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Bolt Face Mix Up
So I am currently the owner of two Tikka T3X rifles.
One in a 30-06 and one in a 6.5 Creedmoor.I have a nasty/good habit of removing the bolt and magazine when I am at the range to assist with keeping my barrels cool. At some point I believe I MAY have mixed up the two bolts. Now my concern is what effect that will have if any on the rifle function. My next statements may be incorrect so definitely looking for some feedback.
Considering Tikka does not change the bolt for action length and would only change bolt face size/diameter for the particular chambering are the two bolts interchangeable? I believe the 30-06 has a bolt face of 0.470” and the 6.5 CM is 0.473”. Or do they use the same bolt face for each considering there is only 3 thou difference?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
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14 Replies
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Get a go,no-go gauge.
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37L1 good call , in my opinion it dose matter as the bolt / chamber has a set head space , it could cause big problems with over pressure
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Thx guys. Not sure what a go no go guage is. Anyone have links or pics so I can look at one? Is this a mechanics tool or a gunsmith type tool?
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I don't mean to sound like a smart ass but can't you just caliber measurements on the bolt face and the larger one will be for the 6.5?
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That actually makes sense. Gonna try that first. I have access to a quality caliper.
I have also reached out to Tikka to find out if there are and distinguishable markings on the different bolts. Ie. part, serial, or model number.
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One more comment….this link says the bolt faces are exactly the same
I also found this Sami Link showing the dimensions of different cases….
I have also attached a few screen shots from the above SAMI link.
So based on this and the fact that TIkka T3X is built off a long action…..ie. all bolts the same length. These bolts should be interchangeable should they not?
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Still looking for feedback as I am only going off of info I have found inline.
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Very interested in your findings…let us know if you verify with TIKKA.
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So no response from Tikka yet….dang!!! :'(
So I headed down into the basement and figured I would take my fancy calipers from work and do a bit of measuring. Every single dimension that I measured seemed to line up exact. They are both the exact same length so no issues with head space. Bolt diameter, face, lugs, etc….all measuring the same.
Then as you would have it I get interrupted and come down stairs and again not sure quick rifle belongs to which bolt so I start looking a little closer….and now I am just embarrassed!!! Lol. Both bolts are either fully marked or partially marked to match the serial number on the rifle!! Ugh….completely missed that before.
I’m sure there will be some that make fun of me for this…..frankly I deserve it and welcome it….lol. For the most part I hope you all get a kick out of this but more importantly if this does happen to you remember to try and match up the bolt numbering with your rifle serial number.
Cheers 8)
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They’ll be no making fun of you , I / we did not know this ,at leased you’ve got it sorted
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All good information…I actually did not know the bolts carried the same serial number.
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All good information…I actually did not know the bolts carried the same serial number.
The two of mine did not carry the exact numbering but a portion thereof.
Examples:
Rifle s/n T45681V
Bolt number T4568Rifle s/n CV54298
Bolt number 298 -
Hehe I have had the same question but my 30-06 bolt is in the rifle. Thanks for your helpful info! and helping me to avoid a similar question!
With all the similar rounds becoming popular this will be a question that gets asked again.I have 6 Tikka’s now and plan for at least 2 more so I’m keen to keep track of these things.
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I finally got a response from Tikka and looks like it more or less alights with what I learned:
“Hi, depending the manufacturing date of your rifle there should be serial number (or just thee last digits) engraved to the bolt. You should only use the original bolt of the rifle!”
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