Miller twist rule
Using Miller's formula we can also calculate the stability factor assuming we already know the twist. Simply solve for . where: - m = bullet mass in grains
- s = gyroscopic stability factor (dimensionless)
- d = bullet diameter in inches
- l = bullet length in calibers
- t = twist in calibers per turn
Given those definitions we can expand: where = twist in inches per turn, and where = bullet length in inches.
ExampleIf we take the Nosler Spitzer .30-06 Springfield round, which is similar to the one pictured above, we can easily fill in the variables and calculate the estimated twist rate.[2] Starting with the formula We then fill in: - m = 180 grains
- s = 2.0 (the safe value noted above)
- d = .308 inches
- l = 1.180" /.308" = 3.83 calibers
Which tells us we have 39.2511937 calibers per turn. We calculate using and see that So our rifling should be roughly 12" per turn. The twist, as listed on Wikipedia's .30-06 article is 10" inches per turn as an average of .30-06 caliber rifles; thus 12" inches per turn is fairly accurate. The discrepancy seen here also helps explain why certain bullets seem to work better in certain rifles when fired under similar conditions.
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