Beretta 92 KKM Barrel 1:18 vs 1:32 Twist Rate

I'm a recreational target shooter with a desire to have a Beretta 92 modified for this purpose.  I'm thinking a KKM fitted barrel, LPA adjustable sights, and a trigger job will meet my needs.

I notice KKM now has a 1:18 twist rate in addition to there 1:32.  I shoot 115 gr exclusively, but because I don't reload, it's limited to factory fmj, such as Federal AE.  I shoot at no more than 25 yds.

If anyone has any thoughts on which twist rate would be appropriate for me, I'd appreciate it.  Thanks for your time.

I don’t think it’s worth the money if all you do is shoot at 25yards. Those barrels are for sub 1” at 50 yards. Install sights get a trigger job done and have a blast.

As much as it pains me to agree with Miceli, he is right and saving you money. As long as your Beretta is in good condition and was not some kind of public range rental it will shoot well enough at 25 yards. The stock barrel will shoot a 100 on NRA timed/rapid fire target, KKM barrels are only needed for competition at 50 yards.
Try to find a gunsmith that will lighten the hammer as well as do a trigger job and you will get a significant improvement in shootability.

The above responses are well reasoned and make a lot of sense.  However, if the OP said he wanted to shoot at 50 yards what would be your answer?
Jeff

My gunsmith ordered half a dozen barrels and talked to Kevin last week. He said the AMU is not ordering as many 1:32 barrels as they used to, more 1:18.  I would order the 1:18 just in case I wanted to shoot the 147gr.

I think with the change to allow XTP bullets the slow twist rate became less important.

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably get 1:18

if you wanted a 50 yard gun just a barrel wouldn't do. Need a Sams or Kidd match gun.

I was fortunate enough to find (and buy) a lightly used Sams M9 with 1-32 twist KKM barrel.  Before trying reloads I've informally tested various brands of 9mm ball ammo at 25 yds, including never-heard-of brands, Blazer, Federal and Winchester.  Among these factory loads (115, 124 and 147) my initial conclusions were: 1) don't bother with anything heavier than 115 shooting the 1-32 barrel (tumbling and fliers quite obvious with heavier bullets), and 2) the factory 115s are all pretty hot.  Federal 115's were decent and the best of the factory choices. Today a PPC shooter suggested I try some of his light-recoil loads, constructed of 147 gr Extreme jacketed over 2.7 gr of N320. I almost turned him down thinking it was pointless, but I'll be darned if those very nice light loads didn't also perform MUCH better than any factory 115s I'd tried. Not only no tumbling, but a 1.5" group of 10 shots free-hand.  For an expert shooter that is a pretty exciting target any day, and an epiphany moment on how essential load testing is, no matter who built the gun.

robert84010 wrote:My gunsmith ordered half a dozen barrels and talked to Kevin last week. He said the AMU is not ordering as many 1:32 barrels as they used to, more 1:18.  I would order the 1:18 just in case I wanted to shoot the 147gr.

I think with the change to allow XTP bullets the slow twist rate became less important.

I spoke to one of the gunsmiths at KKM who used to be an AMU gunsmith. He advised that the AMUs best results are with the 1:32 with 115 Hornady xtp. All my 9mm pistols use 1:32 and they shoot 1.5” groups at 50y.

Thanks Orion - Did the AMU fellow happen to mention what powder charge, primer, crimp and OAL made for the "ultimate round" with the 115 XTP?  Would you mind sharing what formula you use for the 1.5" groups with 1:32 barrel at 50 yds? And lastly, assuming the 50 yds load is pretty snappy, do you have a lower recoil load for 25 yds, hopefully one not needing quite so expensive a projective as XTP (!), that is reliable for x-ring? I'd like to try each of the above in my own gun and will be happy to share results. PM also fine.