Issues sighting in my new rifle

[flyboy3394]

I recently purchased a Tikka T3 Lite in .30-06 and have taken it to the range a few times to sight in and test different factory loads through it.

This past time, I used a bipod for the first time, and every time I shot it jumped at least an inch. I was still able to get acceptable accuracy from the gun, but i'm wondering if theres a way to ensure the gun doesn't jump so much on me.

Is it something im doing wrong in my shooting fundamentals? Or is this normal? This is my first bolt gun, and first rifle bigger than a .223. I want to be able to get groups within the 1MOA that Tikka guarantees out of the box. More or less because I want to ensure that I remain ethical when I shoot an animal.

If needed I can provide explanation on my shooting stance and how I shoulder the firearm.

[FLIGHT762]

If you're going to use a bipod, to keep it from jumping, you need to load it, meaning you push forward a bit with legs digging into the ground and holding the front of rifle down better.

This won't work when shooting from a smooth surfaced bench. The rifle will want to jump off of the surface.

If the jumping bothers you, it may be better shooting off of sandbags.

[juanito]

The one I have prefers 165-168 grains TTSX,Sierra Gamekings or Hornady Amax.But I reload and use sand bags.It didn't like 150 grains anything.I haven't tried anything above 168grains.Leupold VX2 3X9X40 with Talley Low Rings.

[blockfort]

Isn't the real question whether or not the jumping affects your group size?

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[flyboy3394]

Isn't the real question whether or not the jumping affects your group size?

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Yes. It is. And if it does, how can i mitigate that effect?

[blockfort]

You'll have to do an A/B test shooting the same loads the way you are now, and by some other means that holds it down better, perhaps on sandbags, with the bipod loaded into the ground or a stop, or with a firm front bench rest.

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[Jimmy's]

Lose the bipod and get a rifle rest and front and rear bags.

[russ69]

Lose the bipod and get a rifle rest and front and rear bags.

Or put the bipod on a folded towel.

[Divernhunter]

Sand bags and hold the rifle firmly(not a death grip) for best accuracy.
I have 3 Tihha T3 Lites and all shoot cloverleaf groups.

One more thing since it is your 1st bolt action larger than 223 you will need to learn to shoot a harder kicking rifle. Such as holding it more firmly and properly. I see so many shooters with the butt pad on their upper arm and not into the shoulder/arm socket. You can somewhat get away with it on a light kicking rifle but not on something like a 30-06 for excellent accuracy.
If you have not yet go buy a Limbsaver Direct Replacement Recoil Pad and install it. All you need is a Philips screwdriver to do the 2 screws used in the old/new pad. This will have a large reduction on your felt recoil and help flinching.

[flyboy3394]

Sand bags and hold the rifle firmly(not a death grip) for best accuracy.
I have 3 Tihha T3 Lites and all shoot cloverleaf groups.

One more thing since it is your 1st bolt action larger than 223 you will need to learn to shoot a harder kicking rifle. Such as holding it more firmly and properly. I see so many shooters with the butt pad on their upper arm and not into the shoulder/arm socket. You can somewhat get away with it on a light kicking rifle but not on something like a 30-06 for excellent accuracy.
If you have not yet go buy a Limbsaver Direct Replacement Recoil Pad and install it. All you need is a Philips screwdriver to do the 2 screws used in the old/new pad. This will have a large reduction on your felt recoil and help flinching.

I have bought and installed a Limbsaver on my gun. It definitely helps over the stock one. So I need to be shouldering the rifle in the arm socket? I must be gripping to tight and flinching. I have noticed when I am calm and relaxed i tend to shoot much more accurately.

[desert dog]

The gun is way too light to shoot off the bipod without experiencing barrel jump. Even with perfect technique (natural point of aim, proper loading of bipod, etc.), that ultra light pencil barrel gun is going to hop on you and kick harder than a hunting rifle should. One of many reasons why I never jumped on the ultralight rifle bandwagon.

If this is strictly a hunting rifle, the barrel jump issue doesn't really matter. Only the impact of that first shot from a cold barrel matters.

When that thin/light barrel heats up after your first shot on the range, it will not group well unless you let it cool before shooting again. With a proper 5-shot group form a pencil barrel, it might take you an hour at the range to get 5 good cold shots. These are not good rifles for plinking or a day of target blasting.

Be mindful that your POI will change shooting with/without the bipod too.

[lewdogg21]

^^^Pay attention to what that guy is saying.

So I need to be shouldering the rifle in the arm socket? I must be gripping to tight and flinching.

Yes, possibly, and definitely probably yes.

First off ditch the bipod. As you shoot more and become more comfortable with a larger than 223 caliber you may want to look into something like a caldwells lead sled for sighting in.

[flyboy3394]

The gun is way too light to shoot off the bipod without experiencing barrel jump. Even with perfect technique (natural point of aim, proper loading of bipod, etc.), that ultra light pencil barrel gun is going to hop on you and kick harder than a hunting rifle should. One of many reasons why I never jumped on the ultralight rifle bandwagon.

If this is strictly a hunting rifle, the barrel jump issue doesn't really matter. Only the impact of that first shot from a cold barrel matters.

When that thin/light barrel heats up after your first shot on the range, it will not group well unless you let it cool before shooting again. With a proper 5-shot group form a pencil barrel, it might take you an hour at the range to get 5 good cold shots. These are not good rifles for plinking or a day of target blasting.

Be mindful that your POI will change shooting with/without the bipod too.

Thanks. This is very helpful. I bought it as a hunting rifle, so a hunting rifle it shall be

[URSA Facilitator]

If it is a hunting rifle, seems reasonable that you will need to use the bipod in the field - not a bench setup. Learning to load the bipod is really about the only way to proceed. If the kick is bothering you, strongly consider adding a muzzle brake. A clamp-on one will save you from cutting into that thin barrel.

[smittty]

My skinny barrel rifle can only shoot 2 shots close together before it starts to climb. It's rare to need a 2nd shot and even more rare to need a 3rd.

If you are hitting your target with the first shot then you're ready.

Your rifle is a perfect gun for carrying/hunting.