Test Analysis...Powder Charge...asking for a friend

[dolek]

Umm... is this a factory barrel in a factory T3X stock?

Have you fitted a bag-rider in front or are shooting with match-grade bipod?

^^ If not, that could be the reason for any vertical you are seeing (along with user). Same with flyers, but this isn't uncommon with factory barrels.

Honestly, if this is a factory barrel in a factory Tikka stock, the 20.7 load (10/20 jump) is about as good as it will ever shoot, and I suggest the fellow completely halt further load development and just shoot it.

A lot of people waste a lot of time trying to OCW factory rifles when they have already reached the limit of the stock/barrel's potential for accuracy.

Nothing wrong with 8208 XBR. Other powders could offer more velocity if this is a varmint rifle.

Thanks,that is good info to consider . It is a factory barrel, varmint barrel with Tikka plastic stock with a 3" piece of wood as a makeshift bag rider for testing . Trigger breaks at a consistent 2 pounds with a Ernie the Gunsmith spring .

I don't know the rifles or shooter's full potential so you could be onto something in regards to wasting time chasing perfection with a factory gun . It will be a varmint gun most of the time, We have plenty of powders to try,8208 was just chosen because I had a bunch and it was in the Berger book .

Great stuff folks, way more than I was coming up with trying to think as I type with two fingers . Hunt and peck is still alive.

Forum Boss: Based on what you say, it is pointless to do more testing, and a "waterline" test would just be a waste of ammo and barrel life.

You friend should consider having the action bedded, and then, perhaps, invest in a better stock. But you currently have acceptable accuracy for a varmint rifle.

 

[338 dude]

Quick description , A friend that is new to reloading but not new to shooting . Helping on his first loads and would like an unbiased opinion for him of what this test tells you . This is his first test with a new/used Tikka T3x in .223 Remington . Cold/clean bore at 100 yards . Gun will be shot at 200 yards 90 percent of the time . Thanks for any input . I will be showing him the replies and let him make some decisions on his own with some input from me .

8208 w/ Berger 73s @ 20 Jump

4 Shot groups

View attachment 1196361

20.6 Or possibly 20.5 and start at a .020 jump and work out to .030