Stay away from 1-9 if you can, as it will not stabilize heavy bullets, if you ever plan on shooting any. 1-7 is most common after that, and then 1-8 is somewhat rare, but both should be fine. If you plan on shooting very light bullets (<50 gr) and very heavy bullets (>65 gr), go with a 1-8.hounddog wrote:I'd like to ask a quick question if you all don't mind? I'm not real saavy on barrel twist rates. For a 5.56 barrel of 16" length, what do you think is the best twist rate? I've heard some are better for different things and I see they offer 1-7, 1-8, and 1-9. Excuse the limited knowledge I have on this please. I'm more familiar with pistols.
But if all your shooting is 55-62 gr (most common ammo), either of the 3 will work for your purposes, but I personally go for 1-7.