What is next step?

I have started F Class with my out-of-the-box model 12 vlp, (1 in 9 twist) shooting 69 grain Sierra TMK's out of Lapua brass with H 322 powder. The gun has close to 2500 rounds through it, and I am scoring in the low to mid 190's (6-8 X) out of 200 in my matches at 300 yards. Many competitors replace their barrels at lower shot counts and I was thinking along those lines. However, Savage says their barrels are good to 5000 rounds. So---should I go for a 1 in 7 twist and use heavier bullets? This seems to be the path other .223 shooters have taken. I figure I would like to shoot 197 consistently, but am not up to shelling out for a totally new rifle. Any suggestions appreciated.

I would rebarrel and keep the current one a practice barrel. The 7 Twist with 77's or 80's will beat the 69's for sure.


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1-9 won't stabilize the 77 grain and heavier bullets with the sexy BC you need for F-Class. I would call Jim at NSS and order a Criterion or Shilen 26" bull barrel with a 1-7 twist. I would tell him you are looking to shoot a 77 grain SMK or heavier so you can get a good throat length for the heavier bullets. Faster twist, heavier bullets, and higher BC's should help push your scores up.
Another question have you looked at your set up? Good bags, front rests or bipods can add points.

2500 rounds is nothing.for a 223..My so and I both have over 6000 in ours and they still shoot good at 300 yards with the 69 gr sierras..I found tweaking the oal has proved to work for getting a good load..He uses 4895 and I use cfe223..and win brass or lc brass..If and when I rebarrel I will go with an 8 twist..But if you plan on going like to 500 yards then the 7 will work good...Your barrel has plenty of life left..How often do you clean it?Don't use brass brush's in it.Use nylon only..The throad area is where you want to clean real good to get the carbon ring out of it....Just my opinion for what it may be worth....

Thanks everybody. I have gone ahead and rebarreled the gun with a 1:7 twist and am working up loads now.

I know it's been said that a 1-9 won't stabilize the 77 grain bullets, but I would still give them a try. One of my rifles with a 1-9 shoots them better at 300 yards than my 1-7 or 1-8. My sons rifle with a 1-9 would have trouble getting them to hit the ground if you pointed it straight down. You never know till you try.

Forget the 77gr for F-Class. Go Berger 80gr VLD. If for some reason you can't get the VLD to shoot, then try the Berger 80.5gr or 82gr.

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Originally Posted by ocabj

Forget the 77gr for F-Class. Go Berger 80gr VLD. If for some reason you can't get the VLD to shoot, then try the Berger 80.5gr or 82gr.

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John? What's up man! Didn't know you hung out here on SS.


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