Accuarcy of 300 gr. vs 350gr bullets in a .50-95

[ndnchf]

Since I'm still waiting on my loading dies, I'm pondering bullet choices.  BACO offers both a 300gr. and a 350gr. .510" diameter bullet.  I ran the specs through an online Greenhill calculator.  The 300gr calls for a 1:65 twist, the 350gr calls for a 1:55 twist.  My Uberti .50-95 has a 1:48 twist.  All things being equal, this suggests that the 350gr bullet would be better suited to this rifle.  Both bullets are designed with the crimp groove in the correct location for proper O/A cartridge length.

I believe original Winchester rifles were 1:60 twist.

Of course, this is just theoretical.  Has anyone fired both of these bullets?  Which is more accurate?   

Comments and throughts welcome

[Buck Stinson]

Original '76s in .50 Express, all had a twist rate of 1:60".  I have several original .50's and they will not shoot anything other than the original 300 grain bullet.  A 5" group at 200 Yds. is the best I can do with a heavy bullet.  With the 300 grain cast from an original Winchester mold, I can get groups of 2" at 200 yards.  The problem with the lighter bullet and the 1:60 twist, is the fact that the bullet won't stabilize until it is out 75 to 100 yards.  Short range shooting with an original Express, could be very disappointing.  The 1:48 twist should improve this accuracy quite a bit, with either bullet weight.

Adios,
Buck

[ndnchf]

Buck,

Your insight and experience is most valuable and appreciated.  Time will tell how the 1:48 twist works, but I'm anxious to try both bullets. Thanks!

[evodude]

Isnt that .510 diameter a bit small? Im shooting .515 out of my Chappy with great results- they called for a .513 bullet in the manual. Do you know your barrel diameter?

[ndnchf]

I don't know why, but Uberti 1876s run .509 groove diameter.  .510" is the recommended bullet size.