Help me choose a factory ammo

[btb1983]

I have a 6.5 Tikka T3X lite that I had chopped to 16.5”. I’m running a TBAC Ultra 7 on the end. Prior to chopping the barrel I was shooting hornaday 143g eldx. I’m planning on taking the rifle out in the next week or two to get sighted back in and shoot different factory loads. This is going to be this years primary hunting rifle for whitetail with shots being under 200 yards. My question is, should I shoot something in the 130ish grain, to pick up some velocity or does it really matter? If I should step down in grain, what factory ammo would you choose?

 

[Jmort1754]

Still be plenty fast with 143.

 

[Slickhill]

They’re deer and under 200 yards, there’s probably nothing on the shelf that won’t work. Grab one and remember to shoot them in the front half.

 

[ruger35]

I've had good luck with the Federal Premium lines in my Tikka. Maybe try a 130-140 class bullet like Federal loaded Berger bullets.

 

[-dirt-]

Looking for similar recommendations. Was considering the ELD-X...

 

[btb1983]

I've had good luck with the Federal Premium lines in my Tikka. Maybe try a 130-140 class bullet like Federal loaded Berger bullets.

I think my question was wordy and I apologize. My concern is that chopping the barrel from 24” to 16.5” drastically dropped my velocity. I’m more than happy to still shoot 143g ELD-X, as I’ve had success with them. But with the shorter barrel should I drop the weight?

 

[btb1983]

Looking for similar recommendations. Was considering the ELD-X...

I’ve had great success with 143g ELDX before I chopped my barrel.

 

[The Guide]

I’ve had great success with 143g ELDX before I chopped my barrel.

So we need to run some numbers through a ballistics calculator and get you some information. Most tests where they have cut barrels from 26 to 16 inches have shown the average MV loss from 24" to 16" or 17" inches between 160 and 200 FPS. Box speed on the Hornady 143 ELDX ammo is 2700. Say you were getting 2600 at 24" you should be getting 2400 fps minimum at 16.5". Knowing you need a minimum of 1800 fps for proper upset with the 143 ELDX your max range is just over 470 yards. Is is 2x the distance you plan to hunt at. If your current load is accurate, there is no reason to change anything. Shoot it a bunch and kill stuff.

Jay

 

[SloppyJ]

With the loss in velocity it will probably work better at that range. Stick with what you know and try it.

 

[btb1983]

So we need to run some numbers through a ballistics calculator and get you some information. Most tests where they have cut barrels from 26 to 16 inches have shown the average MV loss from 24" to 16" or 17" inches between 160 and 200 FPS. Box speed on the Hornady 143 ELDX ammo is 2700. Say you were getting 2600 at 24" you should be getting 2400 fps minimum at 16.5". Knowing you need a minimum of 1800 fps for proper upset with the 143 ELDX your max range is just over 470 yards. Is is 2x the distance you plan to hunt at. If your current load is accurate, there is no reason to change anything. Shoot it a bunch and kill stuff.

Jay

I appreciate the info, that’s exactly what I was looking for!