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75 ELDM in Tikka Varmint

mark5pt56

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
Nov 20, 2005
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Florida
Ok, Tikka Varmint, 24" barrel with MPA chassis using Accurate mags.
Internal mag length is 2.370-75
Modified cases, inserted ELDM and once contacted rifling to seat is at 2.485 OAL

Current load is 2.260 using 75BTHP Hornady and 24 grains H4895, LC case, just wanted to get some more out of the gun. When I checked chrono, was at 2900
(made this load when in factory stock)
Unless something changes, max is 600 right now.

Should I stay with what I have or work on the new load?

Seat to mag length, working back up powder charge-preferred to have mag fed

Or Single load working on the jump and what about amount jump?

The current load is a hammer and I was 8-9 of 10 on a 5" plate at 600 the other day.

75 HBTHP G1 is .395
75 ELDM G1 is .467, G7-.235

I have to hit JBM to run numbers

Whatcha think?

Comparing 5 mph at 600, looking at 3.2" advantage.

ELdM using G1-.467 at 2850?
Trajectory μCard - Wind Only

Range1.0 mph5.0 mph10.0 mph
(yd)(mil)(in)(mil)(in)(mil)(in)
3000.10.70.33.30.66.7
6000.13.00.715.01.430.0
10000.39.91.449.42.798.7

28-Aug-19 12:11, JBM/jbmucardwind-5.1.cgi


75 BTHP using .395 G1 at 2900

Trajectory μCard - Wind Only
Range1.0 mph5.0 mph10.0 mph
(yd)(mil)(in)(mil)(in)(mil)(in)
3000.10.80.43.90.77.9
6000.23.60.818.21.736.4
10000.312.21.761.13.4122.3
28-Aug-19 12:14, JBM/jbmucardwind-5.1.cgi
 
Last edited:
I hate this answer, but its the truth...Depends on what you plan on doing with the rifle. If you are running it as a trainer, then I'd run the load you've got, sounds like a hammer. If you want to shoot a few tact class matches, or push it further downrange, work up another load.

I am jumping 75gn ELD-M's .0025" of the lands. 24.3gn of H4895 @3015fps SD 7.

It is a 26" barrel running a TB U7 suppressor though.
 
I run 75 ELD @ 2.49 in AICS 223 mags. They handle up to 2.56" COAL.

Your 75 BTHP doesnt even compare to 75 ELD. My buddy had your same issue. Drop that Tikka BA into a chassis (MDT) and then run MDT 223 mags. Problem solved.

I'm running 75 ELD with H4895 @ 3040 and it matches my 6.5x47L out to 800yd.
 
I am getting the same results as @padom with my Tikka Varmint, 75gr ELDM, H4895, CCI450, and Nammo brass out of my Tikka Varmint. I have mine in a GGS and am using the MDT AICS mags loading to 2.49". I can go longer and they can be modified for more COAL. It is a hammer, my son took it to 1000 in a match and made a first round hit at 1400 with it.
Spearpoint Team Match 024.jpg
 
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I run 75 ELD @ 2.49 in AICS 223 mags. They handle up to 2.56" COAL.

Your 75 BTHP doesnt even compare to 75 ELD. My buddy had your same issue. Drop that Tikka BA into a chassis (MDT) and then run MDT 223 mags. Problem solved.

I'm running 75 ELD with H4895 @ 3040 and it matches my 6.5x47L out to 800yd.


It's in a MPA Lite, so I could pick up some MDT mags, they allow longer length? The Accurate's allow 2.370-75

I'm using Fed small rifle match, So you guys are using SR magnum primers?
 
It's in a MPA Lite, so I could pick up some MDT mags, they allow longer length? The Accurate's allow 2.370-75

I'm using Fed small rifle match, So you guys are using SR magnum primers?

The MDT mags are longer however I have had issues with the follower hanging up. The Accurate Mag has ran flawlessly and I was able to open it up to over 2.550 to allow more room. It is pretty easy to take apart the mag and file down the opening. I posted a picture in another thread, link: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/223-in-a-bh-origin.6937211/#post-7936665
 
I've had accurate and mdt mags. Both work. The accurate are a little smoother.

Just cut the plastic at the front of the accurate mag out. It will allow you to go to 2.500 oal or even a little more. If you dont want to do that I'll trade you a mdt mag for it
 
I run 75 ELD @ 2.49 in AICS 223 mags.

2.49 seems long or my measurements are AFU, as mine are .010 off the lands at 2.40, 1.875 to the ogive.
(same powder and speed though from 24” barrel)
 
2.49 seems long or my measurements are AFU, as mine are .010 off the lands at 2.40, 1.875 to the ogive.
(same powder and speed though from 24” barrel)

Nope. 2.49 is my load as well. 75 ELD across 5 different barrels all chambered in 223 Wylde contact the lands around 2.505.... I run them at 2.495

You have something like a CLE chamber or something like that if yours are down at 2.40...
 
My choice used to be the old melting tip Amax. Ran those out of an 8 twist Tikka T3 our to 1k. Was an awesome rifle, wish I didn’t sell it to whoever it was in the state of WA. Was running them st about 3100
 
My choice used to be the old melting tip Amax. Ran those out of an 8 twist Tikka T3 our to 1k. Was an awesome rifle, wish I didn’t sell it to whoever it was in the state of WA. Was running them st about 3100

My go to is 80 Amax's with Varget right now at 2950 out of my 26" 8twist MW. I snagged a bunch of 600ct boxes at a LGS for cheap when 80 ELD replaced them. They are AMAZING. I guess I'll switch over to the 3000 80 VLD I have sitting here when I run out
 
I don’t have a 223 any longer but I’ve got plenty of 8208 and Varget waiting. My go to with the AI was 8208 and the 75 amax.


I havent shot my 223 in probably a year or more. Been shooting my 26" 220TB slinging 90smk's @ 3000. My favorite bolt gun right now. Recoil like a 22.
 
I’ll have to look in to that 220tb. Not familiar with it

See my review thread here


 
Nope. 2.49 is my load as well. 75 ELD across 5 different barrels all chambered in 223 Wylde contact the lands around 2.505.... I run them at 2.495

You have something like a CLE chamber or something like that if yours are down at 2.40...

Ah, didn’t catch the Wylde chamber. I’m pretty sure mine is using a PTG match or close to it.
7.5 twist MW, great barrel as well.
 
Based on multiple threads like this - I purchased a Tikka T3X Varmint 223 with 23.7 barrel, I have it in a KRG Bravo stock and using MDT 223 mags. Goal is to shoot heavier, high BC 22 projectiles to 800 yards to save wear and tear on my custom 6.5 Creedmoor. I am not claiming to be an expert but I have been reloading for a long time and have no previous issues getting a rifle to shoot acceptably.

I loaded these on a Dillon 550 but used a digital scale for each powder charge (did not use the Dillon powder drop). Using this technique I regularly load 6.5 CM ammo with 1/2 inch at 100 yard results.

I am trying 75ELDMs, 80ELDMs, and 80SMKs. I cannot load any of these longer than 2.39 and close the bolt so I cannot take advantage of the MDT mag length capability. After much searching on this forum and other sources, I loaded the 75 ELDM with 24.5 Varget (2+ inch group), 25.0 Varget (3+ inch group), 23.6 XBR8208 (2 inch group), and 23.8 XLR8208 (2+ inch groups). 80SMK with 24.4 Varget (2 inch groups), 24.5 Varget (2 inch groups). 80 ELDM with 24.5 Varget (2 inch groups) and 23.8 XLR8208 (2+ inch groups). On same outing I shot Nosler 53 FBs with 24.5 TAC, some old Hornady 55SPs with 24.5 TC plus 77 Nosler at 24.5 TAC Custom Competition at sub inch as a control(these are normally used for practice in a 1-9 223 and loaded on 550 with the Dillon powder drop). All at 100 yards on 4/11/2020 in sunny, low wind conditions in NW GA.

I am seeking advice on how I can get these 75 and 80 ELDMs to shot accurately in this Tikka T3X Varmint 223 1-8. Is my issue the "short chamber"? Thanks
 
I had similar results with the 75's in my Tikka Varmint. Gave them away and happy with the Sierra 77 TMK's. 24 gr 8208/LC case/205M/2.285 oal, 2870 fps and .5 or less groups. Easy day on a 5" plate at 628
 
Based on multiple threads like this - I purchased a Tikka T3X Varmint 223 with 23.7 barrel, I have it in a KRG Bravo stock and using MDT 223 mags. Goal is to shoot heavier, high BC 22 projectiles to 800 yards to save wear and tear on my custom 6.5 Creedmoor. I am not claiming to be an expert but I have been reloading for a long time and have no previous issues getting a rifle to shoot acceptably.

I loaded these on a Dillon 550 but used a digital scale for each powder charge (did not use the Dillon powder drop). Using this technique I regularly load 6.5 CM ammo with 1/2 inch at 100 yard results.

I am trying 75ELDMs, 80ELDMs, and 80SMKs. I cannot load any of these longer than 2.39 and close the bolt so I cannot take advantage of the MDT mag length capability. After much searching on this forum and other sources, I loaded the 75 ELDM with 24.5 Varget (2+ inch group), 25.0 Varget (3+ inch group), 23.6 XBR8208 (2 inch group), and 23.8 XLR8208 (2+ inch groups). 80SMK with 24.4 Varget (2 inch groups), 24.5 Varget (2 inch groups). 80 ELDM with 24.5 Varget (2 inch groups) and 23.8 XLR8208 (2+ inch groups). On same outing I shot Nosler 53 FBs with 24.5 TAC, some old Hornady 55SPs with 24.5 TC plus 77 Nosler at 24.5 TAC Custom Competition at sub inch as a control(these are normally used for practice in a 1-9 223 and loaded on 550 with the Dillon powder drop). All at 100 yards on 4/11/2020 in sunny, low wind conditions in NW GA.

I am seeking advice on how I can get these 75 and 80 ELDMs to shot accurately in this Tikka T3X Varmint 223 1-8. Is my issue the "short chamber"? Thanks

Your Tikka has a shorter throat than my Varmint for sure. I am running the 75gr ELDM @2.49" COAL out of the MDT polymer mags. Getting 3025 fps and great accuracy with H4895, CCI450, and Nammo brass. I have some 80gr ELDM to try. Shot 5 of the IMI 77gr Razor Core out of it last time out and they were under 3/4 moa at 100 yards. The 65 gr SGK shoots really good with 4895 also. Haven't worked with the 53gr Vmax too much, but they show promise.
 
My Tikka Varmint in MDT LSS-XL chassis likes 69- and 77-gr SMKs in about any loading in which they've been tried; 1/2" MOA groups out to 300 are the norm on calm days. Length is anything from standard .223 at around 2.26" to 0.02 off the lands.

Otoh, I've tried a variety of Hornady 75-gr loads and the rifle just doesn't like them (1" plus at 100). I keep my velocities modest at around 2800 for the 77s and 2900 for the 69s.