going up to 1:8 gives you more versatility, helping to stabilize up to 80 grains without over-spinning lighter ammo. Choose a 1:9 barrel for lighter or mid-weight bullets, between 45 and 77 grains. 

About TriggerTalk Tribune

Whether you’re new to the world of firearms or a seasoned pro, there’s always more to learn. From helping you find the best accessories to individual parts for assembling your own rifle, TriggerTalk Tribune can help you get the tactical information you need. TriggerTalk Tribune’s firearms enthusiasts have years of experience and can help you learn how to train for a competition or just have fun at the range. It’s your destination for all things firearms, tactical gear, reviews, and insightful tips on marksmanship. TriggerTalk Tribune aims to educate firearms enthusiasts of all levels, helping you stay on target and informed.

Check out the selection of Daniel Defense® rifles at https://danieldefense.com/

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