Tikka m55 22-250

[tkleedehn]

Over the winter I learnt how to reload. I love reloading and shooting so much I’m afraid I’m going to wear out my hunting rifles. So I’ve decided I need to get some target rifles. My dad has an old tikka m55 in 22-250 it’s got a heavy barrel and a 24 power scope with a hair trigger. Is this worth starting a build from? I’d like to get a fast twist barrel and a new stock. I like the 22-250 because I don’t have one and it doesn’t burn as much powder as other calibers. I’ve just never heard of a tikka m55 before.

Thanks

 

[Yotarunner]

I don't have one but a good friend does and they are fantastic rifles! Extremely accurate with an awesome trigger. I wouldn't start a build off of one due to the lack of aftermarket support but to just re barrel or shoot as 22-250 it will be fantastic.

 

[maynard]

.22-250's are barrel burners. Same with any overbored caliber like the .243 Win or any of the short mags. You can expect to burn a barrel out (match accuracy) before the 2000 round mark or before. I would suggest a caliber that is a little easier for wear like the .223 or a .308 where barrel life is around 4000-5000 before losing match accuracy.

 

[big boar]

I have a TIKKA M55 in 223, at least 20 years old. It has a 1-14 twist so only stabilizes bullets up to about 55gr. but last winter I was sighting in for coyotes and my 3 sighters at 200 yards were under 3/4”. All 3 holes at 200 could be completely covered by a nickel. The triggers on the older TIKKAs (M55’s & M65’s) were very good as were the barrels they used.
Maynard gives good advice, the 223 & 308 are great for target rifles, both can be used out to 1000 yards with good barrel life. If you plan on using the 223 I’d rather get it with a faster barrel (1-9?) to handle a heavier (75-90gr) bullet that can be used out to 1000. Mr Maynard has been VERY successful with both out 1000.

 

[tkleedehn]

Thanks for the info! I bought the 22-250 from my dad and it’s super accurate. As far as a build goes I might get a .308 for the “barrel burning”

 

[maynard]

Keep the .22-250 for the days when you are only shooting a few shots. For long days of punching paper or shooting gongs I would go with something with longer barrel life. A .223 with a fast twist say 1:7” twist can shoot just as well using 80-82 gr bullets, as a .308 using 155 gr bullets. In fact the .223 will have a slight advantage in the wind. And the elevation charge from 300 to 1000 yards are almost the exact same.

 

[AP]

The M55 barrels have a unique breech face.. there is a ‘cone’ protruding from the face of the barrel. This is different from the long action Tikka M65 of the same era. Tikka machined this ‘cone’ for a reason … I believe it was to ensure that the base of a chambered cartridge extended (unsupported) as little as possible from the chamber. Just enough of the rim protrudes to allow the extractor to catch the extraction groove.

I ‘believe’ this was a deliberate design feature that minimized the possibility of gas from a case rupture from getting into the bolt races since (unlike the M65) there is no provision on the M55 to block these gases once to get to the bolt races. This is my opinion only …. I like the M55 actions and have several … they are good BUT I am convinced that if you are rebarreling an M55 you should ensure that the ‘cone’ barrel face is properly replicated on the new barrel.

 

[andyyak1]

The M55 barrels have a unique breech face.. there is a ‘cone’ protruding from the face of the barrel. This is different from the long action Tikka M65 of the same era. Tikka machined this ‘cone’ for a reason … I believe it was to ensure that the base of a chambered cartridge extended (unsupported) as little as possible from the chamber. Just enough of the rim protrudes to allow the extractor to catch the extraction groove.

I ‘believe’ this was a deliberate design feature that minimized the possibility of gas from a case rupture from getting into the bolt races since (unlike the M65) there is no provision on the M55 to block these gases once to get to the bolt races. This is my opinion only …. I like the M55 actions and have several … they are good BUT I am convinced that if you are rebarreling an M55 you should ensure that the ‘cone’ barrel face is properly replicated on the new barrel.

On early Tikka short actions, the extractor had looks of protrusion. This changed over time and it's length was reduced allowing the barrel to move closer to the bolt.