70 grain VLD's in a .223 Tikka T3

[robbobsam]

Hiya Guys,

If you have a Tikka .223 and some 70 grain VLD's to hand can you please tell me if they fit in the standard magazine when set just touching the lands.

I do not want to have to "Buy to try" every make and size of bullet to see if it will fit.

By choice I would like to use VLD's in my Tikka as Bergers seem to shoot well in Tikka's.

 

[CZ550]

I have a T3 .223, I have never tried to run VLD's I can almost assure you they will not be anywhere close to the lands at mag length. I plan to try some 80 smks this week but it will be single fed wich sucks because the T3 doesnt seem to single feed worth a darn.

 

[robbobsam]

Have you considered taking the packer out at the rear of the magazine ???

I read of someone that took out the packer out and is now using 75grain A-Max in his Tikka T3.

Not seen it first hand myself, I assume the bolt must retreat back far enough to pick up the bullet still.

 

[Taildrag15X]

75 gr. AMAX and a 70 gr. Berger VLD are two different lenghts, with the AMAX short enough to the ogive to fit............

CZ550,

Single feed isn't just laying them on the follower and closing the bolt, it's best to insert the round into the chamber with a thumb as far as possible before touching the bolt, less chance of any damage to the OAL/run out from jamming it in.........

 

[CZ550]

You are correct about single feeding Mike but your gonna need pretty small fingers for a .223 T3. The port is too small for my thumb at least and it makes single feeding a PITA!!!

Corey

 

[Tozguy]

Solved the single feed problem in my T3 by fitting a piece of rubber foam in the magazine well. The foam is pushed up enough to hold a round in front of the bolt. It is also slanted up so the round will angle up toward the chamber. The top surface of the foam is ground slightly concave to hold the case in line with the chamber. Very low tech but it works great. The foam is cut oversize and holds in place very well. Can take a pic of it if asked.