1/9 or 1/7 twist
 

It all depends on what weight of bullets you want to use. 1/9 is pretty much guaranteed to work with bullets in the 63-65 grain range (with weights below being a better match), 69s might work, and 77s likely won't.

A 1/7 twist barrel will work acceptably well with all current .224 bullets, so it's the most versatile option.

If you don't plan to sling the heavies, then a 1/9 will work, but If I were choosing a new barrel, it would definitely be 1/7.

Grizz

I couldn't have said it better Grizz...


Bill

What these guys have said. Adding to that I had a 1/9 that would stabilize 77gr bullets out to 100 yards I know. Using a 1/9 its hit or miss on those. I like 1/7 because i won't shoot anything lighter than 55 gr.

Where does that leave me with a 1/8? what should I be looking for?

1/8 is kinda a compromise. You still should be able to sling 77 gr out of that but def not 80.

Most of the bulk ammo sold local is 55 or 62 grain and being my first AR I would likely shoot factory ammo. Also I'm feeling like I want a low cost 100-300 yard gun, and save the 500-1000 yard gun for later after I have more experience with an AR. So it sounds like 1/9 would be best for me to start with?

Sounds like a plan however you could prob find both at a reasonable price.

Ok, Im a little confused (Quiet Clyde)! I take it the 1/9 twist doesn't work well with the lighter rounds? Or will it work well with both?:eek:

Im probably going to get hammered for this!:mob:

The 1/9 twist works best with the lighter loads up to 62 grains. I shoot store bought 55 grainers, it's very good with them. Don't worry too much about the heavier bullets to start with, the right AR can still make the 55's very accurate at 400 yards. If this was my first AR, I'd start out with the 1/9 twist, shoot factory ammo {55 grain} and learn from there. Mike

Ok...here it goes.

The 1/9 will stabilize any 69 grain and under bullet. It will stabilize some 75 (If you are LUCKY) and hardly ever a 77.

A 1/7 is a military requirement just so they can stabilize the long tracer round that they now use. Otherwise the 1/7 is actually to much twist in an AR as a 1/8 twist will stabilize the 80+ grain bullets that some guys use for long range use. These bullets are so long they will not fit in the mags and must be single loaded through the chamber.

If you are only ever going to shoot 69 and sub weight rounds then get the 1/9.

If you have/want to shoot the 72 or above rounds get a 1/7 twist if you want a chrome-lined barrel. If you want a SS barrel then get a 1/8.

Some of the all copper bullets while light in weight are very long and you must use the 1/8 or 1/7 twist.

(Side note- Most people talk only on weights in correlation to twist rates. It actually has to do with bullet lenght, but as a heavier bullet usually is longer most just equate weight to twist.)

Ok. Im going to look at the Bushmaster and the Spike's LE to see whats available.

Mike and Alan, thank you both for the answers. :)