Author Topic: 300 WSM OAL - Tikka (Read 784 times)

Muddyboots · « **on:** January 11, 2004, 04:27:45 AM »

I askd this over in Bolt Actions as well. Can anyone measure their Tikka WH or T-3 with a Stoney Point OAL gauge using 180 gr Partition and send it along to me for comparison to my T-3. I've got a really long throat on mine and would like to see if my Tikka is an anomaly of Tikka or it is their standard.
Thanks
Muddyboots

savageT · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2004, 08:41:49 AM »

Muddyboots,
You can make your own by splitting the neck of a resized case, and inserting a bullet (just enough to get into the case). Insert it by hand into the chamber and attempt to close the bolt. Once you close and latch the bolt, the bullet should slide back into the case just enough so you can measure the maximum OAL. Give it a go.

If you want to make a more safisticated model, drill and tap the primer hole and insert a screw through the threads, pushing against the bullet so you insure full contact with the throat.

Jim

Muddyboots · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2004, 02:51:41 PM »

Savage T,
I have a Stoney Point OAL gauge so I have no trouble measuring the chamber. My T-3 has a really long throat so I am wondering if my rifle is normal for them or if it is an anomaly. That is why I am asking for measurements of someone elses rifle. If it is not what others are seeing, then I have some data to go back to Tikka with to "discuss" my chamber specs with them. If I use anything less than 180 gr. bullets, the jump to the lands is ridiculous of upwards of 0.210 for 165 gr with one diameter of bullet in case. This is not normal for any rifle I have ever owned (its been a bunch and all manufacturers) so I would really like to know if a WH or another T-3 in 300 WSM is throated similarly. This is my first Tikka and may be last if this is normal for them. A 150 gr bullet (Hornady SST) is so far off the lands you can time the jump with a calendar...

I have a hard time keeping a rifle with these chamber specs but I try to get data before I make a decision. It shoots OK with 180's but I bought it for 150's and 165's and that is where it falls down from a reloading standpoint. Long throated chambers can increase throat erosion, fouling and copper buildup at the juncture of lands and throat so I am not to sure I will keep this around if this is normal. If not, then I hope to speak to Tikka about replacement since I do like the operation of the rifle to some degree. I shoot a lot so it is a real issue for me. I would expect to put 500 rounds through it a year which can result in problems. Thanks anyway for the suggestions.
Muddyboots

BlueMoon52 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2004, 08:00:40 PM »

Muddy, I don't have a Tikka or a 300 but do have a 7WSM A-Bolt. I find it very odd you talk about bullet jump since I was lead to believe that short mags didn't have any from what I've read. I'm mostly limited by my magazine length of 2.860". Some of the fatter bullets may have to be seated at 2.800" if they contact the lands. Some of the newer bullets, like the accubond, have to be seated way down into the powder because they are so long and slender but that's because of the magazine limit. BM

Muddyboots · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2004, 06:55:51 AM »

Bluemoon52,
Totally agree and that is why I am trying to get some data so I can put it front of Tikka to discuss. The magazine may limit the OAL but if the throat is reamed too long then you can never reach the lands with any bulle tunder any circumstances.
Muddyboots

BlueMoon52 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2004, 03:13:58 PM »

Muddy,

Just a thought, but I looked at my records to see what I had to seat shorter than magazine length. This is 7mm of course but I see a Sierra 130HP BT MK, 150 HP BT MK, a Sierra 160 HP BT GK, and several weights of Sierra BT and FB spt's.

Would it be possible to use a bullet that will hit the lands before you reach mag max to see if your throat is reamed too long? Or could you find someone else who loads the 300WSM to see if they have found a lands hitting bullet? BM

Muddyboots · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2004, 06:42:23 AM »

Bluemoon52,
Just read an article in Shooting Times in which the author confirmed the T-3 is long throated almost 1/8" longer than the Savage he was testing in 270 WSM. Interestingly, the velocity was about 240 fps slower out of the T-3 as well versus the Savage. Shot well with heavier (e.g. longer bullets) but that is not my desire for the 300 WSM. I wanted it for 150's and 165's so it looks like the T-3 will be relegated as backup for guests wanting to use 180's for elk or deer. Really disappointed with Beretta over this. Looks like I am ordering a Savage 16FSS in 300 WSM to replace the T-3.
Muddyboots