Hello. First post.

This may be of interest to someone planning to shorten their 223 barrel.

Recently I purchased a T3 Tikka in 223 1:12" twist. Second hand. Came with some hand loads too which was nice.

It had a 22" barrel. Measured t by closing the bolt and dropping a cleaning rod down the muzzle. Length = 22".

I had it shortened to 16" and fitted my ASE Jet-z CQT can.

I measured the velocity at 2900fps when the barrel was 22". After its operation it was 2700fps. So I am happy with that. Ties in with what this web site had to say about shortening a 223 barrel.
Effects of reducing barrel length on velocity

I fired of some rounds when I put the scope on it. Nothing fancy, just got the scope aligned and put 4 shots down range at 100yards one after the other, no resting in between.

I must admit I was surprised at the accuracy of this little rifle.



Dont get too hung up on where I had the calipers etc. I was in a rush. But it pretty darn good. That is 1/3" MOA.



The load was 25 grains of 2208 under a Hornady flat base SP 55gn pill. (2208 is Varget to you good folks state side)

Rifle weight 8.15pounds as pictured. It is 6.88 without the can. Nice can for sure, but heavy (546grams).

The Tikka action etc is too heavy IMHO for a 223. My Sako L461 which I had rebarelled to 223 was a much lighter rifle not to mention a better magazine capacity.

Comments? Thoughts?


.

Looks like a terrific setup. I have a T3 with a fast twist (1-8")and will be taking possession of 2 new Left Hand T3 Hunters this summer.
I am not surprised at the accuracy.

That's a serious load! I use 25.5 Varget with a 69 grain SMK (as I recollect).
Peter.

Handy and accurate, what's more to like?

Try 27gr of 2206h pushing a 55gr SGK. Should get it going a bit faster. 2208 more for heavier bullets like 70gr
good luck.

PS, ladder test and work up to it first and look for pressure. My Vanguard shoots .2 with this load and the Sika hate it

Are you sure it is 1:12, most are 1:8?

Its 1:12 alright. Must try that 2206H Taupo. Japs is what I am chasing too.

A guy I was talking to in NZ has a shortened T3
which has a decent sized can on it and his shoots
really good as well.