Criterion hybrid that won’t shoot

Lol come on, I'm not wrong. Ask anyone who has tried Barnes 70GR TSX out of a 1/8 twist and they'll tell you.
8 won't stabilize a 90gr SMK either, it you hunt a 70TSX matters but most don't use either. Everyone must make their choice based on the bullets they plan to use, I wouldn't buy a 7 twist if I'm shooting 38gr varmint grenades.
 
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I hunt with 70gr TSX and 77gr TMK so that certainly plays a role in my bias 😄.

Idk, I view 1/7 as one of those have and not than need and not have things.
 
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The Barnes 70 grain TSX is shorter than the Hornady 70 grain GMX.



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The 10-shot group pictured below was fired at 100 yards from a semi-automatic AR-15 that has a barrel with a 1:8" twist using Hornady 5.56 TAP 70 grain GMX The group has an extreme spread of 1.16".


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The Barnes 70 grain TSX is definitely unstable when fired from a 1:9" twist barrel. The group shown below was fired from an AR-15 with a 1:9" twist barrel. Accuracy was terrible and there were definite signs of key-holing.



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Depending upon what reference you use, the Barnes 70 grain TSX is stable, to marginally stable in a 1:8" twist barrel. I've never had any issues shooting the 70 grain TSX from barrels with a 1:7.7" twist. The 10-shot group pictured below was fired from a semi-automatic AR-15 with a Krieger barrel with a 1:7.7" using a hand-load of the 70 grain TSX. The group has an extreme spread of 1.12".


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.....
 
Over spinning a bullet does two things for certain.

Brings any imperfections in the barrel or bullet out to a higher degree.

It stresses the jacket more so the bullet opens up faster. (Better terminal performance)

If you go with a faster twist rate barrel it’s good insurance to go with the best quality barrel and bullet you can get.