1:10 twist for .204 help

[benellibrian]

Would a 1:10 twist work good for all around bullet choice with 20" barrel in .204 or should I go with 1:11 ? Thanks

[Rick in Oregon]

Brian, Guess it depends on what you want to do with the rifle and what bullet weights you plan to use. I've got both 11 and 12 twist rifles, and if I had to have only one rifle, it would be an 11 twist. I like explosive varmint action inside of 500 yards, where 95% of my shooting takes place.

If you plan a very fast twist to shoot the long, heavy high BC bullets for long range, forget about "explosive" terminal results from the reduced velocity. IMHO, the 204R is best with either an 11 or 12 twist from what I've experienced, others may have other opinions, but the designers pretty much got it right, right out of the proverbial gate for bullet weights from 32 to 40 grains.

Why a 20" barrel? Must be an AR application?

[benellibrian]

Yes its a AR barrel could go 22" if that would be better . Thanks for the reply I plan on shooting on the same lines as you for varmint gun. Just trying to get it nailed down for twist . I was thinking the 1:11 with a 22" barrel . I already ordered it as a 20 " and they put it at a 1:10 but it can be changed quick.

[inKYfromSD]

My TC 204 is a 1:10. It liked the 39 SBK's immediately. The 32 SBK took a little bit of time. Hated Hornady factory ammo. Finally found loads for 32 and 40 VMax as well as 32 Nos BT. Haven't gotten my hands on 40 Nos BT, but they're on the way. Can't really speak to explosive as it's only been on one good prairie dog trip but the SBKs had enough splat factor for my taste. One of our fine feathered friends did exit the planet in a giant ball of fluff though. This is a bolt rifle, not an AR.

[cottonfarmer]

I am also looking to get a 204 barrel for an AR. Would you care to say where and how heavy of a barrel you ordered? I was interested in a lighter weight barrel and not finding what I was looking for.
Thanks

[trevort]

I got a 1 in ten as my factory 204 would not stabilise the 40 vm and the 40 vm is a lot cheaper then the 39sbk. It works very well and as I have a supply of 39sbk for my other 20cal I have tried both. same load, same POI

[benellibrian]

I ended up going with the 1:11 in a 20 bull barrel carbon fiber . I hope to shoot 40 grains out of it don't need any heavier bullets . I have other guns to go heavy bullets I like ricks advice so going to keep it along that line with speed . If it doesn't like 40s no big deal . Barrel is still a few weeks out march 7 is the hope for date . Will post pics if anyone is interested.

[Valar]

I shoot a 24 inch 1 in 9 twist shilen. This barrel shoots everything up to 50 grainers excellent. Shoots 40 grain bergers ,40 grain Vmax and 50 grain bergers to same poi. It even groups 26 grain v grenades tight. Defys logic i know But I say 204 Go with a fast twist and shoot them all!

[benellibrian]

Hope to have barrel next week and put on. Haven't got my scope I want yet but might have to use one I have laying around for now . Just to take care of the itch . Going to put a Zeiss on it but for now will be a leupold mark 2.

[jdohio]

I have a dtech upper in 204. 22.5" with 1:10 twist. I have been using 40gr vmax but recently got some 39gr SBKs to try. So far i've been happy with the 40gr vmax.