rate of twist question

tlo7mm · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 8:16 pm Post subject: rate of twist question

Is there a way to determine what my rate of twist is for my rifles? that is an easy way or one that does not require special tools that I may not have?

slimjim · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 9:14 pm Post subject: Re: rate of twist question

Take your cleaning rod and wrap masking tape around it by the handle. Mark a line so you can tell when the rod does one complete rotation. Place a patch on the tip and push through the barrel. Use a tape measure to determine distance traveled. Earlier this week I did this on my AR. Line was on top 21" away from the breeach. After two rotations, it was at 5". Thus it was a 1:8 twist.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 7:27 am Post subject: Re: rate of twist question

Another very similar way is to mark one side of a cleaning rod with a straight line running the full length of the rod. With a tight patch or brush on the rod, insert the rod into the bore and make a mark around the rod where it enters the bore and a mark where the line indexes on the muzzle of the barrel. Slowly extract the rod while allowing it to turn freely. When the line on the rod matches again with the marker line on the muzzle, mark this spot and withdraw the rod. Now just measure the distance between the first and second marks on the rod to get the distance for one complete rotation; that is, one complete turn in 8" equals 1:8" twist.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:25 am Post subject: Re: rate of twist question

You could check the manufacturers' web site.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:37 am Post subject: Re: rate of twist question

If its a factory barrel this chart might help
www.exteriorballistics..._Rifle.pdf

chambered221 · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 6:24 pm Post subject: Re: rate of twist question

When doing the patch method just be sure the rod keeps rotating !!!

It's very easy to get an inaccurate read if the patch is floating the bore instead of riding the rifling.