First match (1000 yards) w/new Tikka build...

[BigBamBoo]

So I set off this morning to participate in a 1000 yard BR match at the local club I belong to. I was shooting the new Tikka 6.5X47 that Jason Chipley of Chipley Arms built for me just a few days ago.
I was delayed by road construction and showed up late. This means I was in the third relay...the relay where the wind really starts to blow.
And to make it even more fun...I have only shot this rifle once before at 100 yards while starting load development. I just ran out of time to go out and fine tune the load and verify how it shot at 300 yards. But such is life at times.

My first target I really knew was not going to be good. Between the switchy wind and me trying to get a feel for the rifle I just really was not happy. I felt better about my 2nd target and the wind had died down a bit. Then the third target had us back in the wind.

So I was very surprised when they called my name for 3rd place. I figured I was towards the bottom of the pack. None of my groups where very good...I am sure with some more load work and more time behind the rifle to find out how it likes to be driven, I can shrink them a bit.

Here is the specs:

Tikka T3 action with HSS bolt shroud and over sized bolt knob/handle
Tikka T3 trigger that I worked over and is at 12 oz.
KRG Whisky 3 chassis
Kreiger med. Palma 1:8.5 twist barrel @ 28" and Badger FTE muzzle brake (yep...folks LOVE shooting next to me) chambered in 6,5x47 Lapua and throated for 130 VLD's
JJ front rest
Once fired Lapua brass...no case prep at all
130 Berger VLD's 20 thou off the lands
CCI 450 primers
42 grains of H4350
Shooting 3000+ fps
NightForce NXS 12-42 with 1/8 hi-speed knobs and NP-R2 ret.
TPS med. rings

Anyways...looks like the rifle is gonna really shoot...and maybe I will get to a point where I can start exploiting it.

Take care,Stan

[send it_hit]

those lower rings really bring it all together. great shooting

[BigBamBoo]

Hey, thanks. Yes...the lower rings are much nicer. I just put the x-high ones on at first while I was waiting for the lower ones to come in.

Take care,Stan

[osis32]

What's the recoil like on that bad boy? Also how exotic is the round? You probably reload but what's a factory round cost?

[RugerNo1]

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProducts.aspx?pageNum=1&tabId=3&categoryId=20323&categoryString=653***690***

Reloading is pretty much mandatory for this caliber.

Nice shooting Stan! The wind just has to ruin everything, huh?

[osis32]

Goodness that's expensive. How much did just the rifle set you back?

[killshot44]

6.5x47 is a terrific cartridge. Try loading the VLDs at the lands or .010" into the lands, they aren't known to like jumping.
Osis, it's been around since 2005. Sometimes is necked down to 6x47. Recoil is very mild.


Stan, there's a 1K match next weekend (22nd) at Sacramento. We're shooting the F-Class targets off the concrete tables, Benchrest style. Bring a Tikka.

[BigBamBoo]

Hi Osis.
Like kill said...very little recoil and with the muzzle brake it is like shooting a loud .22. We built the rifle at the shop I am affiliated with (Chipley Arms) so not sure on the price.

Kill...I started all my limited load work with them in the lands, but my best groups were with a bit of a jump (30 thou off). I still have a bunch of load work to do so I am going to revisit the seating depth.

Ruger....the wind is NEVER my friend! But whatcha gonna do??

Take care,Stan

PS....thanks Kill but it is about 3 hours one way for me to the Sac. range and I have LOTS going on in my world right now. I am lucky to be making the local matches here. And the offer is both ways. We have a 600 and 1000 yard shoot here every month and a service rifle match that it is open to the public for matches. So if you get a chance, come on up. Match schedule here: http://www.tehamashooters.com/PDF/20...20revision.pdf