Twist rate

[1sgt]

My question: Is a fast twist rate have better accuracy for pistol than a slow twist rate? The most accurate pistol I have is a .32 cal Crocket with a 1 in 20 twist rate. I use 11-12 gr of goex. I have a .45 cal Pioneer pistol with a 1-16 twist. I have tried to shoot it with 20-25 gr goex with poor accuracy. The last time I shot it I used 12-15 gr Goex with much better accuracy. I have other .45 cal KY pistols with slow twist 1-48 with fair accuracy. I use 20-25 gr in them. It seems the fast twist rate pistols are more accurate with a lighter load. I usually shoot at 20-25 yards.

 

[M. De Land]

I don't really know personally if that is universally true any more after making a couple of pistols with slow twist rifle barrels that shot really well.
I know barrels made for pistols always have a faster pitch so apparently the manufactures think fast twist is better.
I think probably the slower velocity generated from pistol length barrels encourages faster twist pitch to at least insure adequate rotation in the case bullets are used along with balls which require more spin. Mike D.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Your question is a good one that gets hotly debated at times. Speaking about rifles, PRB does better with slower twist and larger charges of powder, though the small bores can do well with fast twist but with lighter charges, like .32's or .36's with 10 to 15 grains of FFFg. Longer, heavier Maxi/Minie's stabilize better with faster twist. When you jump to pistols, the shorter barrels seem to somewhat even out the twist question. Some pistol models have even changed over the years. One .58 started as a 1-48" twist and has changed to a 1-72" twist. I don't know if this was done to improve accuracy or if the maker, or even new maker, found making two different twist rates wasn't profitable for them. Revolvers used to have quicker twists than pistols but it's changing to a mixed bag all around. Personally, I suspect that shorter barrels, less velocity and closer range on shots may level out the differences. Personal opinion and probably worth what it costs! :wink: :thumbsup: