Cutting/threading Tikka 223 RSS

[nettereo16]

I've got a used Tikka 223 on the way - I'll verify it's a shooter and then want to cut and thread to 18". I already have a can.

A couple questions:
1. will it need to be 1/2 threads or can I do 5/8 threads at 18" - I believe I have the lite profile barrel?
2. Do I need to remove the action for the smith to thread? I'm assuming he do that action attached
3. Are there any prefit 223 already threaded at 18" which don't cost an arm and a leg? Being a used barrel I don't know if I want to pour more money into it that could go to a new barrel. I'll test it's a shooter and I know 223 has long barrel life, I just don't know the history of this gun. My semi-local smith charges $125 which seems very fair to me.

 

[rabbithuntr]

1/2 threads
My smith threaded mine with the action on also for $125
I would say a prefit is probably not worth it

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

You can do 1/2” threads or have Karl Feldkamp with Kampfeld Customs in Idaho add his shoulder and thread it 5/8” and crown it. I’d recommend this personally as he’s done 3 Tikka barrels this way for me and they all shot fantastic.

Zoom in on that second one in with the shoulder.

 

[omicron1792]

Do you already have the can to use?

For my high volume 223 I did 1/2” threads and just got a dedicated can for the gun. 450$ for ab-10 that just lives on the gun.

If dead set on using a 5/8” thread can then just have the smith that cuts and threads rockset an adapter on before it comes back to you.

 

[wind gypsy]

With the lite profile, 18" gives you right about the often recommended min for 0.100" shoulder with 9/16" threads. I did that with two lite profiles that finish at 18" and I would advise against it! Just made things more of a hassle with adapters. I should have done 1/2" threads or 5/8 with added shoulder.

If you already have a 5/8" direct thread can, i'd probably go that direction. Otherwise 1/2" is standard for 223s and 556 cans anyway.

 

[nettereo16]

Thanks all - yeah I already have a 5/8" direct thread can I've been shooting on other rifles, though I could easily get a hub-mount adapter either 1/2" or 9/16". I just didn't really know what to expect with this gun!

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I've got a used Tikka 223 on the way - I'll verify it's a shooter and then want to cut and thread to 18". I already have a can.

A couple questions:
1. will it need to be 1/2 threads or can I do 5/8 threads at 18" - I believe I have the lite profile barrel?
2. Do I need to remove the action for the smith to thread? I'm assuming he do that action attached
3. Are there any prefit 223 already threaded at 18" which don't cost an arm and a leg? Being a used barrel I don't know if I want to pour more money into it that could go to a new barrel. I'll test it's a shooter and I know 223 has long barrel life, I just don't know the history of this gun. My semi-local smith charges $125 which seems very fair to me.

I would go ahead and cut the barrel without bothering to test “whether it’s a shooter.” I don’t have a ton of first hand experience with this, but the barrel could shoot quite differently once it get cut and recrowned.

Edit - and get it threaded to 1/2x28. Adapters and hubs for that size are readily available.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Ajsomp]

Cut it to 1/2x28. You can always get an adapter to thread the can on or buy a different hub mount for 1/2. I’d be shocked if that barrel is shot out

 

[LeftyWilbury]

i'll go ahead and second the recommendation for kampfeld customs doin' 5/8x24 w a shoulder.
he does great work. this is my 243.

 

[WiscoHoundsman]

I had a smith take my t3x lite in 223 and he just threaded the end 5/8 x24. I had told him to cut it down from 22” if needed as I had no preference in length at the time. My scythe seems to work on it just fine. It does not have the shoulder that others here have mentioned and does not look great to me but functions fine so far with a couple hundred rounds through it.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Fresh kampfeld 1/2-28 223 Superlite chop & thread with a 5/8-24 down range products adapter.

Most of my cans are 5/8” but lots of 223 cans are 1/2” so it leaves options.