Tikka T3 Tactical .223. Load Data Please.

[robbobsam]

Hiya Guys,

I have just ordered a Tikka T3 Tactical in .223 and intend to shoot it at extended ranges. I have ordered the 24" barrelled model with a 1 in 8 twist and was thinking of using the 80 grain Berger VLD's.

If any of you guys have experience with shooting VLD's in the Tikka Tactical can you help me with the following please?

1. Do the 80grain Bergers work well in the Tikka T3 TAC ???
2. Do the 80 grain Bergers fit in the magazine ???
3. What loads do you find work best in the Tikka T3 TAC ???
4. If the Bergers don't work well can you recommend a bullet that works better ???

Thanks Guys.

 

[Just Jim]

Re: Tikka T3 Tactical .223. Load Data Please.

The biggest problem you will encounter - as seems to be the case with all factory chambers - is a long throat. I've been running Hornady 75 grain A-Max bullets in my Tikka Varmint .223. Seating them out to the lead means an OAL of 2.458".

This length won't fit in the magazine, and the Tikka action is all but impossible to single load. I modified one magazine to accept the long rounds, but feeding is still less than perfect.

I've since given the Tikka to my wife, and the mag problem will soon be solved by the addition of a Manners stock, CDI bottom metal and AICS .223 magazines.

These guns are worth the effort though. They really shoot well!

Cheers... Jim

 

[Just Jim]

Re: Tikka T3 Tactical .223. Load Data Please.

Oh, load data with the above mentioned 75 grain A-Max: 24.0 AA2520. Any primer, any case. They all seem to shoot about the same.