Rush to Judge Tikka Barrel Speeds?

[General RE LEE]

We’ve all seen threads about Tikka barrels being slow.

I’ve owned 8 Tikka rifles over the years and after 200-300 rounds, the velocities are
sometimes 100 FPS faster than when the bore was new.

Could it be possible a lot of these "slow barrel" threads are posted by Tikka owners when the barrels are not fully broken in?

I currently have 2 Tikka 6.5 CMs and 2 Tikka 308s and they all shoot the expected velocities for the barrel length, powder charges and bullet weight.

 

[Tahoe1305]

In the case of my tikka (and buddies same gun). I’m 99% sure it’s because the throat is long. Results in more volume in chamber before bullet engages lands. Slows down velocity.

Haven’t measured other cartridges to see if that’s it in them too.

Cool part is if you handload you can take advantage of extra room and get closer to lands in most cases. Results in more than factory speeds.

 

[willfrye027]

In the case of my tikka (and buddies same gun). I’m 99% sure it’s because the throat is long. Results in more volume in chamber before bullet engages lands. Slows down velocity.

Haven’t measured other cartridges to see if that’s it in them too.

Cool part is if you handload you can take advantage of extra room and get closer to lands in most cases. Results in more than factory speeds.

That’s a good theory. My tikka t3 30-06 has a 22” barrel and it is FAST with my handloads. Never chrono’d a factory offering. Can seat bullets out pretty far

 

[Motown]

We’ve all seen threads about Tikka barrels being slow.

I’ve owned 8 Tikka rifles over the years and after 200-300 rounds, the velocities are
sometimes 100 FPS faster than when the bore was new.

Could it be possible a lot of these "slow barrel" threads are posted by Tikka owners when the barrels are not fully broken in?

I currently have 2 Tikka 6.5 CMs and 2 Tikka 308s and they all shoot the expected velocities for the barrel length, powder charges and bullet weight.

Have you measured the velocities with factory ammo at all after 200-300 rounds or are you strictly talking about reloads?

 

[Tahoe1305]

Have you measured the velocities with factory ammo at all after 200-300 rounds or are you strictly talking about reloads?

My velocity with factory with 400+ rounds is ~2600 w/143 eldx factory. Handloads hanging about ~2900 same bullet and Superformance.

 

[General RE LEE]

Have you measured the velocities with factory ammo at all after 200-300 rounds or are you strictly talking about reloads?

Reloads and reloading manual data.