Darwinism. Is Tikka the King

[Balderdash]

I haven’t seen it up close or handled it, but it appears that the new Stevens 334 rifles that Savage put out this year is going after Tikka and is trying to mimic some of the design/features.

Being a lefty who likes to tinker, I've owned a number of Savages through the years. Most shot tight groups, but can't say that they've been trouble free for me. Most issues have been with feeding, ejection and extraction. Was able to get them all feeding and cycling well, but, IME, they're not the easiest set ups I've worked with.

 

[wind gypsy]

CCI400

Too much TAC. Too much sun. It wasn’t the primer. It was the dumbass who put too much TAC in the case.





P

What was the load if you dont mind sharing?

 

[Loper]

Being a lefty who likes to tinker, I've owned a number of Savages through the years. Most shot tight groups, but can't say that they've been trouble free for me. Most issues have been with feeding, ejection and extraction. Was able to get them all feeding and cycling well, but, IME, they're not the easiest set ups I've worked with.

I’m a lefty as well. I haven’t owned any centerfire Savages, but have been very tempted to buy one.

 

[Castle Rock]

CCI400

Too much TAC. Too much sun. It wasn’t the primer. It was the dumbass who put too much TAC in the case.





P

I would still like to know which one you were using

 

[Pharmseller]

I would still like to know which one you were using

Dude

CCI400





P

 

[Pharmseller]

What was the load if you dont mind sharing?

Too much. More than Ramshot’s 5.56x45 NATO data. Almost 3,100 fps too much.

Let’s just leave it at that.




P

 

[EMAZ]

Why in the hell hasn't a US mfg copied the bolt/trigger/action design of Tikka yet? If there were a US company that rivaled the quality and design reliability, it'd put the good ole 700 footprints to rest

Fierce Firearms did (although I guess technically Canadian) with the fury/edge rifles (Sako 85 clone action). Came with tighter bolt tolerances too.

 

[Castle Rock]

Dude

CCI400





P

Yeah, I would have put money on that
About the worst primer you could usefor high performance loads in 223

 

[Kurts86]

Why in the hell hasn't a US mfg copied the bolt/trigger/action design of Tikka yet? If there were a US company that rivaled the quality and design reliability, it'd put the good ole 700 footprints to rest

I don’t think US made is a particular advantage in this case. I’d rather have a European made rifle from a legacy company than a US made one. And that’s from someone with decades working in US manufacturing. Remember the Tikka is Sako’s economy rifle and it’s as cheaped out as they will go. It would either be cheaper and worse or more expensive for the same function.

I do also wish the 700 footprint would fall out of favor.

 

[Pharmseller]

Which primer was it?

Yeah, I would have put money on that
About the worst primer you could usefor high performance loads in 223

Post 65 said CCI.

I’m not complaining about my Varget load, under half an inch ain’t bad.





P

 

[4th_point]

When actions are being tested with barrel obstructions- Tikka’s are far better than the vast majority of rifles.

That's interesting. And more serious than stray gas!

 

[4th_point]

It was my own dumbass fault. Overpressure load developed cold, shooting in the hot sun. POW, pierced primer, bolt shroud came off and landed in my shirt pocket. Never felt the gas.

Broke the firing pin assembly, had to buy a new one. Stupid tax. I won’t do that again.

I was wearing eyes and ears, though.





P

Dang. I'd imagine that it takes a fair amount of energy to break the FPA. Glad you made it unscathed!

 

[venado mula]

I love my custom T3x. The largest mule deer ever taken was with a Sako rifle, I love good things made in other countries.