First Custom Rifle- Thinking 22 GT

[Yodie]

That looks like it’s shooting pretty ok…

which sizing die are you using out of curiosity?

 

[Hondo64d]

That looks like it’s shooting pretty ok…

which sizing die are you using out of curiosity?

RCBS Matchmaster 6GT with Redding .249 TiN bushing. 6GT Matchmaster seater too.

John

 

[Yodie]

Thanks

 

[khuber84]

RCBS Matchmaster 6GT with Redding .249 TiN bushing. 6GT Matchmaster seater too.

John

I run the same sizing die, but a 250 whidden bushing. It's a great die, and I think it also has the tightest sizing dimensions of the available dies.

I've tried RCBS, redding Hornady and even the Micron from BC. Matchmaster sizes more at cartridge base than the rest, I feel this is important especially if you're trying to squeeze the most performance from a case especially that'll be ran in field conditions.

I use a universal seating die from SAC "The Seater" as it allows me to use one seater on my turret head and 8 dies to cover all my 473 case head dies.

 

[Stave]

@Yodie you're one step ahead of me. I'm hopefully buying a T3x action through rokslide classifieds this week. When that arrives the plan is to get a 22GT from preferred barrel blanks. My own ballistic goal is 88ELDm, 3000+fps, 22"barrel.

Any feedback you can post regarding twist rate, freebore and load development would be helpful. I've heard 1:6.5 twist and .169 freebore are good for 88ELDs and 90VLDs. Hope your project is coming together nicely

 

[Yodie]

I haven’t received my barrel yet, I’m guessing I’m about half way through the expected wait time.

I ended up sending in a dummy round I loaded up with the new alpha brass and an 88 eldm for them to match the throat to.

i went 1:7 twist in hopes to not over spin the 77 TMK if i choose to go that route, but my main focus will be the 88 eldm.

where at in KY you from?

 

[Stave]

Thanks for the update. I'm in Springfield

 

[Yodie]

Thanks for the update. I'm in Springfield

I’ll report back once I got things assembled.

im across the state from you, almost to Paducah.

 

[Stave]

I worked at Clarks River NWR while I was a student at Murray State so I know the area. You mentioned you hunt pigs. Are there many in western KY now or do you travel to hunt them? I don't see them around central KY except an occasional potbelly that escaped. Black bears are moving in to our area steadily tho and that's exciting. Resident bears are only one county away now.

 

[Yodie]

Clark’s river wma is a collection of some neat terrain and areas, up on this end of I have chosen not to hunt it, too crowded.

Thus far I’ve traveled for pigs.

They’re supposedly working their way up the LBL, I know KYFW have been working to eradicate them and actively try to discourage hunting of them.

Black Bear is #2 on my bucket list, behind a Kentucky Elk, but doubt I’ll ever get drawn at this rate, just consider it a $20 donation each year at this point.

 

[Yodie]

Got my barrel in yesterday, just a couple days shy of the estimated 12 week stated time on the website.

Tikka LH T3X
.750” taperless, 20”, threaded muzzle
Stockys VG Carbon fiber stock
UM Rings
Maven RS 1.2
Titanium bolt handle and knob

Added the Stockys branded Limbsaver pad they sell on their website, it’s mated for the VG2 style, but fits close enough I’m not worried, but a soft touch with a file would fit it much better, but this isn’t meant to be a show piece, it’s a tool.


Got 100 rounds loaded into load ladder, going to test out 77 TMK and 88 ELDM, hoping for the 88 to hit my target velocity and accuracy standard and I’ll be good to go. Got H4350 and Stabal 6.5 loaded to try.