Tikka D18 (roughtech) vs Lite profile barrels

[Calrissian]

I am hoping to get feedback from individuals who have owned both profiles. Just wondering if there is a significant improvement in accuracy or shot stringing with warm barrels with the larger profile of the D18. My understanding is that the D18 is about 8oz heavier. I just trying to decide if the extra weight is worth it or if I should just by another stainless lite.

The rifle will be a .243 with the 1 in 8 twist shooting 103+ grain projectiles. I intend to use it in the mountains, the sage flats, at the range and as a truck gun. I plan to shoot it at everything from coyotes to elk. You get the picture.

Calrisian

 

[5MilesBack]

I have two of the Tikka .243 D-18 profiles. I really like them.

 

[skipper907]

One I don't think it has made much of any difference and I have both. I don't thing the D-18 is really a thing anymore unless you find an older model and the main reason for them was to provide 5/8x24 threading. All the new tikkas are contoured so the muzzle has a bell at the end to provide enough diameter to thread 5/8x24

 

[wind gypsy]

One I don't think it has made much of any difference and I have both. I don't thing the D-18 is really a thing anymore unless you find an older model and the main reason for them was to provide 5/8x24 threading. All the new tikkas are contoured so the muzzle has a bell at the end to provide enough diameter to thread 5/8x24

Huh? they dont make roughtech or veil models anymore?

 

[Calrissian]

I am looking at a roughtech specter on Eurooptic. Sale price is about 50 bucks more than a stainless lite. At that price if there is any advantage in accuracy with the D18 barrel I would go that route.

 

[Macintosh]

I dont own a d18 barrel, but I have a CTR (even heavier profile than a d18) and have multiple lite barrels. None of them have walked when hot. I have not noticed a difference in precision other than that a heavier gun is easier to shoot. Lite barrel in a heavier chassis has shot just as well for me.

If the barrel walking when hot is a concern, read the thread here testing this. Someone will be able to link it if you dont find it searching.

 

[skipper907]

Huh? they dont make roughtech or veil models anymore?

Well I havent seen a rough tech for a while and if you look at euro optics many of the tikkas on sale are old models

 

[nm.otter]

The Roughtech Superlites are specials that EO imports. I expect those will transition from M15x1 to 5/8"-24 at some point.

The 'regular' Roughtechs (widely available) don't really need a refresh, since they already have 5/8"-24 muzzle threads. The 2025 refresh on Lites and Superlites added a belled end to the muzzle to accommodate 5/8"-24 threads.

 

[Calrissian]

This is the model. Specs list the barrel thread as 5/8x24 tpi

 

[Motown]

I currently have 2 super lites, 2 lites, and one veil D18. They are all accurate rifles and I notice no difference in accuracy or shootability between the 3 models.

 

[Calrissian]

Thanks for all the replies. Very informative. Lite it is…the 50 bucks saved will be put toward ammo.