Tikka T3 Lite SS in .223 1:10 - good enough for 600Y?

[Erik_J]

I am new to centerfire long range shooting and I have few questions about .223 bullets and twist rate from you regulars. I just ordered a left handed TIkka T3 Lite, stainless for myself for Christmas. This rifle will be used as a LD trainer / plinker (100-600Y max). I was hoping that this rifle could be something I just shoot to learn on - I had not planned on modifying it at all for quite a while. I am also starting to get into reloading so that will take the rest of my $$s to get going.

Everything I read up on the part number indicates the rifle's twist is 1:8. I have read several posts on the internet that indicates Barretta is shipping the new ones with 1:10.

My concern is even though I ordered a 1:8, I could end up with a 1:10. If I do get a 1:10, are the lighter 55-65g bullets suited to .5-1 min accuracy between 300-600Y? Or do I really need the 1:8 to spin the longer, heavier bullets (77-80g) for my accuracy requirements at those distances?

I am trying to get an idea of wether to keep it or send it back - if it shows up 1:10…..

 

[redneckbmxer24]

This is the first I have heard about them changing the twist, I don't know why they would and 1:10 is a odd twist rate for .224's anyway.

If for some stupid reason it is 1:10 the 53gr Vmax does well at distance for its weight. It does even better in a 223AI rechamber.

 

[SporterII]

50 VMax, 50 Nosler, 52 SMK, all likely suspects. Not your 600yd. plan.
If it is a 10 and will shoot the 69 SMK, and it might, you will be fine. Gotta see.

 

[MoBoost]

Shooting 80s at 600 is a great wind reading learning tool - each 1mph blows you over .5MOA.
So if you are shooting F-TR match - each 1mph mistake will show as 1 ring on the target.

1:10 might stabilize the 69s, might is the key word : I wouldn't keep it unless you want a short range varmint gun.

 

[Quinc]

You are going to want the 1:8.

 

[shoot4fun]

You are going to want the 1:8.

No doubt about that!
Make sure you get 1 in 8.

 

[Erik_J]

Thanks guys...thats what my gut was telling me, but I had to ask those that know .223s better than me.

 

[sakobob]

don't buy it if it's not a 8 twist,wait for one to show up in the used section.
my t-3 1/8 will shoot 80 smk's into little groups as it will with nosler 55 bt's.