Rock River Arms

[fullstrut1]

Just purchased a Rock River Arms A4 Varmint with a 24" barrel. The twist of the barrel is 1 in 8. I was able to get 1/2" with Federal 55 grain. Have tried PMC 62 grain and they shot about 1 1/4". I have purchased a box of Federal 69 grain gold medal match but have not tried them yet. Was just wondering if anyone had experience with this rifle, and if so could recomend any loads, including handloads. I know it is going to be hard to beat the 1/2" with a semi-auto but we can always wish!

[trust me]

Here's a quick and dirty reference regarding barrel twists:
http://www.varminthunters.com/tech/barreltwist.html

These are general rules to which there are always exceptions. I haven't played with the 22 centerfires much, but I have learned in the larger calibers that this guide runs pretty true. A few grains difference in the bullet will make a big difference.

[fullstrut1]

Thanks Trust-me that is a informative page. I talked with a guy yesterday who shoots 600 yard matches and he said that most of the 223 shooters he knows shoots a 70 grain out of the 1 in 8.

[hunter115]

thanks for the info

[Buk Bust'r]

Fullstrut,

A close friend of mine has the rifle you speak of and I have had the opportunity to handle it. The RRA rifles are extremely good weapons for the money and very accurate to boot. His rifle has shot about every load we've tried with very good to outstanding levels of accuracy!

Our "pet load" in the fast twist .223's is a handload........ 68 gr Hornady BTHP Match bullet ahead of 23.0 gr of AA 2230-C powder w/ Winchester small rifle primers. This load will usually wear out a small three-five shot hole at 100 yards, usually less than 1/2 inch groups on a good day. Shoots just as good thru the 1-9 twist bolt guns as well.

If you don't handload, try the Black Hills 68 gr loads for the .223, they shoot identical to our handloads. The Black Hills 77 gr loads are extremely accurate as well thru the 1-8 twist barrels and is a proven long range load as well.

[fullstrut1]

Thanks Buck Bust'r