Heavy bullet "fad"

[adamsredlines]

Ok, whats the deal? Kinda wanting another AR upper and seems most of them have twist rates for heavier bullets (1:7)...yet the bulk of ammo is the lighter (55,62) stuff that would be better suited for 1:8 and 1:9.
AR10 barrels seem to be doing the same, set up for 168/175 vs 147ish ball type ammo.

Is it just me or shouldnt the lighter bullets be more popular for the average joe? They're generally going to shoot flatter and be cheaper to buy.
I get that some people are getting into shooting further with smaller calibers but are that many people really shooting those distances that warrant the heavy bullets to make the bulk of the barrels set up for them? I'm still willing to bet that most shooters are casual shooters, and probably shoot 50 yards max and there's a big chunk right after that who call 100 yards "long range".

 

[beastep]

I look for a tighter twist. Its easier to shoot a light bullet out of a too fast twist than a heavy bullet out of a too slow twist.

 

[Shootin 4 Fun]

1:7 is mil spec and ya know, if it's not mil spec it's subpar <sarcasm

1:8 223 Wylde is a good all around barrel.

 

[tomthebaker]

I have a couple 1:8's that shoot 77gr match very well.

 

[adamsredlines]

I'd agree that 1:8 is a good compromise...I just find it interesting if you go somewhere like Palmetto and look at all the uppers they have, the vast majority are 1:7....and virtually none are 1:9. I know any can be built...but seems they would "build" to whats more common...or maybe most people dont care? Idunno.

 

[Shootin 4 Fun]

Milspec is the only explanation for the 1:7 demand. Because, you know, the government only buys the very best.