Was browsing the Berger Twist Rate calculator to find a bullet that would perhaps shoot better from my 8 twist 22-250 than the 80 gr A-Max I've been using. The A-Max is not well stabilized at the velocities and altitude I'm shooting, but does seem to shoot well with the exception of very annoying and frequent flyers. Not sure if it's me, the gun, or the bullet but decided to try the 80 grain Sierra Match King based upon it's predicted stability.

When I opened up the new box and measured a few, they were all about .040 longer than the JBM or Litz data base listed.

They also seem to be factory "pointed", as the hollow point tip is for the most part completely closed.

Listed length is 1.066, but my box varies from 1.094 to 1.109

Based upon these measurements, the local range temperature will have to be 95 or higher to attain a twist rate stability index of 1.5 or greater, and although better than the 80 grain A-Max, is not what I thought I was bargaining for.

Any similar observations or comments from those who have shot, or are shooting the 80 SMK?