Tikka mag issue

[Packmansion]

At S2H classes this year we saw multiple Waters, NDR, factory, AICS and Mamba mags used extensively.

Factory 223 mags:
Depends on the mags. Some work excellently, some do not. When tested correctly in each rifle the 4 round mags work well.

Water T3 223 mags- plastic follower:
Worked very well until rain and sand/small debris got in. Afterwords, the follower would fail to rise relatively often. (Note: the M595 water snags have a metal follower and have functioned perfectly through all weather and conductions).



NDR 10 round 223 mag:
Nearly same as the Waters- plastic follower. Generally worked very well until rain with sand/small debris then the followers would lock up in the mag. Also, the two I have will malfunction with the first round when loaded to a full 10 rounds.



AICS 223:
Variable. Some models worked well in some guns, but the same mags were disasters in other “identical” rifles. Same for other models. When mags are well matched and tested for individual guns, they work ok. Overall, the most inconsistent option.


Mamba 10 round mags:
Functionally flawless in all conditions, across nearly 100,000 rounds and 60+ rifles. Not the smoothest feeling during feeding, but function is spectacular.

Thank you for this... well I thought AICS was going to be the silver bullet. Ill look into getting a mamba...

 

[Mud]

I've also been experiencing a similar issue with the .223 NDR mags, for those interested. I wanted to share my observations in the chance it's helpful to anyone else making a decision or looking for a solution. I'm looking for a solution for the sake of tinkering. I have 2 of these 10 rd mags and they seem like a great option if this can be solved.

Summary: When the 10rd NDR mags are loaded with all 10 rounds, the ones I have can jam on the first or second round 1-3% of the time.

For comparison, I've also had no issues with the mamba mag and fair luck with the tikka 6 rd mags. An obvious solution is to stick with the mamba mag.

Mamba vs NDR

If you're still interested, here's more info.

I noticed this issue soon after purchasing these and, anecdotally, tallied about 3 jams/100 rds during target practice in cold weather (around 20ºF) on the first or second round, running the bolt quickly.

The follower tilts forward and the round gets jammed into either the front of the mag, or the inside of the rifle, not making it into the chamber. The tip of the round can get bashed and misshapen. This is without excess dirt, dust, snow etc. getting into the mag. This has happened with both of these NDR mags.

Older image of a round jammed into the front of the mag.


At first I thought it could be the result of carelessly loading rounds in the mag, leaving some hanging slightly forward to catch on the front of the mag. It could also be the combo of the mag and stock that don't work perfectly together. It may also happen more with slightly longer rounds.

On my last outing for target practice, I took closer note of any issue, being attentive when loading rounds in the mags so none are sitting forward of the follower.

This is a small data set, so I'll keep track over time and update if needed.

Stocky's Chassis.
19ºF
2 types of Ammo:

• 68gr BTHP: ~2.225" oal
• 55gr SP: ~2.215" oal

Jammage: 2/140

In 140rds, I had the same mag jam twice. Once with each type of ammo. Once on the first round, once on the second round. In both of these instances, the round jammed on the inside of the rifle. After removing the mag, resetting the round to proper placement in the mag, and reloading the mag in the magwell, the system functioned properly and I was able to fire the round.

Jammage Damage:

Tilted:

Loaded:



There's the report no one asked for. Open to feedback if you see something I don't.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Are you using 10 rounders to hunt?
Im shocked most don’t prefer a flat or semi flat mag.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Are you using 10 rounders to hunt?
Im shocked most don’t prefer a flat or semi flat mag.

I use 10-round magazines whenever I carry my .223. I prefer the 10-round Waters magazines over the others. The Mambas take up a lot of space in my pouches and dig into my back a lot. I can comfortably carry two Waters 10-round magazines in one of my pouches, but only one Mamba.

I have yet to have a malfunction with any of my Waters, NDR, or Mambas.

I’ll hang on to my Mambas for the theoretical reliability advantage, but I’ll probably have a number of others I sell once my backordered Waters magazines arrive.

With the 6.5, I used the 3-round OEM magazines for hunting.