I have both of these barrels and I plan on testing them out to 800 yards with 140's in both of them. In the 9.5 I will also try some 162 Amax's. If the 11.5 does not do good with the 140 then I'll go lighter down to a 120. I believe if twist was a big issue for me I'd by the Savage and by an A&B barrel from Midway that is 9.5 twist and 24" long and smile all the way to the range. ;D If Savage hear's from the consumer enough times they may do something to reslove the issue. I bought my 9.5 SS 22" barrel off of 6mmbr, once in awhile they pop up or you can simply post for one an asked to be pm'd.