Twist rate on 12BVSS 223 varmint rifle ?

[Hammer]

Does anyone recall the rifling twist rate on the Savage 12BVSS varmint rifles in 223 Rem ?

It's keyholing with some 55 grain bullets.

[DiRTY DOG]

1:9 twist originally. In 2012 it was offered in 1:7 just for that year.

You can call Savage with your SN# and ask.

https://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?305-Savage-223-Remington-Twist-Rate-History

[NF1E]

I was thinking the problem should be something other than twist rate. Faster twist should not destabilize light bullets.

[charlie b]

I agree. The 1-12 twist was designed around 55gn bullets. Are they factory loads or reloads using surplus bullets?

[pdog06]

I agree too. Should be a 9 or 12 twist, but even if it was the 7 twist it should still shoot 55’s..
how many rounds down the barrel? And have you tried different 55’s or just one bullet type?

[Hammer]

have tried

Hornady flatbase
Hornady boattail
Sierra flatbase
Sierra boattail
etc...

The vast, vast majority fly true. But sometimes some will keyhole.

[NF1E]

First think I would try would be a re-crown and if that doesn't work pop on a new barrel. I just put a .223 26" Criterion SS Varmint profile on one of mine. Whatta Hobby!

[LDSILLS]

heres the latest from savage for a 12BVSS in .223. It shows a 1-9 twist

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p...ummary&s=19139

[sharpshooter]

Sounds like hard carbon fouling to me. How many prairie dog towns have you wiped with that stick?

[South Prairie jim]

Sounds like hard carbon fouling to me. How many prairie dog towns have you wiped with that stick?

I’d like to understand that line of thought, could you expand on that please?
thanks
jim