This is a thought provoking discussion, just what I'd hoped for! Not wanting to be right, or wrong...just wanting you guys to THINK about what you're doing when reloading for a rifle and if your efforts are being rewarded...or wasted.
Need to add: my opinion is being based on the OP's FACTORY rifle. I'm of the opinion that factory rifles are NOT consistent 'one hole', or even 1/2 MOA capable on a consistent basis.
In the real world in which I choose to live in, a true, consistent 1/2 MOA rifle is a rare bird. To realize that consistent performance, a rifle would need to be custom built, not picked up at a big box store. IE, trued action, custom hand lapped barrel, properly bedded stock, and a min. spec'ed chamber designed to launch a chosen bullet. Combine that, with sound loading techniques and good components, and you'll likely have a solid, 1/2MOA shooter to enjoy. And it'll likely shoot a bit better for ya, from time to time. With a solid built custom rifle, all ya have to do is be consistent behind the trigger to realize the potential...
That said, I do not believe that consistent 1/2MOA factory rifles grow on trees, and they sure don't come outta cardboard boxes. Sure, there are some freaky accurate factory rifles, but they are NOT the norm...despite the fact that every other swinging Richard on the 'net has a 'one holer Savage' (that was a joke, BTW)
There's a clue there, as to why shooters spend $$$ on custom rifles...its because factory rifles actually don't shoot as good in real life as they do on the internet
Therefore, holding a factory box rifle to unrealistic (my opinion) standards, is folly...
As for comparing a 1/2 moa to 3/4moa in a big game hunting situation, that minisucle accuracy differential is lost in the wash, at all but the longest distances! And here's why: @ 1000yds, 1/4moa measures ONLY 2.6"! I challenge ANYONE to find me a shooter who can hold smaller than that differential under field conditions and I'll eat my own rifle, dipped in hot sauce. And it dang sure ain't gonna happen with a factory Tikka hunting rifle (NO offense to OP). Just keeping in context with the thread...
Now, consider that factor of how WIND, and determining the effect it has on bullet POI at distance, and you'll see how even more easily that elusive extra 1/4moa of accuracy can soooooeasily get lost in the 'white noise' of a aggregate group. Which is another reason to quit chasing for accuracy that might not be there in the first place, from a factory rifle...
Finally, big game animals have rather large vital 'kill zones'. So, if a 3/4moa rifle is not accurate enough to take a certain shot, then its highly doubtful that a 1/2moa rifle is going to be a deal maker/breaker. If it is, then that shot should NOT BE TAKEN in the first place. Remember, 1/4 moa = less than 2" @ 600yds!!! Anybody here know of anyone who can consistently hold less than a 2" group in the wind @ 600yds, with a factory hunting rifle??? I didn't think so. So there's yet another reason to not bother eeeking out an extra 1/4moa from a factory hunting rifle. See the trend here?
These factors are why I feel that a solid 3/4moa factory hunting rifle load is PLENTY GOOD to be satisfied with.
I have several custom rifles that I hold to higher standards, but this thread isn't about me, or my rifles. It's about the OP's factory hunting rifle that he is proud to have, and I like that he's got there. And that's why I'm recommending that he "keep it real" with group size expectations, and not chase the accuracy fairy who rides a purple unicorn that eats H4350. IMHO, the OP is better served to find a good load that realizes the potential killing power of the cartridge, prove it on paper, then SHOOT IT! Don't get caught up chasing others' internet accuaracy expectations...
Good luck, have fun, and good shooting!
