Figuring out what ammunition shoots best in your hunting or target rifle can be a difficult task, especially with the wide variety of factory ammo available. However, there are some key factors that can help narrow down your options before you burn through a few packets at the range. One of the most important considerations is your rifle’s barrel twist rate.
The twist rate of a rifle barrel refers to the speed at which the rifling imparts spin on the projectile. This spin is essential for stabilising the bullet in flight, ensuring accuracy and consistency over long distances.
For example, my Sako 85 Finnlight II in .308 Winchester has a 1:11 twist rate, meaning that the rifling completes one full revolution every 11 inches of barrel length. The lower the twist rate number, the faster the spin imparted on the bullet.
Twist rate plays a crucial role in long range shooting, as it determines whether a given projectile will be properly stabilised in flight. If a bullet is not spinning fast enough, it can yaw, tumble, or lose accuracy, particularly at extended distances. Conversely, excessive spin on a lighter projectile can cause over stabilisation, negatively impacting performance.
A well matched twist rate helps maximise the bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC), its ability to resist air resistance and maintain velocity downrange. Each twist rate has an optimal range of projectile weights that it stabilises best.
This is where things get tricky, especially with the .308 Winchester, which can fire bullets ranging anywhere from 100 grains up to 240 grains.
With the 1:11 twist rate in the Finnlight II, I knew that heavier projectiles around 180 grains would offer the best long range stability. However, because no two rifles shoot exactly the same, even within the same model, the next step was to test different factory loads to see what grouped best.
After visiting several local gun shops, I compiled a shortlist of available factory hunting ammunition ranging from 165 to 200 grains, a weight range that should stabilise well in my barrel and be suitable for medium game hunting.
Heading to the range, I spent several sessions firing five shot groups with different brands of factory ammunition, carefully noting group sizes and consistency.
After testing, the best performer in my rifle was Hornady’s 178 grain ELD X ammunition.
- The plastic tipped ELD X projectile has a high ballistic coefficient, meaning it cuts through air resistance more efficiently, retaining velocity and energy over long distances.
- The boat tail design further enhances stability, reducing drag and minimising the effects of wind drift.
- On impact, the polymer tip initiates expansion, delivering reliable terminal ballistics, important for clean and ethical kills on game.
- It produced the most consistent groupings, which is the ultimate test of ammunition suitability for any rifle.
After spending more time hunting, I am now looking at developing a custom handload specifically for my Finnlight II.
My focus will be on selecting a high BC projectile that maximises energy retention at longer distances while ensuring reliable expansion on impact. This means testing different projectiles, powders, and seating depths to fine tune accuracy and terminal performance for real world hunting conditions. Once I have the right cartridge I can get my data and create a DOPE card so I have all the info at hand for different ranges.
By understanding twist rate, projectile length, and ballistic coefficient, I can develop a handload that hopefully 🤞 surpasses factory ammunition performance, fine tuned specifically for my rifle. Finding the right ammunition takes time and testing, but understanding your barrel’s twist rate gives you a head start in selecting the best projectile for accuracy and stability.
For factory loads, trialling different brands and projectile weights in the correct stabilisation range is the best way to dial in the most precise and consistent ammunition for your rifle and save money. If you are serious about long range hunting or target shooting, reloading can take things even further, allowing you to fine tune performance to match your rifle, your conditions, and your intended game or comp discipline.
PRECISIONRIFLE