Tikka - To Shoot or not to Shoot

[HuntingBronco]

First off, Merry Christmas from Michigan!

Looking for your input here. Santa dropped off a Tikka 8 twist 22-250. I pretty much only shoot suppressed these days, so I am taking to the smith for threads, which I assume will kill any warranty. So, the question I have is should I shoot it first to confirm it's not a lemon or just take it straight to the GS? My first Tikka, but I have high expectations. Also open to any suggestions on what I should shoot through it to validate accuracy? Such as a known factory round?

I can borescope it, but only shooting will really reveal the truth. I have 2 other slow twist 22-250 that I load for and they shoot very well with little bullets. Looking to sling some heavies. (And this Tikka is smooth and pretty light - so its on deck to be my go to thermal gun.) Gonna try 62 ELD-VTs, 75 ELDM and 88 ELDM to start in my handloading pursuit.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Gary in MD]

It will be a real surprise if you have a dud, I wouldn't worry about it.
I have the same thing in SS. It took about 100 rounds for it to start shooting it's best. I bedded mine, floated the barrel, and put in a lighter trigger spring. It's shooting the 77 grain TMKs pretty darn well but it will also shoot the 55 gr varmint loads tight.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

It will be a real surprise if you have a dud, I wouldn't worry about it.
I have the same thing in SS. It took about 100 rounds for it to start shooting it's best. I bedded mine, floated the barrel, and put in a lighter trigger spring. It's shooting the 77 grain TMKs pretty darn well but it will also shoot the 55 gr varmint loads tight.

This

 

[Horsemen61]

I'd get it cut if it were me

 

[Bucklowery]

Shoot it and you have nothing to lose

Thanks

Buck

 

[ShtrRdy]

Shoot it first

 

[HuntingBronco]

It will be a real surprise if you have a dud, I wouldn't worry about it.
I have the same thing in SS. It took about 100 rounds for it to start shooting it's best. I bedded mine, floated the barrel, and put in a lighter trigger spring. It's shooting the 77 grain TMKs pretty darn well but it will also shoot the 55 gr varmint loads tight.

Spring ordered and Salmon River pic and arca in the mail. Prefer not to bed it if not necessary. Did you find it necessary or did you bed out of compulsion?

 

[jamie eaton]

Merry Christmas from Michigan right back atcha ! Shoot it first . I however did not receive a new toy from Santa

 

[Gary in MD]

Spring ordered and Salmon River pic and arca in the mail. Prefer not to bed it if not necessary. Did you find it necessary or did you bed out of compulsion?

Probably bedded it more out of compulsion. It's a sickness

 

[bsnyder]

Take it to the smith cut thread and rechamber to 22 creed.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Satisfied yourself and go shoot it.

It's not like it's a 30/378 shooting 230gr.

Nice Christmas gift.

 

[HuntingBronco]

Take it to the smith cut thread and rechamber to 22 creed.

That's interesting! Gave it a little thought, but figured I should just shoot this one out and decide about chamber for re-barrel. No point throwing away a serviceable barrel (assuming it's serviceable.)

 

[FireFlyFishing]

That's interesting! Gave it a little thought, but figured I should just shoot this one out and decide about chamber for re-barrel. No point throwing away a serviceable barrel (assuming it's serviceable.)

You don't throw it away. Just rechamber.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

Shoot it first

Yup,.. For SURE !
I Always TEST Fire ( 8 to 10 shots ) on My Tikka's, BEFORE, ANY, "Modifications" to Be on the Safe side, BUT,. have found, NO,. Duds Yet !
Then, I clean Barrel, smooth, the Throat / Rifling with, JB's ( A few,. One Way, strokes ) Loctite, Scope Bases / Rings, Replace / or adjust the Trigger Spring, Make Kydex Cheek Riser, Put on, LimbSaver Pad,. Done !
We have Shipped Off, 3 Tikka's so far, to PVA for Threading and their, Back Country muzzle Brakes. ( Sweet, machine Work and very Little,. Concussion at, Shooter ! )
My Braked .22-250 has very little, Upward Barrel "Movement" with, 50-55 grain Bullets shot at 3,550- 3,600 FPS ! ( You can Watch the "Splodies" ! )
IF, I Need Bigger bullets, I go,. 6 MM XC / 6 Creed with, 95 to 108 grainers !
I would NEVER Be, without a .22-250 ! 53 gr. V-Maxes, in a 1-8 twist Tikka,. HAMMER, per two Friends ! ( My Rem, Loves the 50 gr. V-Max.)