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Tikka T3 Varmint w/8" twist
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I recently purchased a Tikka t3 varmint and discovered that it had a 1 in 8" twist barrel. The owners manual that it came with stated the twist for .223 was 1 in 12. I mainly shoot 50-55 gr. bullets in my 223 rifles and am concerned about this twist rate. I Would appreciate any information on the ability to shoot light bullets in this rather fast twist rate. The gunshop I purchased the gun at is willing to let me return it within a week if I don't fire it. I really like the gun and would like to keep it if it will handle 55 gr bullets. Thanks in advance....Scott
 
Posts: 5 | Location: Eastern OR | Registered: 29 May 2003Reply With Quote
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Coyotescott ,
Unfortunately you won't know until you try it . Rifles with 8 inch twists can shoot 50 and 55gn projectiles very accurately . Theoretically it is not optimum for those bullet weights .
My 9 inch .243 Ackley was built to shoot the 95gn Nosler VLD but does it's best with the 55gn Nosler .


The hunting imperative was part of every man's soul; some denied or suppressed it, others diverted it into less blatantly violent avenues of expression, wielding clubs on the golf course or racquets on the court, substituting a little white ball for the prey of flesh and blood.
Wilbur Smith
 
Posts: 916 | Location: L.H. side of downunder | Registered: 07 November 2004Reply With Quote
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Hello,
If you reload, the twist you have for the 223 is ideal for the 69grain Sierra HPBT match bullets and they are hollow points and are devastating on varmints. Yes the lighter bullets, 50-55 range will work OK, but not optimum for accuracy, but as said earlier, give 'em a try and see what happens. Would think a lot depends on whether you dealer will let you return after you have shot?? Good Luck
Favor center!!
dsiteman
 
Posts: 1165 | Location: Banks of Kanawha, forks of Beaver Dam and Spring Creek | Registered: 06 January 2005Reply With Quote
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Coyotescott,

I built a .223 last year with a 1-8 twist Krieger barrel. It shoots the 50 and 55 grain bullets just fine. I got the barrel cheap and could not pass it up. Have not regretted the decision one bit. A real surprise is the accuracy I am getting out of 40 gr. Sierra HPs. A five shot group measured .196 at 100 yds.

“Over rotating†a good bullet (within reason of course) does not often cause problems. In your case I would have to guess the quality of the barrel will have more to do with accuracy than the twist rate.

If the gun is not very accurate, I don’t think the twist rate will be the cause. On the other hand, if the gun is accurate, you will be able to shoot more bullet weights than the 1-12 would have. Let us know what you do. (I can hardly stand the suspense, really)

Jim


Please be an ethical PD hunter, always practice shoot and release!!

Praying for all the brave souls standing in harms way.
 
Posts: 731 | Location: NoWis. | Registered: 04 May 2004Reply With Quote
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KEEP IT! I bought a Sako 75 SS off Gunsamerica last year thinking it would have the 1-8 twist like the website says. Suprise! Its 1-12. But its incredibly accurate so I'm happy with it. I wanted the tight twist to shoot the 65 gr Sierra's and other heavies. Try some 60 gr HP Sierra's in it if your wanting a good BC varmint bullet. If your wanting pure speed (and remember the light bullets are going SLOWER when they hit yon doggie) you might ought to get a slower twist.......or a 22-250. FNMauser


Strike while the iron is hot! Look before you leap!He who hesitates is lost! Slow and steady wins the race! Time waits for no man! A stitch in time saves nine! Make hay while the sun shines! ect. ect.
 
Posts: 170 | Location: Kentucky U.S.A. " The land that is dark with blood" | Registered: 31 May 2004Reply With Quote
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I have no accuracy issues with two AR-15
uppers, with 1:8 twists. The 20" RRA
Varminter, with a Wilson air guaged, Wylde
chamber, barrel puts 55 gr. Nosler BTs into
.5 MOA or less depending on the trigger work,
and the 16" RRA Pre-ban puts the same 55 gr.
Nosler load into .9 MOA. I see no problems
with accuracy, with 55 gr. bullets in these
two 1:8 barrels. I recently purchased a
Tikka T3, and I hoped it would be a 1:8
barrel, but it is a 1:12. I would expect
excellent accuracy out of the Tikka with
a 1:8 barrel, with 55 gr. bullets.

Squeeze


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759
 
Posts: 201 | Location: Wis | Registered: 05 March 2004Reply With Quote
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