.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

ElPollo

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Aug 31, 2018
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I am up to page 298! I feel like I am back in school and trying to get my reading done every day. I cannot find the barrel profile information on the Tikka T3x light. At what range are you still obtaining 1800 fps at a 16" 16.5" barrel and same goes for an 18" barrel.

Part 2: are you doing a 1/2" thread on the barrel profile or a 5/8" thread? (Is the barrel thick enough if cut to 16" or 18" for a 5/8" threading?)

I ask as I do not have any 223 dedicated suppressors. Mine are all 30 cal and take the 5/8" threading. I could used an adaptor thread but prefer not...
Part 1. Max effective range is determined by your load and your environmentals (mostly elevation and temperature. I am using factory Black Hills out of an 18” barrel and am averaging about 2750 fps at the muzzle. At my home elevation of 3300 and 90 degrees, I am hitting 1817 at 500 yards according to my ballistic app. If we figure 7500 ft and 35 degrees, I’m getting 1800 fps at about 550 yards. At sea level, 1800 fps is around 425 yards. All that said, I think effective range only comes into play for the majority of people if they are using bullets that have a much higher minimum upset or fragmentation velocity. Or at least it should.

Part 2. You can’t get 5/8” threads out of a T3x light or superlight without using a threaded collar, which is basically an adaptor that is milled down to your barrel shoulder with an enlarged shoulder. Regular adaptors work just fine. 30 cal cans work just fine too. Currently, I use a 30 cal AB Raptor that has 5/8” threads and use it with adaptors on a 223 that is threaded 1/2” and a 6.5 that is threaded 9/16”. There are lots of people who tell you <5/8” thread size, small shoulders, and adaptors are all dangerous. Those people really need get out and shoot more and internet less.
 

Formidilosus

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Shoot2HuntU
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Part 2. You can’t get 5/8” threads out of a T3x light or superlight without using a threaded collar


While I’m not saying that someone should, or should not do it- you in fact can get 5/8-24 on a T3 lite barrel-

6.5cm cut to 20”, and threaded 5/8-24-
IMG_9867.jpeg

IMG_9869.jpeg


IMG_9868.jpeg


That rifle has somewhere above 4,500 rounds on that barrel in that configuration. I have had others threaded 5/8-24, and have shot a lot of them like that. These days I mostly have them threaded 9/16-24 with an adapter.
 

ElPollo

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Aug 31, 2018
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While I’m not saying that someone should, or should not do it- you in fact can get 5/8-24 on a T3 lite barrel-

6.5cm cut to 20”, and threaded 5/8-24-
View attachment 734560

View attachment 734561


View attachment 734562


That rifle has somewhere above 4,500 rounds on that barrel in that configuration. I have had others threaded 5/8-24, and have shot a lot of them like that. These days I mostly have them threaded 9/16-24 with an adapter.
Thanks Form. I should restate. Most gunsmiths will not cut a 5/8” thread for a suppressor on these barrels because it doesn’t leave much of a shoulder. Evidently, it can work though.
 

Formidilosus

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Shoot2HuntU
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Thanks Form. I should restate. Most gunsmiths will not cut a 5/8” thread for a suppressor on these barrels because it doesn’t leave much of a shoulder. Evidently, it can work though.

I have a couple smiths that don’t care because they understand how/what will stop the suppressor moving. But, as you said most won’t. And on a 223, I would absolutely do a 1/2-28 to 5/8-24 adapter. It’s simple and easy.
 

Gettincloser

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 2, 2020
Messages
247
I dealt with this with my kiddos too. They are 10, 8, 7. I started them all shooting when they hit 6. AR platform has been where I’ve landed for them. The adjustable length of pull for the biggest reason. I only put 1 round in the magazine when hunting. My son has taken 3 deer and my daughter 1 deer. All wjth ARs.

My primary deer gun for the kids is a 20” 223 wylde with a suppressor. They are all very accurate with it and enjoy shooting


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Thank you! So simple... only put 1 round in the mag! I am the ding bat that says... if it can hold 30, I take 30! Thought proccess: if you do not see deer, take revenge on the squirrels!

I may give that a shot. Toss on a different barrel and adjustable stock and see how she does. She is a bit smaller and younger. Mine turns 4 this week. But she is very cautious and careful and loves shooting water bottles. (We put 2 to 3 drops of food color to make it fun and identify the different targets.) I will start her with racoons and hogs before deer. After reading this thread, I think the 77 TMK is the ticket for her.
Part 1. Max effective range is determined by your load and your environmentals (mostly elevation and temperature. I am using factory Black Hills out of an 18” barrel and am averaging about 2750 fps at the muzzle. At my home elevation of 3300 and 90 degrees, I am hitting 1817 at 500 yards according to my ballistic app. If we figure 7500 ft and 35 degrees, I’m getting 1800 fps at about 550 yards. At sea level, 1800 fps is around 425 yards. All that said, I think effective range only comes into play for the majority of people if they are using bullets that have a much higher minimum upset or fragmentation velocity. Or at least it should.

Part 2. You can’t get 5/8” threads out of a T3x light or superlight without using a threaded collar, which is basically an adaptor that is milled down to your barrel shoulder with an enlarged shoulder. Regular adaptors work just fine. 30 cal cans work just fine too. Currently, I use a 30 cal AB Raptor that has 5/8” threads and use it with adaptors on a 223 that is threaded 1/2” and a 6.5 that is threaded 9/16”. There are lots of people who tell you <5/8” thread size, small shoulders, and adaptors are all dangerous. Those people really need get out and shoot more and internet less.
Thank you for the info. This is exactly what I was looking for! I should have mentioned that we are 93' elevation (sea level!). That directs me to the 18" barrel as I was wanting to hit 400 - 450 yards to cover a hay field where hogs have always loved coming in and "tilling" just before we cut. I will stay away from the 16/16.5" barrel as it looks like I would loose too much velocity.


Funny thing is, it is the suppressor dealer that told me the adaptor would be the ticket and go that route and sold me the adaptor!

I will save the $ and modify my current AR platform with an 18" barrel, light and adjustable stock and take the $ I save from buying a Tikka/cut/thread/chassis to buy a 223 can. I have some in jail right now. If I place another order, perhaps it will get batched with the others!

I truely appreciate the guidance!
 
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While I’m not saying that someone should, or should not do it- you in fact can get 5/8-24 on a T3 lite barrel-

6.5cm cut to 20”, and threaded 5/8-24-
View attachment 734560

View attachment 734561


View attachment 734562


That rifle has somewhere above 4,500 rounds on that barrel in that configuration. I have had others threaded 5/8-24, and have shot a lot of them like that. These days I mostly have them threaded 9/16-24 with an adapter.

Yep, my T3X lite stainless 6.5 creed is cut to 18" with 5/8x24 threads.
 

Helislacker

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 14, 2022
Messages
111
While I’m not saying that someone should, or should not do it- you in fact can get 5/8-24 on a T3 lite barrel-

6.5cm cut to 20”, and threaded 5/8-24-
View attachment 734560

View attachment 734561


View attachment 734562


That rifle has somewhere above 4,500 rounds on that barrel in that configuration. I have had others threaded 5/8-24, and have shot a lot of them like that. These days I mostly have them threaded 9/16-24 with an adapter.

4500 rounds with a 6.5 cm? Do you consistently see higher than average barrel life with Sako barrels?
 
Joined
Dec 16, 2020
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Idaho
AAC TMK 0.85 each, can’t really load them much cheaper. I think at .30 each bullet I’m around .70 per load not including brass.
If you dont mind me askin, how does the AAC TMK shoot compared to the Black Hills, Stand1, or UM stuff? Velocity? Accuracy? I believe I was about 2770fps with stand1 and 2680fps with blackhills (5.56) in a 16 inch barrel... both submoa in a faxon match pencil barrel. Just curious how the AAC stacks up.
 

5811

WKR
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Jan 25, 2023
Messages
622
If you dont mind me askin, how does the AAC TMK shoot compared to the Black Hills, Stand1, or UM stuff? Velocity? Accuracy? I believe I was about 2770fps with stand1 and 2680fps with blackhills (5.56) in a 16 inch barrel... both submoa in a faxon match pencil barrel. Just curious how the AAC stacks up.
I can only compare to federal and stand1, but for my 16" tikka, it's close enough to not be sure there's a substantial difference. I'm around 1 moa for 10 with all 3, but I don't have a ton of data to back that up. Anecdotally, I'd say my best groups are more likely federal, then aac, then stand1, but I have shot stand1 fewest of the 3.

I have not chronoed any of them.
 

Bluumoon

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Shoot2HuntU
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If you dont mind me askin, how does the AAC TMK shoot compared to the Black Hills, Stand1, or UM stuff? Velocity? Accuracy? I believe I was about 2770fps with stand1 and 2680fps with blackhills (5.56) in a 16 inch barrel... both submoa in a faxon match pencil barrel. Just curious how the AAC stacks up.

I haven’t shot any factory loads. Keep looking at the AAC stuff resisting the urge to buy a bunch.
 
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I haven’t shot any factory loads. Keep looking at the AAC stuff resisting the urge to buy a bunch.
I just read a short review of the AAC tmk ammo, said 2600fps out of a 16 inch barrel. So, for my purposes a lot slower than the stand1 stuff... which for hunting I feel that extra 170fps gives a bit of an edge if the accuracy is still there... But for "precision" practice ammo, .85 cents a round is hard to beat. My rifle shoots the cheap x-tac 556 well, so I can plink for less than .50 cents a round. I've dabbled with reloading, trying to find loads that I can get the same or better velocity/accuracy as I do with stand1... but have come up short so far. I probably wouldn't waste my time reloading if the stand1 tmk wasnt so expensive... I've just been curious where most folks draw the line cost-wise between reloading (for performance) and just buying premium ammo that is accurate enough and fast enough already. Your previous post about your pre-brass component cost at .70 cents a round was helpful. Even the brass cost notwithstanding, I could see my time being worth at least .20-40 cents a round on top of components if I didn't have to reload to get the performance I was looking for.
 

jadkins223

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 21, 2022
Messages
115
Location
Oklahoma
I have a few rounds down my 18” AR with the AAC 77 TMKs. Didn’t catch velocity but 1 MOA was my best 3 shot. Most have been 1.5 MOA at 100 yards. I’ll stretch it out soon. Seems like a viable option for my needs when I don’t feel like reloading


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

atmat

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Jun 10, 2022
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Colorado
I have a few rounds down my 18” AR with the AAC 77 TMKs. Didn’t catch velocity but 1 MOA was my best 3 shot. Most have been 1.5 MOA at 100 yards. I’ll stretch it out soon. Seems like a viable option for my needs when I don’t feel like reloading


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Averaging 1.5 MOA 3-shot groups isn’t the accuracy I’d be looking for. What’s it shoot in a 10-shot group?
 

Gettincloser

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 2, 2020
Messages
247
I’m ready! I drew a spring tag, and my plan is to utilize the youth mentor program (one thing Oregon got right) and get my daughter on a good bear, and send a tmk into him

I wish 223 was a legal elk cartridge here so she could just use it for everything.

When the shorter LOP rokstok becomes available, I’m going probably just get her an 8 twist 243 and suppress it

There is no longer a draw weight minimum for archery elk, but can’t use a 223🤔

I have made it through 333 pages so far. I am sure I read it but it takes a bit to get through all of this.

What is the Rokstok? I thought it was referring to opening the barrel chamber on the stock and self bedding it...

But I have seen multiple posts in previous pages of people waiting for them "to come in".

What is it? Where do I get it? And how short of a LOP can you get them in?
 
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Aug 23, 2014
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oregon coast
I have made it through 333 pages so far. I am sure I read it but it takes a bit to get through all of this.

What is the Rokstok? I thought it was referring to opening the barrel chamber on the stock and self bedding it...

But I have seen multiple posts in previous pages of people waiting for them "to come in".

What is it? Where do I get it? And how short of a LOP can you get them in?
Search rokstok, you’re going to have another 300 pages to read😏

It’s a stock designed by people who know what works and why it works, it’s made to be as functional as possible for field shooting, and stockys is building them, unknown munitions is the company selling them
 
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