Tikka 243 twist rate

[alberta boy]

Just a quick question . There have been a number of Tikka T3s showing up in Canada chambered in 243 W that are stamped 1:8 twist . The problem is , they aren't , they're 1:10 . Since a lot of people are switching to monometal bullets , yes , even over here , it has led to problems stabilizing the heavier bullets . I was wondering if anyone has noticed the same problem in the UK or Europe ?

AB

 

[Andyquadra]

I wonder if people are stamping their unmarked 1in10's with 1in8 to make them more easy to sell?

 

[3595wilk]

Bit weird. Tikka have changed to 1:8, but if it is indeed 1:10 - and bought because of the faster twist - surely a case of mis-selling?

The 1:10 will in all likelihood stabilise 80/85 grain monolithics though...... anything heavier such as the CX would possibly be a struggle.....

 

[Andyquadra]

Bit weird. Tikka have changed to 1:8, but if it is indeed 1:10 - and bought because of the faster twist - surely a case of mis-selling?

The 1:10 will in all likelihood stabilise 80/85 grain monolithics though...... anything heavier such as the CX would possibly be a struggle.....

My 1in10 isn't supposed to stabilise wapiti 85 grain according to the Berger calculator, but it does

 

[3595wilk]

Yup think that's where a lot of the problems and mis-information about the 6mm comes from..... don't know till you try it.

 

[vpk999]

My Tikka T3x in 243 is a 1:10 twist and seems to cope with 85grn Barnes TSX BT (30212) ok.

If somebody is selling guns as 1:8 twist when they are actually 1:10 twist, then they should be prosecuted.

 

[Jelen]

Just a quick question . There have been a number of Tikka T3s showing up in Canada chambered in 243 W that are stamped 1:8 twist . The problem is , they aren't , they're 1:10 . Since a lot of people are switching to monometal bullets , yes , even over here , it has led to problems stabilizing the heavier bullets . I was wondering if anyone has noticed the same problem in the UK or Europe ?

AB

I can't for one minute imagine that Tikka are deliberately doing that! I can imagine it's some guy who'se measured it wrong and spread it on social media though.
Some validated proof would be good to see

 

[Jelen]

My 1in10 isn't supposed to stabilise wapiti 85 grain according to the Berger calculator, but it does

Berger calculator is designed for Berger bullets. A more useful and accurate stability guide is JBM Stability Calculator, link below:
JBM - Calculations - Stability

 

[muddy42]

Just a quick question . There have been a number of Tikka T3s showing up in Canada chambered in 243 W that are stamped 1:8 twist . The problem is , they aren't , they're 1:10 . Since a lot of people are switching to monometal bullets , yes , even over here , it has led to problems stabilizing the heavier bullets . I was wondering if anyone has noticed the same problem in the UK or Europe ?

AB

How do you know they are 1:10? Have you measured how far it takes for a cleaning rod to rotate once, best done carefully at the muzzle end?

I have a 2020 243, which I understand still had the 1;10 twist rate. I think they changed in January 2023. Now says 1:8 on the website

 

[alberta boy]

I can't for one minute imagine that Tikka are deliberately doing that! I can imagine it's some guy who'se measured it wrong and spread it on social media though.
Some validated proof would be good to see

I can't see Tikka doing it deliberately either , but mistakes can happen . In this case they have . The two examples I've seen are from a friends gunshop . He is also a trained gunsmith and is quite capable of measuring twist rates . The rifles are being returned as we speak , so no video . No social media , until now , was involved . Just curious if anyone over there had heard of anything similar .

AB

 

[alberta boy]

How do you know they are 1:10? Have you measured how far it takes for a cleaning rod to rotate once, best done carefully at the muzzle end?

I have a 2020 243, which I understand still had the 1;10 twist rate. I think they changed in January 2023. Now says 1:8 on the website

Yes , they were measured , the gunsmith involved also makes his own barrels and has the appropriate tools . The twist rate change date sounds right , I think a few examples slipped through the qc department , these things happen . It's not a dangerous situation in any way , but it is inconvenient for all involved .

AB

 

[muddy42]

I'm going to measure mine now!

Glad its getting sorted. 1:8 should be better for non-lead bullets, which have to be longer for a given weight. It will only be the heavier 243 bullets that might not stabilize, 50-85 ish grain should be fine.