Jumped on a fast twist opportunity.
A couple weeks back, someone posted Lilja had a series of CZ 457 prefits ready. This spurred my memory from several months back, I had called Lilja base on a comment on their website. Indeed, they do periodic runs of 1x9 twist 22LR barrels, so I got on their list. Fast forward to the comments a couple weeks ago, I called again. I was in fact on the list and had a 23” 1x9 twist on the way.
It arrived yesterday, so I went to work. It was very interesting seeing how changes in headspace changed group sizes. It didn’t take long to realize this barrel had potential. Accuracy was incredible with A LCX lot# my Vudoo was not at all fond of.
The .003 barrel shim was the magic number for bug hole accuracy and bolt lift. Not just one, but multiple bug holes followed. The wind and rain put a stop to the testing.
Today, I was able to shoot with no wind at 146 and 208 yards.
Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed. Not necessarily with accuracy, but with the drop. Accuracy at least matched/maybe surpassed my Vudoo (1x16 twist and 20”), but required about .7 more elevation at 146 and 1.3 more at 208 yards. Upon trueing my velocity, it showed 1009 fps.
In a better comparison, the same CZ with a 20” 1x16 barrel averaged 1085 via trued velocity. So somehow, the new Lilja 23” 1x9 barrel is running about 75 FPS slower.
I fully acknowledge the barrel only has a about 150 rounds on it, so the velocity may pick up. I also want to run it through my chronograph to validate the velocity.
I’ve been intrigued with fast twist barrels for a while and look forward to my continued testing and validation.
Reviewing other “fast twist” information, especially that of MB has me on pins and needles for his continued test results, as it seems he did not experience a velocity loss.
Anyone else have input/experience on fast twist velocity?
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