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Debris in barrel
I just got my second Tikka bolt gun. Its a T3 in .223 with a 1 in 8 twist. I started shooting Hornady 55 grain sp sx. This cartridge left a trail of loose light dusty crud in the barrel. It actually would interfere with closing the bolt after a few rounds. HOWEVER the shots were fantastically accurate with no indication of key holing. The sp sx in a notoriously delicate round so I switched to Hornady VMAX 60 grain. Both rounds were handloaded at a the lightest recommended load with IMR 4320. Thie Amax is a standard varmint round and it shoots even more accurately than the sp sx – rounds are touching constantly 100 yards and frequently at 200 yd.s Once again though there is this loose debris, Less of of it to be sure, but after about 18 rounds enough to affect bolt closure. The debris is LIGHT it can be poured or blown out of the barrel. I've used IMR 4320 with Hornady AMAX and soft point Hornady Interlocks for over a year in my Tikka t3 in .308 and never seen anything like this. Its alight gray black dust – any ideas whats going on??? Any input would be appreciated
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3 Replies
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I think the problem is that you are using the lighest recommended loads. If the data you have has room to bump your powder charge up a little I would try that. Typically, warmer loads shoot a little cleaner.
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Thanks Mallard,
That's a thought. I think the debris which is light and dusty is probably cinder from not fully burned powder. So I'll try heating up the load and try another powder as well. -
Thanks Mallard,
That's a thought. I think the debris which is light and dusty is probably cinder from not fully burned powder. So I'll try heating up the load and try another powder as well.It most definitely is just that. The recommended min loads are always ridiculously low.
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