Tikka 223

I just purchased a 223 SS Tikka. On the side of the barrel it is stamped ( Rem. .223 8"). Is the 8" the rate of twist in the rifling or does it stand for something else?

Tikka's website shows Tikka T3 SS to come in 2 rates of twist, an 8" and a 12".

I'm guessing your 8" marking describes the 8" twist, for the lighter .223 rounds. The 12" for the heavier rounds.

I'm just guessing though. You can always call Tikka and get the real deal from them. Good Luck -Kelly

That's correct except backwards on the twist. Tighter twist to stabilize a heavier bullet. Lighter twist for lighter rounds.

It looks like I confused myself there. I was operating under the idea that a heavier bullet requires less twist to allow the extra mass to get spinning properly. Is this correct?

the heavyer the bullet the tighter the twist

Dang, I hate it when I get my sh!t mixed up. I'm not a long range shooter so I don't have much experience with them. What I know is from other real long range shooters and I'm forgetting that stuff. Thanks for squaring me away!