Only thing that will impact you here with barrel length is velocity. Keep in mind, MOST tikka barrels (I have 3 tikkas) are slower than other factory rifles. Just depends on what you are looking to do with the rifle.
Only thing that will impact you here with barrel length is velocity. Keep in mind, MOST tikka barrels (I have 3 tikkas) are slower than other factory rifles. Just depends on what you are looking to do with the rifle.
@fullbore Anywhere from 24.2-25 gr depending on the lot should push the 75gr ELD at around 2975-3025 and quickload shows that it is under standard pressure with the burn rate trued to muzzle velocity from the ~24" barrel.
Anyone running a KRG Bravo on their Tikka 6.5 creedmoor? Thinking about getting one, but wondering if I will end up needing to dremel the action if I'm running long OAL? I'm running 2.90" and if I go to AICS without the binder plate, then I've heard there is a possibility I'll have to trim the feed ramp on the action, which I really don't want to do. Has anyone else run a rig like this and did you have to trim?
Don’t have a bravo, do have an X-ray. I loaded my .260 as long as the Accurate mag w/o plate would allow (2.95”ish?). Fed just fine in competition and in training.
Use Acurate mags to 2.95" . Action doesn't need to be trimmed at all.
I've recently started shooting the Peterson SRP brass in my 20" .260 CTR. Just now on the second firing, the brass seems excellent so far. I'm using H4350 getting about 2900 fps with excellent accuracy.
I have experienced the opposite. AI mags scratched, Accurate mags didn’t.
Every metal mag is going to scratch brass. The only way to avoid it is by using MDT/Magpul mags but I haven't had great success with them in my Tikka's. I only run accurate mags and have never had any problems with them. I've had issues with my bullets being to far seated out and not feeding properly but thats not the mags fault. I can fit 12 rounds into my Accurate mags with no extension and have them feed flawlessly.
The scratches can be resolved by using a file, and rounding the edge of the feed lips. Metal (steel) mags are stamped, and the stamping process can leave the edges with burrs that will scratch the brass. Just hits the lips with a small file, and round the edges. Problem solved.
I feed them one at a time anyway benchrest shooting but tried the Accurate mags in myCTR / Bravo and saw it scarring the brass and I was wondering if people filed the edge over and if it helps. Thanks I’ll have to try that.
Did you neck size the brass after first shot, or full?
Just primed those once shot cases, and it felt that the primer did get in to the pocket a little bit tighter that when it was new.
Is the pocket getting tighter, unlike the normal brass, the pocket gets loose after it has been shot few times.
I had that same issue when i got my first Accurate mag, i think that is bad crappy magazine, why they do not take care of those magazines on the factory.
Anyways, use a fine grit paper and a little bit soap and water, and water grinding paper, and do the lipst of the magazine smoother.
I used 320 paper and soap+water, and those lips are like Angelina Jolie lips now, smooth and soft, and do not scarring the ammo any more.
MDT AICS magazine does not leave any kind of marking on the brass, and it is cheaper, and smaller, even though you go with the 10-round.
No offense, but having run quite a few local club matches, the MDT mags tend to give the most problems. Some chassis just do not work well with them. Just a single perspective (mine), but it is what I have seen over and over again; especially when conditions get dirty or gritty.
I'm not bagging on them per se, just saying that they are what they are...a relatively inexpensive AICS compatible solution.
I'm not bagging on them per se, just saying that they are what they are...a relatively inexpensive AICS compatible solution.
Well you are right.
I was only thinking on that patrionation case of the problem of the Accurate mag and causing those markings on the case´s.
In the KRG chassis you are able to adjust your magazine seating, but there are many that you are not.
I have my MDT ESS chassis ceracoated, and now that MDT magazine is quite tight to fit in to the mag well, im not sure was it like that before ceracoating, because i had not that MDT magazine until this spring, but i could think, that ceracoat would not add that thick layer on to the mag well, that this magazine would not work like it should.
Maybe these MDT magazines are a bit bigger toleranses unlike the other brands.
Never tryed original AI magazines, pritty expensive those brits are, but are those the Rols Royce of AICS magazines?
I was only thinking on that patrionation case of the problem of the Accurate mag and causing those markings on the case´s.
In the KRG chassis you are able to adjust your magazine seating, but there are many that you are not.
I have my MDT ESS chassis ceracoated, and now that MDT magazine is quite tight to fit in to the mag well, im not sure was it like that before ceracoating, because i had not that MDT magazine until this spring, but i could think, that ceracoat would not add that thick layer on to the mag well, that this magazine would not work like it should.
Maybe these MDT magazines are a bit bigger toleranses unlike the other brands.
Never tryed original AI magazines, pritty expensive those brits are, but are those the Rols Royce of AICS magazines?
Pretty much...though I'd say they are the standard, not necessarily the Rolls Royce. Now JAE's original magazine that went with their prototype JAE700 chassis...now that was a Rolls Royce. I totally understand why they shelved that part of the business, but they were a very well (and over) built design.
Great looking rifle. What does it weigh?
Some bottom metal and a little cerakote and back to shooting! Manners knocked it out the park! Huge thanks to them.
New DBM will be in tomorrow and I can’t wait
New DBM will be in tomorrow and I can’t wait
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I have been waiting for this comparison! Thanks for the picture, sir!
I hear so much bad stuff about all of them. MDT doesn't have the OAL I need, I think. Even if it did, above someone is saying they're problematic. I'm not interested in a $500 stock/mag upgrade that scratches my brass, since my CTR mag right now doesn't do that. And I'm not going with AICS and modifying my receiver. Just so frustrating that everyone uses one mag compatibility model, and nobody makes a good mag for it. Factory CTR mags work better than all of those.
I'll probably just stick with the factory stock until KRG releases the Bravo for a CTR bottom metal. Factory stock isn't that bad.
I'll probably just stick with the factory stock until KRG releases the Bravo for a CTR bottom metal. Factory stock isn't that bad.
6BR load dev done, and by done I mean everything shot sub .5moa. Seriously, the BR is ridiculous! 30.4 Varget & 105 Hybrids are doing 2705fps from the 21.5' barrel. Groups on steel to 500m appeared no more than a couple of inches - the thing just stacks them. ES of 2 and SD of 1 across 6 shots and that's with unfired, zero prepped brass (aside from running the expander mandrel through the necks)
This kind of performance from 30 odd grains of powder doesn't seem fair
This kind of performance from 30 odd grains of powder doesn't seem fair
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I for one am glad to hear about what works, what doesn't, and how to fix what doesnt. You are welcome to stick with what works for you.
I like hearing about it since I am going to be stuck with a lite with its tiny mags and thin barrel since they haven't decided to import left handed stainless ctr's.
Just be grateful you are not left eyed/ handed and have all the options in the gun world and the rest of the world too. Having to make modifications and being disappointed in companies not offering things is common.
I would prefer for krg to offer left handed tikkas chassis with out having to cut a bolt handle cut out your self. Itd be great to have the option to have a folder that works with a lefty since they are completely incompatible per krg.
Am I likely to get any of my above wishes? No. So be happy you have options that you can stick with.
Not attacking you patriot07. Just frustrated with the world at times.
I don't disagree with what you're saying. My point is just that I like the bone stock CTR too much to go spending $500 on a stock and mag that will scratch up my brass and may or may not feed as reliably as my CTR mag, which is flawless. I'd switch in a heartbeat if I had a Lite model, but the CTR is awesome just like it is - only reason I'm really considering a stock upgrade is to get an adjustable cheekpiece.
Have you thought about buying a Tac A1 chassis, notching it out for the bolt handle and maybe buying a take off CTR barrel? That might solve your issue, and the folding works quite well on the chassis. I've got one and feel like it's just as solid as my KRG W3 folder but you get the added modularity of being able to change out the parts to your liking. If you might be interested in giving this a shot, I'm thinking about selling my Tac A1 chassis since I bought it to try and shoot production PRS but life isn't going to cooperate thanks to going back to school I'm going to stick with my KRG since I don't need two folders.
Dont even have the rifle yet.
Not a fan of the looks of the tac a1.
The only chassis that I like the looks of is the krg w3. Xray is ok, bravo no, j Allen is 2nd. Definitely not on price at twice what a w3 is (and even then you'd have to cut a bolt slot.) Yes I've seen all of the others. Mpa, mdt, manners, xlr, cadex. No.
I also personally like the looks of all stainless. That and not having to worry about rust as much.
All stainless tikka in the green w3 with a razor 2 is what I'm after... many years down the road.
Thanks for the offer.
Tikkas are well known for having a long freebore and that's the main reason you can't get a magazine that will fit your long COAL load but when you change your factory barrel that will change.
I have a 6.5 CM Tikka CTR with factory barrel and another one with a PVA nut barrel and when loading the same bullet (140 ELD-M) at 0.02" off the lands the difference between both is 0.06" The PVA load can easily go inside the AI magazine but the factory CTR load won't. Thats why my CTR seats on a Manners T6A with CTR bottom metal, the PVA seats on a Bravo chassis.
I have other Tikkas in other calibers that doesn't have that problem either, 6.5x47 LP and 6XC both get inside AI magazines w/o problems letting me using any stock/chassis I want. Right now one is on a McMillan A 3-5 with a CDI bottom metal and the other is on a KRG X-RAY.
My advice, stick with a CTR bottom metal while you have the stock barrel then when barrel change time comes you will have more options.
You have two other options, change your load to mag COAL or single feed. (but I don't like those two)
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That’s a great point. I’ll just switch when I switch barrels.
I would love to have a McMillan or Manners, but the cost of one with an adjustable cheek piece is outside my budget.
Good advice. Thank you for the post.
No prob. Glad to help.
6BR load dev done, and by done I mean everything shot sub .5moa. Seriously, the BR is ridiculous! 30.4 Varget & 105 Hybrids are doing 2705fps from the 21.5' barrel. Groups on steel to 500m appeared no more than a couple of inches - the thing just stacks them. ES of 2 and SD of 1 across 6 shots and that's with unfired, zeroed prepped brass (aside from running the expander mandrel through the necks)
This kind of performance from 30 odd grains of powder doesn't seem fair
View attachment 6925903
What magazines and follower are you using with the 6BR? I am looking at a 6 BRX for my next barrel. I am running the CTR mags and a GGRS Predator. I will probably go with a Bravo and AICS mags for the BRX.
Are those MDT or MAGPul MAgs? Did you have to modify them to get them to feed?
I need to correct myself here. The mags that I was referring to, were Magpul mags, not MDT.
They are the poly 10 round mdt mags. They function flawlessly so far. I have 2 and have run 100-150 total rounds through them. They are a slight friction fit into the mag well so they don't drop free, but are very easy to insert and remove just a very very light drag. I have not tried feeding 223AI yet since I am still fire forming.
They feed and work well, the only problem they have is the short COAL.
In the CDI bottom metal I've had some interesting results. Currently the ARC mags with no modifications are working, however I won't trust them until I've done more testing - they have a tendency to nosedive when I trialed them with my 6.5x47. I've got two of the PVA mag kits for AICS mags, one of these mags works perfectly, the other has spring issues that cause jams so I'm still fiddling with it. The AICS 5rd mags are flawless with no mods.
Seems that with the BR you just have to try a few options - what works for one DBM system fails in another.
I love both Mcmillian and Manners stocks. If you need a less expensive option that gives you all the adjustment you could want, the KRG Bravo is very close to something like a Mcmillian game warden. I like making my guns look good (see my above comments about BallisticPrimate's T5A guns), but I am mostly not serious about how they look, compared to how they perform. The Bravo looks good to me, but it is a budget option, and just not as nice as a Micky or Manners. It does however, perform at a really high level, and at the end of the day, as well as the beginning and middle, I live to hit things that I aim at. Period.
What stock is that? Looks good.6BR load dev done, and by done I mean everything shot sub .5moa. Seriously, the BR is ridiculous! 30.4 Varget & 105 Hybrids are doing 2705fps from the 21.5' barrel. Groups on steel to 500m appeared no more than a couple of inches - the thing just stacks them. ES of 2 and SD of 1 across 6 shots and that's with unfired, zero prepped brass (aside from running the expander mandrel through the necks)
This kind of performance from 30 odd grains of powder doesn't seem fair
View attachment 6925903
Sorry, this is the best photo I have. Rifle shoots super well.
Action, Bolt & handle and trigger - Tikka T3
Barrel / chambering - Maddco 1/8" in 6XC
Stock - Manners
Scope - Bushnell XRSII
Rings - Vortex Matched (easy way to find Seekins rings in Australia)
Magazine - using original Tikka T3 bottom metal (plastic) with 2 different after market 10 shot magazines
Action, Bolt & handle and trigger - Tikka T3
Barrel / chambering - Maddco 1/8" in 6XC
Stock - Manners
Scope - Bushnell XRSII
Rings - Vortex Matched (easy way to find Seekins rings in Australia)
Magazine - using original Tikka T3 bottom metal (plastic) with 2 different after market 10 shot magazines
The bravo is what started this whole discussion. I can't find a mag to run long 6.5 CM ammo in that doesn't either have a bad reputation for reliability, a COAL max so long that I might have to trim my receiver, or a bad reputation for lips that scratch brass, none of which are acceptable to me after spending $500 on a stock and mag.
Once I shoot out the factory barrel and get something with considerably less freebore, I should be able to run standard AI mags in a Bravo. Or, if KRG comes out with a Bravo that takes CTR mags & bottom metal, I can make the switch sooner.
Sounds like you need to keep shooting.
To fix COAL concerns, replace barrel to get free bore down per dannysh.
The only mag to really stay away from is magpul. MarinePMI originally misspoke saying MDT instead of magpul. Go with an all metal mag.
Iirc most of the problems with mags comes from trying to run 6mmBR or other rounds similar, NOT 308 based rounds. Other mag problems can ban be traced to not adjusting (some didn't know they adjusted) the stock/ chassis for the mag or cerakote inside magwell.
If you happen to get scratchy lips sand them according to what viking78 said. 320 grit gives smooth shiny finishes.
If you want to get what you want, you have to spend the money. Save up and buy. If it doesnt work out you can always sell in the px.
Sorry, I got lost somewhere in all this discussion. Have to say though, I've never heard of brass scratching as an issue, and I certainly have never seen it with any mags I have. AI, Accurate, MDT. Larue, KAC and Magpul (last three for gas guns and the Fix).
I'm just cheap. Not spending $500 on a product that I have to modify because a manufacturer overprices it and can't build a decent product.
Certainly not spending $70+ on a piece of bent sheet metal that a company can't make right. The fact that these mags cost that much is embarrassing. Pistol mags cost like $30 and are basically the exact same thing (bent up sheet metal with a spring, follower, and baseplate) - not sure why rifle mags cost a small fortune in comparison.
Danny had the right idea - wait til I shoot out the factory barrel and make the switch then. I'm not spending $500 on a bad products, and the factory mag and stock are just fine if nothing exists sub-$1k to satisfy my needs. Finished off a match the other day by hitting a 1/2 MOA target at 800 yards with the factory rifle bone stock - it's not like anything on that gun is holding me back.
Regarding cheap, as the saying goes in this sport, you generally get what you pay for. A lot of people are penny wise, and pound foolish. I understand some have no choice, but the saying still holds true regardless.
Regarding the cost of magazines, pistol mags are an entirely different animal than rifle mags. Short, stubby round bullets are a hell of a lot easier to get to feed than a long, narrow, pointy rifle round. There's a reason many say "the magazine is the hardest part of the design of a rifle action". Any thing mass produced is going to have manufacturing flaws/short comings. It is what it is. Then there's the volume of sales thing; there are a lot more pistol mags sold than rifle mags.
Regarding CTR mags; there are many that are fine, but lately, there has been a run of them that are causing issues (Frank is pretty open about this in his podcasts). The design is inherently good, but there have been issues with the spring tension in many of the newer ones. AI's rarely have issues beyond the sharp edges that mark up brass.
If CTR mags work for you, hey, run with what you brung (I haven't had issues with them in the past), but AI mags still tend to be the standard across rifle chassis, so most move to those so they use them between rifle platforms.
Regarding the cost of magazines, pistol mags are an entirely different animal than rifle mags. Short, stubby round bullets are a hell of a lot easier to get to feed than a long, narrow, pointy rifle round. There's a reason many say "the magazine is the hardest part of the design of a rifle action". Any thing mass produced is going to have manufacturing flaws/short comings. It is what it is. Then there's the volume of sales thing; there are a lot more pistol mags sold than rifle mags.
Regarding CTR mags; there are many that are fine, but lately, there has been a run of them that are causing issues (Frank is pretty open about this in his podcasts). The design is inherently good, but there have been issues with the spring tension in many of the newer ones. AI's rarely have issues beyond the sharp edges that mark up brass.
If CTR mags work for you, hey, run with what you brung (I haven't had issues with them in the past), but AI mags still tend to be the standard across rifle chassis, so most move to those so they use them between rifle platforms.
Lots of good points. Hadn't thought about the volume of pistol mags in comparison - I'm sure that plays a part.
Also, to be fair, I had feeding issues when I first got my CTR. I took the mag apart and bent the spring and haven't had a problem since through 700-800 rounds. So maybe mine was part of that batch you're talking about, but fortunately it's fix-able (though I'll concede that if I had known before I bought it, I would have been equally as critical of Tikka as I have been of some of these other manufacturers who are having various mag issues).
You also only have a sample size of one mag that you had to modify yourself. If you spend your money on a bravo and two mags and it worked, you could sell your ctr stock and one mag and only be out the cost of the bravo itself.
You sound like you really want a bravo. Go for it.
I am running 75 gr ELDM at 2.49" in the MDT mags. I still have room to go longer.
Finally got it back from the machine shop.
Started life as a Tikka T3x Lite LH in 308. Zero rounds down the pipe, off to the machine shop to get rebarreled in 6.5CM. MDT ESS chassis, Harris bipod and a Razor HD scope. Carbon fiber accents and an Omega 300 on the end.
Started life as a Tikka T3x Lite LH in 308. Zero rounds down the pipe, off to the machine shop to get rebarreled in 6.5CM. MDT ESS chassis, Harris bipod and a Razor HD scope. Carbon fiber accents and an Omega 300 on the end.
