.256 Newton Twist Rate? JB? Others? - 02/11/20
Thanks for your help in advance.
Short version - 1:9 or 1:8 for the Newton (~6.5-06) with 125-140 grain bullets?
Long Version - I have a .256 Newton in the baby steps phase. I have brass and dies, and plenty of bullets already as I have other 6.5s, and a couple potential donor actions (1909 Arg Mauser and '03 Springfield)
I'm not hung up on a Gucci custom barrel but a good one from Douglas, Shilen, et.al would suit me just fine. There's a sale at Brownells right now I might play in but while I lean towards a 1:8 twist, most of the off the shelf contoured (thinking #3 or maybe #2) .264 blanks are 1:9, which I think is the historically "normal" .264 twist until everyone went Creedmoor crazy with the high BC bullets.
The 256 Newton is capable of a comfortable 2900 FPS with 140 grain and 3000+ with 130 grain bullets. I typically hunt between 3,000 and 7,500 MSL. I expect to shoot mostly Noslers (AB and Partition) in that weight class but might try some of the sleeker 140s.
At the velocities the Newton gives (very much like the 6.5-06) is 1:9 plenty, or would I be advised to get a 1:8, even if I have to special order it or pay a little more? I plan on CM steel vs. stainless, as this will be a "classic" blue and walnut rifle (though I have heard there's a Cerakote color that's a dead ringer for rust blue - might consider that and go SS if I do - suggestions there are much appreciated too.
Thanks to all,
Rex
Short version - 1:9 or 1:8 for the Newton (~6.5-06) with 125-140 grain bullets?
Long Version - I have a .256 Newton in the baby steps phase. I have brass and dies, and plenty of bullets already as I have other 6.5s, and a couple potential donor actions (1909 Arg Mauser and '03 Springfield)
I'm not hung up on a Gucci custom barrel but a good one from Douglas, Shilen, et.al would suit me just fine. There's a sale at Brownells right now I might play in but while I lean towards a 1:8 twist, most of the off the shelf contoured (thinking #3 or maybe #2) .264 blanks are 1:9, which I think is the historically "normal" .264 twist until everyone went Creedmoor crazy with the high BC bullets.
The 256 Newton is capable of a comfortable 2900 FPS with 140 grain and 3000+ with 130 grain bullets. I typically hunt between 3,000 and 7,500 MSL. I expect to shoot mostly Noslers (AB and Partition) in that weight class but might try some of the sleeker 140s.
At the velocities the Newton gives (very much like the 6.5-06) is 1:9 plenty, or would I be advised to get a 1:8, even if I have to special order it or pay a little more? I plan on CM steel vs. stainless, as this will be a "classic" blue and walnut rifle (though I have heard there's a Cerakote color that's a dead ringer for rust blue - might consider that and go SS if I do - suggestions there are much appreciated too.
Thanks to all,
Rex