Thread: Twist Rate

Does anyone know the twist rate of a 1970's Steyr Mannlicher Model M in 6.5x55. Have emailed Steyr Arms but had no reply.

Easiest way is put a cleaning rod down it with a brush, mark the rod at the muzzle, pull the brush through until the mark is on top again and mark it again at the muzzle then measure the distance between the 2 marks.

Thanks for that but the rifle is locked away in a mates safe who is away for a few weeks. I was wanting to get some powder/projectiles sorted to best suit the twist rate as I believe there are several and and can shoot between 80-160 grainers.

My guess would be 1:8"

@Fireflite - if they follow the original M96 6.5 X 55 Swedish specs, it may be 1:7.5 twist.
My old milsurp M96 had this twist rate - a rifle I should've kept, but being 'young and stupid' at the time (45 years ago), sold it for $100.
Stug could be correct as well, modern powders may prove that a fast twist like this isn't needed, but I'd suggest that anything other than original spec., is a custom barrel.

Thanks @wsm junkie @stug and @WallyR

I think 8.6 I read it somewhere.

Thanks @nor-west

Military twist rate is 1 in 200mm (1 in 7.87 inches). European manufacturers appear to have settled on a twist rate of 1 in 220mm (1 in 8.66 inches) for 6.5x55 SE sporting rifles at some time in the 1960s, if not earlier. BSA CF2 rifles use the 1 in 8.66 twist rate, as do CZUB rifles. If I recall correctly, I have also seen that twist rate quoted on the Voere web site.