Tikka T3X Feeding Issue

1

Hi guys,

I have a Tikka T3X super varmint in 6.5 creedmoor. The gun shoots very well. It has been sub moa with every decent ammo that I have tried. The only problem I have with this gun is it does not feed well.

The gun only cycles correctly if I move the bolt very quickly. If I try to single feed or cycle the bolt at a slow pace, the cartridge misaligns and the bolt cannot close. I have to back it out and then retry and it usually works.

Any ideas what might be causing this? I have bought a replacement factory magazine, but that didn’t change anything.

2

My first thought was on how the mag sits into the bottom metal, to try a new mag. But not likely that 2 are defective.

Have you checked how the mag feeds into the action, is it sitting a little low? I have a chassis that doesn’t hold its mag super well and that the issue it gives: bad cycling occasionally. I have to give it a little bump and then it’s good.

3

Have you converted to aics? If so do they have the plate if they do this could be the problem

5

The magazine definitely fits well enough to “click” in. I’ll try adding a little force next time to see if that changes anything

6

No - still using factory stock and magazines.

1 Like
7

By misaligned, does it nose dive or fall to the shallow side of mag? Where on the cartridge does it hang; the nose? I had a rifle with the extractor spring/plunger sticking out too far and did not allow the cartridge to center itself on the bolt. I could never reliably feed from the left side of the mag where the plunger was. Just some thoughts to look at.

8

So when the bolt pushes the cartridge forward out of the magazine, the ammo will angle upward (bullet side up) and then tilt to the side.

Based on what you are saying, it would be my extractor. Were you able to fix yours?

9

It wasn’t anything I knew how to fix as it appeared to be a machining problem. I took pictures and then contacted support. I got a new bolt sent to me and had the headspace checked. I don’t know if you are having the same issue but the place to start would be calling Tikka and talk to their support group and let them determine if they have seen this problem before. If you bought locally, I’d go talk to where you bought it if a real gun shop.