Tikka T3 magazine length

[tikkat3]

This is the first time I have posted in thsi section of the forum. I have a problem that seems to be a gunsmithing one! As posted earlier today on the reloading section, I am wanting to reload heavier .223REM bullets for my T3.

I have one major problem. The max OAL that I can fit my magazine is 2.218". To load a 75gr A-MAX we ar talking about a substantially longer space needed. I cannot seem to find an aftermarket magazine and the Tikka magazine does not seem to be easily "adjusted".

It is a plastic magazine, whose overall external size is universal to all calibres from .222 to .338. Internally the supporting top lips vary from calibre group to group, as does the internal rear wall. However, this internal rear wall is hollow! If I tried to use a Dremmel or similar I would bust through into an empty space! At the same time the moving base, supported on the magazine spring would be too short to work effectively.

Does anyone have any experience with these magazines and maybe suggest a workaround fo my dilemma?! Thanks!!!

 

[45crittergitter]

My .223 T3 magazine takes 75 grain Sciroccos loaded to 2.260".

 

[tikkat3]

Is it possible that I have a magazine that was made slightly short during production? Must be! Time to go off the the gun dealer with the calipres and try and get a proper sized mag. This will at least help with the 60gr Hornadys. I think the 75 & 80gr A-MAXs will still be too long and will need to try and find a solution.

 

[asknight]

I would try to get Tikka to replace that magazine, as the standard OAL for the majority of .223 loads is 57mm (2.24409 inches).

FWIW, my only T3 .223 magazine mics at ~2.265", so any loading at 2.26" and below works smoothly.

 

[tikkat3]

Problem sorted. Being plastic it was nothing that a Dremmel, a block of plastic and some SuperGlue could not sort out. The mag will now take 2.5"+ OAL - more than enough for even the 80gr A-MAX. At the same time the normal 55gr bullets cycle correctly.

 

[45crittergitter]

Got pics of your work?