Tikka barrel twist stamped incorrectly.

[langfordbc]

Bought a Tikka compact 243 a couple years ago that I just started to build a load for. Picked 95gn Barnes LRX as the bullet, but in the first few rounds they were clearly tumbling. That bullet should be fine in an 8" twist, which it is stamped as. Checked it a few times with an oiled jag and marked rod, and it is actually a 10" twist.

It looks like this has happened to others out there. Anybody here encounter ever this themselves? I've emailed the retailer and asked about a contact with Beretta Canada.

 

[280aiguy]

Tikka switched from a 1/10 to 1/8 for 243 in 2022.
That is a interesting find...Maybe a mix up at the factory??

 

[remington jim]

Sh*tty to have that happen ! Go after them - maybe get a New FREE. Rifle - you never know

I tried the 95 gr LRX in my 240 WBee 1-10 and they TUMBLED too . !

 

[Hmatt]

Friend of mine had this happen to him with a 22-250 recently. He was very unimpressed as he got everything cerakoted before load development. Luckily the retailer and tikka refunded him in full for the mixup. Horse barn in Kamloops.

 

[stubblejumper]

It is false advertising, so Tikka will likely replace the rifle, or give you a refund.

 

[mephisto002]

Tikka switched from a 1/10 to 1/8 for 243 in 2022.
That is a interesting find...Maybe a mix up at the factory??

Put it on the EE,

"ULTRA RARE" lots $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[remington jim]

Put it on the EE,

"ULTRA RARE" lots $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

You should Buy it

 

[redneck09]

You are certain that jag followed the rifling perfectly?

If lots of people are reporting the problem I’m sure you are correct but if it were me I might borrow a bore scope or something before shipping it off to beretta. Then again I’m no gunsmith. Good luck.

 

[Mik123]

Stoeger is quick to respond, I'd sent them an email.

 

[langfordbc]

You are certain that jag followed the rifling perfectly?

If lots of people are reporting the problem I’m sure you are correct but if it were me I might borrow a bore scope or something before shipping it off to beretta. Then again I’m no gunsmith. Good luck.

No, not 100%. But I did it several times and all were at 10” or close to it, and nowhere near 8”. Inability to stabilize a 95 grain bullet was the initial red flag.

I’m not sure lots of people are reporting the problem but it does come up when you search, and the rifle comes from 2023 when Tikka switched from 10” to 8”.

 

[redneck09]

No, not 100%. But I did it several times and all were at 10” or close to it, and nowhere near 8”. Inability to stabilize a 95 grain bullet was the initial red flag.

I’m not sure lots of people are reporting the problem but it does come up when you search, and the rifle comes from 2023 when Tikka switched from 10” to 8”.

Yea I am sure you are correct. I have a 8” 243 and it stabilizes 112 grain match burners but just barely at sea level. The altitude that I do my shooting at helps a lot. Mono metal bullets such as the LRX tend to be a good bit longer than lead bullets of the same weight. They require more twist.

I know that Barnes lists a 8” for the 95grain lrx. But they also say that their bullets expand below 2000fps and a quick YouTube search will disprove that. I would check that stabilization at your altitude and speeds.

If I were to get another fast twist 243 I would get a 7.5”. I think that there is a reason the 6 creed uses a 7.5”.