Recently I purchased a T3 Tikka in 223 1:12" twist. Second hand.
It had a 22" barrel. Measured t by closing the bolt and dropping a cleaning rod down the muzzle. Length = 22".
I had it shortened to 16" and fitted my ASE Jet-z CQT can.
I measured the velocity at 3250fps when the barrel was 22". After its operation it was 3050fps. So I am happy with that. Ties in with what this web site had to say about shortening a 223 barrel.
Effects of reducing barrel length on velocity
I fired of some rounds when I put the scope on it. Nothing fancy, just got the scope aligned and put 4 shots down range at 100yards one after the other, no resting in between.
I must admit I was surprised at the accuracy of this little rifle.
http://oi46.tinypic.com/pt0xy.jpg
Dont get too hung up on where I had the calipers etc. I was in a rush. But it pretty darn good.
http://oi50.tinypic.com/210f3x5.jpg
The load was 25 grains of 2208 under a Hornady flat base SP 55gn pill.
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