set triggers

Mossie · #1 12-30-2008, 06:10 AM

I have been looking at Tikka rifles on their webpage. I am considering either a .260 or 7mm-08 cartridge for it. The rifle will be for whitetail hunting in PA.

I notice that a set trigger is an option. Is this something that would be good on a still hunting/stand rifle? I think the standard triggers adjust from 2-4 lbs. and the set trigger is non-adjustable and breaks about 9oz. as best that I can find. Their webpage doesn't say what the set trigger is but I have noticed a few posts during my research on them.

Is a set trigger something I would want on a hunting rifle; or is it for bench shooting?

Also; I have been looking at Browning rifles but I never see any posts on this site concerning them. What's wrong with Browning rifles other than the made in Japan thing?

britz · #2 12-30-2008, 07:20 AM

9 oz would be very very light to have on a hunting rifle. More geared towards precision varmint or BR shooting. The Tikka 2-4 trigger is very nice for a factory trigger and takes about 10 minutes to adjust (take off stock and use a simple alan wrench to turn the adjustor and it is idiot proof). I have mine set on 2 pounds and I wouldn't want it any lighter for a cary rifle.

Mossie · #3 12-30-2008, 04:39 PM

I have not had a chance to look at the rifles yet; so I don't know for sure how a set trigger works. I think you would have the standard trigger at 2-4 lbs. and if you push it forward it sets so it would have the 9 oz. pull at that point. I think it can be used either way but don't know for sure.

I am thinking that if you set it to the lighter pull and then passed on the shot; you could leave it on the safe position and pull it back to the standard 2-4 lbs. pull. I know the Sako's had the set triggers on their rifles and now the Tikka's do as an option.

Anyone know for sure how they work?

7mmSendaro · #4 12-30-2008, 05:33 PM

I have a Browning A-bolt Stalker in 7WSM as my lightweight carry rifle. After bedding and free floating it is a good 3/4 MOA gun with the occasional 1/2 MOA group. I don't believe there is anything wrong with them, they just aren't as friendly to customize as a Remington 700. They certainly aren't as easy to bed!!

grit · #5 12-31-2008, 01:13 AM

The set trigger is a nice feature. The regular trigger works as expected. Push forward to "set", the trigger pull weight and creep are reduced dramatically.

Use the regular trigger most of the time and set it for target or long range shooting. Safe, very handy feature.

Mossie · #6 12-31-2008, 05:48 AM

Thanks Grit,

That's what I was thinking too. Should be safe enough to hunt with on the standard pull and I can still have a very light trigger for rested shots in the field and bench. I don't know how much extra it is for the set triggers yet.

I kind of want it in 260 Remington but the Tikka is 1:9 twist and it may not shoot too well with bullets over 130 grains. From what I have researched the 1:8 twist is much better for this cartridge.

Anyone have a 1:9 twist Tikka in .260?

grit · #7 12-31-2008, 03:34 PM

I don't have one. May well be my next rifle. I am a big fan of both the caliber and the rifle. I can address the twist issue.

My bullet of choice would be Bergers 140vld. Berger recomends a 1 in 9 twist. Bc is .640. I don't think 2900 fps would be unreasonable. This would be very pleasant to shoot, and extremely effective on game. I wouldn't personally look at bigger bullets because the velocity falls too much. Frankly, this bullet / cartridge is about ideal.

Let me offer another option. CZ offers the 550 American in the 6.5X55 (swede) case. I own one of these rifles in 243win. It is one of my most liked and most accurate rifles. CZ also offers a set trigger. It is a standard feature and the rifle will come with it. CZ is using an 8.6 twist rate for the 6.5.

At first glance in a loading manual you will see loads for a 140 grain pill equall to or slightly less than loads for the 260. However, the 6.5 is a bigger case. The maximum pressure for the 6.5 is set in defference to the numerous older swedish mausers in circulation today. I'll stick my neck out here and say the 6.5 can easily and safely be loaded to noticably outperform the 260 in a new bolt action! Anyway, just another option. Can't go wrong iether way!