Twist-Match Bullet
The new modified, long-range bullet from Thompson Long Range
Higher Impact
Increased Accuracy
Less Resistance
Mark Thompson Founder of Thompson Long Range
How it started
Mark Thompson, owner of Thompson Long Range, is the creator of the Twist Match bullet. We’ll tell the story from his perspective. For years, I’ve studied bullet flight, beginning with modifications to existing designs. Through extensive testing, some of it unconventional, I discovered that increasing the surface area of the nose, or ogive, greatly reduces aerodynamic drag.
Many manufacturers attempt this by simply lengthening the nose, but that often creates stability problems. It can also pose a challenge for shooters who prefer seating rounds close to the lands, as the longer cartridges may no longer fit within the magazine box.
How it Works
By cutting grooves through the radius of the ogive, I realized I could maintain a shorter nose while still increasing the surface area. However, the grooves had to align with the barrel’s twist for the test to be meaningful. I experimented with various depths, widths, lengths, and the number of grooves, primarily using a 1:10 right-hand twist rifle.
What became immediately evident was the improved accuracy – consistent, tighter groups at several distances, up to and including 1,200 yards with the Twist Match bullets. For comparison, I used the exact same bullet without grooves, ensuring the weights and muzzle velocities were identical.
Twist-Match Difference
The modified Twist Match bullet showed a higher impact on the target compared to the non-modified bullet, indicating a flatter trajectory. A flatter flight path clearly means it retained a higher velocity and energy.
Est. non-modified bullet impact
Est. Twist-Match bullet impact
Increased Performance
I knew I was onto something, so I filed for a patent, and after a long wait, I was granted one for the Twist Match bullet. With the patent secured, further testing was warranted. Lacking sophisticated equipment, I conducted all my tests in the field, behind the rifle. After countless hours and piles of brass, the benefits of the Twist Match grooves became even clearer. I even shot test bullets into media at 800 and 1,000 yards, and the grooved bullets expanded more than the non-grooved ones. This could be due to the higher velocity or the grooves helping with expansion, though I believe the grooves themselves had minimal impact on that.
I’m not a bullet manufacturer, but if you’re curious, sign up for the Thompson Long Range shooting class, and I’ll let you send some of the prototype bullets downrange!
Shooting School
Long Range Rifles
See our full selection of long range precision rifles that we use at Thompson Long Range. After completing the long range shooting course, you have the option to purchase your Weatherby rifle.