Oh shit I did it, bought a Tikka T3X Super Varmint 223 Bolt

[markm]

I’m super curious about the measurement to the lands and OAL. I’ve always wanted to buy a bolt gun in 223 to shoot 90gr but never quite got around to it.

I'll measure it with 77s and/or 80s when it gets here. We're used to the Rem 700 with it's pretty big leade. We shoot some pretty hot ammo in it, so checking the jump in this gun is a good idea.

[Vegas]

Been mag feeding for so long on short actions with 308 etc, I never even considered having to single feed with the 90gr. Has me wondering about the internal mag measurement.

[MarshallDodge]

Shooting 90s out of a 1:8 twist barrel wouldn't be optimal. I prefer the 80 grainers as you can get a little more velocity, and helps make up the difference in BC.

On edit: The factory Tikka 223 mag will allow for a 2.26 OAL. My modified mags will take just under 2.49 OAL. I can't remember how deep the throat is on it but I ran the 75 Amax at 2.39

[markm]

Shooting 90s out of a 1:8 twist barrel wouldn't be optimal. I prefer the 80 grainers as you can get a little more velocity, and helps make up the difference in BC.

On edit: The factory Tikka 223 mag will allow for a 2.26 OAL. My modified mags will take just under 2.49 OAL. I can't remember how deep the throat is on it but I ran the 75 Amax at 2.39

Good info. We don't have 90s in house anyway. But I have a mess of 80s scattered around. What's your powder for those? We're trying to stay out of ball on this barrel if it's a shooter.

[MarshallDodge]

Well, there is the wonderful powder called 8208XBR, but everyone else has discovered how good it is and now you can't find it.

I think you mentioned that you have some and H322. Both are good. H4895 and RL15 are good as well. Some like Varget but it has been hard to find forever, and it really didn't perform that much better for me.

Lately I have been trying Shooters World Precision-

23.5 grains, 77 SMK, BR4, R-P brass, 2.260 OAL, 1:7.5 twist Krieger is a legit 1/2 MOA load. That load also works well with the 75 ELDM. My Tikka likes the 77 SMK but I don't remember the load and it isn't in my log for some reason.

Just in case you guys haven't seen this guy do the milk jug challenge with his Tikka and a 75 Amax, the fun starts at 2:00

https://youtu.be/20Fp239bERs

[Pappabear]

Thanks Marshall, we have work to do.

PB

[markm]

We have a ton of Varget. I was thinking that might work with 80s since you gain enough case capacity to be able to use it. (if my logic is right) With the long barrel, I'm wanting to run a slower powder than XBR... not that I won't shoot XBR if it's the best option.

[Pappabear]

XBR gave us our hottest load ever with the 20 inch 5R. We even have an old can labeled Turbo XBR load. It was a Lot that was hotter than a mofo. We are going to find a Turbo load for this gun, that is for sure.

My local gun store has not released my gun yet, they suck so bad in checking it in/out. I know there is a process and and its not just a hand off, but my LGS has one guy that does it and shows up when he shows up. So we might not even get to shoot this weekend.

PB

[MarshallDodge]

I just realized that somehow my 80 grain loads didn't display in my last post.

2nd try:

80 Nosler CC, BR4, 22.2 8208, Hornady brass, 2.44 OAL. Hornady brass is pretty soft but I had some laying around and loaded it. I don't have much in my notes on this one but I remember tagging the 3" target with it repeatedly at 545 yards.

80 ELD-M, Tula 223, 20.0 8208, LC brass, 2.35 OAL- Very mild load but it prints ragged holes at 100 yards with a 22" 1:7 SS Wilson Remage setup. It has a 223 chamber, with a large factory firing pin, so I didn't want to push them hard and pierce primers.

80 Nolsler CC, Magtech SR, 23.8 RL15, FC mil brass, 2.44 OAL - This load is on the hotter side so use caution, especially if you change brass. I single fed it in my 16" AR, which has a 223 Wylde SS match barrel, for some 1K yard fun.

[mark5pt56]

I could be wrong but guns are required to be checked in upon delivery---

XBR gave us our hottest load ever with the 20 inch 5R. We even have an old can labeled Turbo XBR load. It was a Lot that was hotter than a mofo. We are going to find a Turbo load for this gun, that is for sure.

My local gun store has not released my gun yet, they suck so bad in checking it in/out. I know there is a process and and its not just a hand off, but my LGS has one guy that does it and shows up when he shows up. So we might not even get to shoot this weekend.

PB