8 twist Tikka T3x Varmint question

[xswanted]

Is anyone shooting the 80gr SMK out of one of these?

If so what is your COAL to the rifling.

Thank you!

 

[BlackburnBuccaneer]

I shot a T3 Sporter (Same Barrel/Chamber) in mid range FTR for a couple of years before having it re barreled. With the 80gr SMK I was jumping 10' which gave a coal of 2.370" or 2.380" to the lands. Also I used the 80gr Berger VLD and that made for a coal of 2.400 to the lands - I would imagine these measurements to be similar for your rifle, but always double check.

I got both bullets shooting around 1/2 MOA at 100 yards but the VLD definitely had the edge at longer distances.

 

[reelthing]

My Tikka Varmint shoots 80gr SMK jumping 4 thousands with a COAL of 2.466.
Varget 25.2 , CCI BR
Hot load must be worked up, watch for signs of pressure. 2,915 fps.
What have you found to be your accuracy load with the 80 gr.?

 

[grovey]

My Tikka Varmint shoots 80gr SMK jumping 4 thousands with a COAL of 2.466.
Varget 25.2 , CCI BR
Hot load must be worked up, watch for signs of pressure. 2,915 fps.
What have you found to be your accuracy load with the 80 gr.?

What brand of brass are you using and how's the primer pockets holding up to the 25.2 load?

 

[reelthing]

I use Lapua brass and have not had any issues with primer pockets. According to newest Sierra loading manual the max load for 80 gr. Is 25.3 gr.
What 80 gr. loads work for you?

 

[BradY]

Shooting them very mild 22.8 of 8208xbr doing 2690fps. Going to push them a little more hoping to get around 2830 but may have to go to h4895 to do it. Can’t get enough varget in there, crunching powder at 24.5. Using ADI brass and br4 primers 20 thou jump

 

[grovey]

I use Lapua brass and have not had any issues with primer pockets. According to newest Sierra loading manual the max load for 80 gr. Is 25.3 gr.
What 80 gr. loads work for you?

I have a superlite and a CTR in .223, but I've yet to try any of the heavy MK's out of either. The 69gr MK shot well in both with Sierra's posted accuracy load of 25.2 or 25.3grsof Varget . I shot way to many 75gr ELD's trying to get them to shoot in either gun.
Lately I've been concentrating on the superlite and 23.3 and 25.0 of Varget produced some tiny groups with the ELD. Now and then can't back them up tiny groups.... I could never get them to shoot consistently. I've moved to the Old school 73 gr Berger, and so far I'm happy till I find something better BC wise. Here's a pic of a 5 shot group from the other day from the Superlite. I have to admit it's my best.

 

[xswanted]

My Tikka Varmint shoots 80gr SMK jumping 4 thousands with a COAL of 2.466.
Varget 25.2 , CCI BR
Hot load must be worked up, watch for signs of pressure. 2,915 fps.
What have you found to be your accuracy load with the 80 gr.?

I’m actually using IMR4320 in mine.

It shoots great but it seems like it’s a pretty short throat on this gun.

I don’t remember what the OAL is at the moment.

 

[Steve Ladino]

I’m actually using IMR4320 in mine.

It shoots great but it seems like it’s a pretty short throat on this gun.

I don’t remember what the OAL is at the moment.

My two are short throated, where as the 77's crunch powder, but removing the re load from the press about half way thru the seating step and tapping the bullet point on the bench allows the powder to fall around the boat tail and do away with most of the crunch.

 

[xswanted]

My two are short throated, where as the 77's crunch powder, but removing the re load from the press about half way thru the seating step and tapping the bullet point on the bench allows the powder to fall around the boat tail and do away with most of the crunch.

Good to know.

I crunch powder but nothing to bad. It’s a great load in that gun for sure. And shoots way too good for a factory rifle.

 

[Steve Ladino]

I have a superlite and a CTR in .223. I've yet to try any of the heavy MK's out of either. I've shot the 69gr MK in both and Sierra's posted accuracy load 25.2 or 25.3 of Varget shoots well in both. I shot way to many 75gr ELD's trying to get them to shoot in either gun.
I've been concentrating on the superlite and 23.3 and 25.0 of Varget produced some tiny groups with the ELD. Now and then can't back them up tiny groups.... I could never get them to shoot consistently. I've moved to the Old school 73 gr Berger, and so far I'm happy till I find something better BC wise. Here's a pic of a 5 shot group from the other day from the Superlite. I have to admit it's my best.

Great group for the .223 !! What primer You using?

 

[grovey]

CCI 450. I had some misfires with them in this rifle this spring, and swore them off. Someone with a last name that rhymes with Ladino told me it was my cases. Seems he was right about that and the ELD bullets I couldn't tame.

 

[Steve Ladino]

Shooting them very mild 22.8 of 8208xbr doing 2690fps. Going to push them a little more hoping to get around 2830 but may have to go to h4895 to do it. Can’t get enough varget in there, crunching powder at 24.5. Using ADI brass and br4 primers 20 thou jump

Alliant AR-Comp will give you a little more room......it shot some 77 TMK's good but slower than Varget….50 fps.

 

[BradY]

Got to my desired speed with varget. Can’t get AR comp in my area currently.

 

[reelthing]

CCI 450. I had some misfires with them in this rifle this spring, and swore them off. Someone with a last name that rhymes with Ladino told me it was my cases. Seems he was right about that and the ELD bullets I couldn't tame.

I have a superlite and a CTR in .223, but I've yet to try any of the heavy MK's out of either. The 69gr MK shot well in both with Sierra's posted accuracy load of 25.2 or 25.3grsof Varget . I shot way to many 75gr ELD's trying to get them to shoot in either gun.
Lately I've been concentrating on the superlite and 23.3 and 25.0 of Varget produced some tiny groups with the ELD. Now and then can't back them up tiny groups.... I could never get them to shoot consistently. I've moved to the Old school 73 gr Berger, and so far I'm happy till I find something better BC wise. Here's a pic of a 5 shot group from the other day from the Superlite. I have to admit it's my best.

 

[reelthing]

I have a superlite and a CTR in .223, but I've yet to try any of the heavy MK's out of either. The 69gr MK shot well in both with Sierra's posted accuracy load of 25.2 or 25.3grsof Varget . I shot way to many 75gr ELD's trying to get them to shoot in either gun.
Lately I've been concentrating on the superlite and 23.3 and 25.0 of Varget produced some tiny groups with the ELD. Now and then can't back them up tiny groups.... I could never get them to shoot consistently. I've moved to the Old school 73 gr Berger, and so far I'm happy till I find something better BC wise. Here's a pic of a 5 shot group from the other day from the Superlite. I have to admit it's my best.