Finally a load with some potential!

[rudynix]

I bought a Tikka T3 Varmint back in May and have been trying to work up a decent load for the past month. Factory ammunition just wasn't grouping well for me, but it may have been a combination of my shooting and break-in period for the rifle. I've probably got close to 500 rounds through it now, and my groups are tightening up. Factory ammo (Hornady 75 grain HPBT Match) was grouping around 1.5" @ 100 yards when I first got the rifle. I tried some Varget using the same bullets (Hornady 75 grain HPBT Match), but the best grouping was about an inch @ 100 yards. This time around I tried some H335. I shot three 5 shot groups with this load, and they were all under one inch @ 100 yards. I used 22.0 grains of H335 powder, CCI400 primers, Hornady 75 grain HPBT Match bullets, and Federal cases, with an overall cartridge lenght of 2.260"

This is the best out of the three.

[huckberry668]

Looking good there!

[damndave]

Looking good!

[rumblebee]

Very nice! I'm taking my Tikka T3 out this weekend. See how it likes the H4895 and 75gr A Max loads @ 2.473

[rudynix]

Thanks guys. rumblebee, are you single loading with that OAL? Right now, I'm at the maximum lenght that my magazine will allow. I'll be replacing my stock with the KRG Whiskey3 Chassis soon, and will be able to load my cartridges a little longer when that happens. The throat on my chamber is a little long, so the bullet has a bit of a jump before it hits the lands.

[rumblebee]

Yes...I am loading for single feed. The COL seems high, but I verified it and then found a thread or two on Snipers Hide on the longer throat the Tikka's seem to have. Some guys set them out even further than that. I also have some 75gr HBPT waiting at the house when I get home...Those will be loaded for Tikka mag length and I'll test those tomorrow as well

Thanks guys. rumblebee, are you single loading with that OAL? Right now, I'm at the maximum lenght that my magazine will allow. I'll be replacing my stock with the KRG Whiskey3 Chassis soon, and will be able to load my cartridges a little longer when that happens. The throat on my chamber is a little long, so the bullet has a bit of a jump before it hits the lands.

[ireload]

Don't be so humble now.... Good grouping.

[rumblebee]

I agree....btw, let us know how you like the KRG....I've been debating that route or CDI bottom metal, which accepts the AICS mags...longer seating!

Don't be so humble now.... Good grouping.

[Justintoxicated]

Is this shooting from a rest?

[rudynix]

These old eyes start to fatigue quite a bit after around fifty rounds or so and the groups start to open up. Unfortunately I can't shoot like that for any extended period anymore. I'm hoping that KRG will contact me soon in the coming month to let me know that my chassis is ready. I already picked up one of the 10 round AICS magazines for 223 in anticipation. And yes, this was shot off a bench with bags.