A good load can still shoot badly from the wrong barrel. In a rifle the key is the rifling twist, and in a shotgun it is the barrel type and the choke. Here is how each applies to the loads in this series.

Twist in rimfire rifles

Twist is the rate at which the rifling turns the bullet. The .22 LR and the .22 WMR are commonly fired from barrels with a twist of about 1:16, which suits their bullets. The .22 LR's loads are at 22lr ammo. The .22 WMR's loads are at 22 wmr ammo for sale.

The .17 caliber cartridges commonly use a much faster twist, about 1:9, because their long, light bullets need more spin. The .17 HMR's loads are at 17 hmr ammunition. The .17 WSM's 25-grain loads are at 17 wsm 25 grain ammo.

The .22 WRF and the .22 CB are older, lower-pressure cartridges. Old rifles for them may have different twists and worn bores, so a gunsmith should check one before it is used with modern loads. The .22 WRF's loads are at 22 wrf ammo for sale. RWS's .22 CB loads are at rws 22 cb ammo.

The .21 Sharp uses a .22 LR case with a smaller bullet, so it needs a rifle chambered for it, and the maker's twist recommendation should be followed. Its target loads are at 21 sharp target ammo.

Barrels and chokes in the shotgun

A slug must suit the barrel. Foster-type rifled slugs are made for smoothbore barrels and sabot slugs for rifled barrels, and Hornady's slugs are at hornady 12 gauge slugs. Check the box for the barrel type.

Steel shot is harder than lead and does not squeeze through a tight choke as readily, so many makers advise a modified choke or more open for steel. Check the gun maker's guidance before using steel, especially in an older shotgun. Hevi-Shot's 20-gauge steel loads are at hevi-shot 20 gauge steel shot ammo.

The 12-gauge minishell, a 1¾-inch shell, works reliably in break-action shotguns but may not cycle in many pumps and semi-automatics without modification. Its loads are at 12 gauge minishell ammunition.

Twist rates and choke guidance differ by gun and maker. Check your gun's markings and manual, and confirm current stock and state shipping restrictions before ordering.