With the 175 ELDX it may be possible to get a handload that is accurate and consistent with a OAL inside of 3.34”. But I have not seen that occur yet. However the reloading data I provided above with 180s so far indicate and show otherwise. 180 and above cartridges that are accurate and consistent will not fit the Tikka magazine. The factory ammo obviously will fit the Tikka. That doesn’t mean that ammo will be accurate though. My first T3 was in .270 Win with a 22 inch barrel. I went through Winchester, Federal, Remington and Hornady ammo. About 200 rounds later I found a factory load that was consistently within 1” MOA. But that is typical of just about any production rifle that shoots well.
With a cartridge like this there will be production rifles that will shoot factory ammo like crap no matter what brand or load you shoot. But in any event it will be extremely limited which factory load will be accurate in any one production rifle. Gee, that is why we handload isn’t it? Finding an accuracy node is a “sweet spot” not a spectrum. Handloaded cartridges exceeding SAAMI COAL for long action cartridges is nothing new. In fact it is the norm not the exception. Some production rifles that use a DBM are limited to cartridges with a length under 3.4”. The Tikka mag is exceptionally tight with a max cartridge length of about 3.37”. For a Tikka we change out bottom metal and run AICS mags so we can feed cartridges between 3.5 and 3.6”. I personally do not care for hunting with an AICS mag.
Time will tell. But the truth is in the pudding as they say. I will only put my money on a sure bet though.
that comment was slightly sarcastic, I mean a round file will definitely work, but clearance at your own risk!
