LH Gain Twist barrel questions

[Dynowhite]

Is there a drawback to a LHGT barrel? Seems like there's zero sacrifice and all gain, but that can't be true. Where's the rub, just cost?

Is there a "best" range of caliber or weight bullets it works with?

Is jacket deformation a concern? Does it work well with both target and hunting bullets?

I'm thinking about getting a lefty gain in a 6.5 PRC for my Impact spun up, hence the inquiry.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AIAW]

No disadvantage in the northern hemisphere (and to a degree, a RH shooter). Direction of twist and rate of twist are exclusive in the physics of things as they provide two different requirements for a precision rifle barrel.

Best range of caliber/bullet weight. Nope, exactly the same as a RH would be. Final twist rate is what the RPM will end up being imparted upon the bullet after it has left the bore. It’s just how it gets up to RPM that the GT alters. You may be able to load hotter due to the reduced "initiation pressure".

Jacket deformation. Nope, that is somewhat helped by the "slow-start" of a GT barrel. The final twist rate near the muzzle is generally within spec of the weight of bullets you plan to run mostly. Gain twist is useful if you load hot as it may allow you into a higher accuracy node also.

The biggest change that you will have to overcome though is the spin drift. Not easy to automatically start biasing right instead of the "traditional" left at distance.

Depending on the distances you shoot this may not even matter. I’d have to say that if it doesn’t matter for you then you probably don’t need to mess with LH barrels. The benefit is nil because the main advantage is negating the Coriolis effect. Granted, technically every barrel in the northern hemisphere should be a LH twist - old habits die hard though.

 

[CShooter92]

Frank had a really good podcast explaining Gain twist barrels and all their advantages, can't remember the episode offhand. I'm sure someone will chime in with a link