Thread: Tikka 8 twist 243

Originally Posted by saljer

Switching from a 1:10 to a 1:8 twist rate in a .243 Winchester rifle can be good or bad depending on your specific use case, bullet choice, and shooting goals. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

### Background on Twist Rate
- **Twist rate** refers to the rate at which the rifling in the barrel spins the bullet, measured as one rotation per a given distance (e.g., 1:10 means one full rotation in 10 inches).
- The .243 Winchester is a versatile cartridge, commonly used for varmint hunting, deer hunting, and long-range shooting, with bullet weights typically ranging from 55 to 115 grains.
- A faster twist rate (e.g., 1:8) stabilizes heavier or longer bullets better, while a slower twist rate (e.g., 1:10) is typically optimized for lighter or shorter bullets.

### Pros of Switching to a 1:8 Twist
1. **Better Stabilization for Heavier Bullets**:
- A 1:8 twist rate is better suited for stabilizing heavier .243 Winchester bullets, particularly those in the 95–115 grain range, such as high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets used for long-range shooting (e.g., 105-grain Berger VLD or 115-grain DTAC).
- If you plan to shoot heavier bullets for long-range precision or hunting larger game (e.g., deer or antelope), a 1:8 twist will provide better accuracy and stability.

2. **Versatility**:
- A 1:8 twist can still stabilize lighter bullets (e.g., 55–80 grains) in most cases, though not always as optimally as a 1:10 twist. This makes it more versatile if you want to shoot a wide range of bullet weights.

3. **Long-Range Performance**:
- Heavier, high-BC bullets benefit from faster twist rates and are more effective for long-range shooting due to better wind resistance and retained energy. A 1:8 twist supports this application.

### Cons of Switching to a 1:8 Twist
1. **Potential Over-Stabilization of Lighter Bullets**:
- Very light bullets (e.g., 55–70 grains, common for varmint hunting) may be over-stabilized by a 1:8 twist. Over-stabilization can lead to reduced accuracy in some cases or, in rare instances, bullet breakup at high velocities due to excessive spin (especially with frangible varmint bullets).
- A 1:10 twist is typically ideal for bullets in the 55–90 grain range, which are popular for varmint hunting or shorter-range applications.

2. **Cost and Effort**:
- Changing the barrel involves significant cost (new barrel, gunsmithing, etc.) and time. If your current 1:10 barrel performs well for your needs, the switch may not be worth the investment.

3. **Potential for Reduced Velocity**:
- Faster twist rates can slightly reduce muzzle velocity due to increased friction in the barrel, though this effect is minimal in most cases.

### General Guidelines for .243 Winchester
- **1:10 Twist**: Best for lighter bullets (55–90 grains), ideal for varmint hunting or shorter-range shooting. Common factory barrels for .243 Winchester are 1:10, as they cater to the most popular bullet weights.
- **1:8 Twist**: Better for heavier bullets (95–115 grains), ideal for long-range shooting or hunting larger game where high-BC bullets are preferred.

### Recommendation
- **Good if**: You plan to shoot heavier bullets (95+ grains) for long-range shooting or hunting larger game. A 1:8 twist will give you more flexibility for high-BC bullets and better performance at extended ranges.
- **Bad if**: You primarily shoot lighter bullets (55–80 grains) for varmint hunting or shorter ranges, as a 1:10 twist is better optimized for these. Switching to 1:8 may not provide enough benefit to justify the cost, and you might see slightly reduced accuracy with very light bullets.
- **Test First**: If possible, test your current 1:10 barrel with the heavier bullets you’re considering. Some 1:10 barrels can stabilize 95–100-grain bullets adequately, depending on bullet length and velocity. If they perform well, you may not need to change.

### Final Answer
Switching to a 1:8 twist is **good** if you’re focusing on heavier bullets (95–115 grains) for long-range shooting or larger game hunting. It’s **bad** (or unnecessary) if you’re primarily using lighter bullets (55–80 grains) for varmint hunting or shorter ranges, as your 1:10 twist is likely sufficient. Consider your bullet choice and shooting goals before making the change. If you’re unsure, consult a gunsmith or test heavier bullets in your current barrel first.

Did you ask chat gpt this. Most of whats mentioned is internet folklore, true isms, or so neglible it would effect effective range by under 20m.

There no negative to a faster twist unless your blowing up bullets. To do that with a 8 twist your talking issues *may* start around 3100fps. I have seen this isn't likely unless a few
Other contributing factors are present.

Originally Posted by Kelton

I know of others mate had a full custom built in 7 saum no mater what cold bore was always off then it would print lovely little groups it went back for examination had multiple loads put threw it they found the same so chambered him a new barrel out of stock that shot fantastically importer contacted proof and dealt with the refund which I believe was pain free . That how ever is one positive result from a custom job compared to a long list of negatives iv had a few tikkas with bartliens (always to get a non factory chambering) never being disappointed

Thats a good smith

@saljer - final warning - stop copy & pasting AI slop into posts here

Any other non AI insights? I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick one up. A non fluted, 20 inch factory threaded in the next week or so.

Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

Any other non AI insights? I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick one up. A non fluted, 20 inch factory threaded in the next week or so.

I ran Nosler 95bts in my 10 and 8 twist with great results

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I have an 8" Tikka. Have not tried to do any load development with it, just shot reloads that I had left over from my standard Tikka. Shot the 95gr sst with 44.4gr 2213sc 3 shots touching and 5 shots of the 95gr targex with the same powder into an inch.
Only had 3 rounds of the 105gr targex left over and unfortunately pulled one quite majorly so can't comment on that.
So I'm not sure they are too fussy.
When I get a chance I'll muck around with the targex a little more and see if I can get it even sharper.

Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

Any other non AI insights? I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick one up. A non fluted, 20 inch factory threaded in the next week or so.

I've got one of these mate, shoots bloody good with sako factory ammo and even better with some 90gr speers i got from you!!. Not sure what pill i will use once I've used them up , mite try some fancy 103gr-108gr heavies . Cheers

Well I pulled the trigger and bought one, load development to come.

Shooting 85 grain speer btsp using 2209 goes great, cost effective bullet, 1/2 inch groups at 100, shot better than the pricey 90 grain ELD X which prefers 2208 for some reason

Whats your load and speed with these projectiles?
ADI and speer data vari greatly. @foxhound

I know a chap with a 1:8 tikka 243 that he’s running an m+ mag and 108gr eld m at similar velocity to my 6 creedmoor. Shoots them as well as good expect from a tikka.

Ruger makes their 243's with 1:9 twist now.

Originally Posted by Peashooter

I know a chap with a 1:8 tikka 243 that he’s running an m+ mag and 108gr eld m at similar velocity to my 6 creedmoor. Shoots them as well as good expect from a tikka.

The mag will allow about 2.83 inches, how much longer do they need?