Question Regarding Tikka T3 300 Win Mag Load??

[Dobeman887]

I am currently trying to work up the best load possible for a Tikka T3 with a 1:11 twist. This is my neighbor's rifle that I "plan" on using to hunt free range Axis deer with in TX next year. So far I have only used Ramshot Hunter with 165gr and 180gr Barnes TTSX bullets. I have tried two different powder charges for each bullet. What I am finding, regardless of charge or bullet is that the first two shots are touching and the the third shot is about an inch or so high and right. I have shot on two different occasions with temps being around 50 degrees each time. Is the barrel heating up after the 2nd shot to cause that 3rd shot to do what it's doing? I was able to get some H4831sc and have loaded about 10 rounds but haven't tried them out yet. I usually am a big fan of Ramshot powders, but notice that Ramshot Hunter has dropped in price with the new "Grand" now out for significantly more. I suppose I could buy a pound and see how it does compared to Hunter. I plan on trying some ELD-X bullets as well. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wind gypsy]

With how many groups has this phenomenon repeated?

 

[Dobeman887]

With how many groups has this phenomenon repeated?

Almost all 3 shot groups, and that is with a friend also shooting groups.

 

[wind gypsy]

Not how many shots, in how many separate 3 shot groups did that phenomenon repeat? How many did it not repeat?

 

[A382DWDZQ]

Shoot a 10 shot group and see how it goes. For hunting, about an inch high and right, I wouldn’t worry about. You have two in the same hole and the 3rd is one moa off, which isn’t going to be that big a deal under 400 yards.

 

[Dobeman887]

Not how many shots, in how many separate 3 shot groups did that phenomenon repeat? How many did it not repeat?

Virtually every three shot group. We would go down and inspect the target for verification (probably about 5 minutes between shooting groups), and then shoot our next group of three. It just repeated I would say 9/10 times, not dependent on powder charge or bullet weight. The same pattern repeated for myself and my friend.

 

[Sadie]

A slower powder will sometimes correct this.

 

[Dobeman887]

A slower powder will sometimes correct this.

So what powder would you recommend? I just put together a few different load combinations using 168gr Barnes TTSX and IMR 4350, Ramshot Grand, and H4831SC. Haven't gotten out to test them yet though. I really like Ramshot powders simply because they meter so much better than the others through my Hornady powder dropper. I really hate to pay for an electronic powder dispenser because they are so expensive (RCBS is like $800 and Hornady's is like $400).

 

[sodaksooner]

H1000? I run IMR4831 and it groups well. Not a Tikka though. I agree with others. Shoot a bigger group and see what it does. If I am at the range, i keep the bolt open and let it cool for a few minutes after each shot. I have a fairly heavy spiral fluted barrel and it takes a while to heat up. Usually shot 5 is where mine moves a bit, but not as far as yours.

 

[Sadie]

my experience with 300 win mags has been good with reloader 22, 4831, h1000. Off hand I don't know where ramshot burn rate compares to these.

 

[Dobeman887]

H1000? I run IMR4831 and it groups well. Not a Tikka though. I agree with others. Shoot a bigger group and see what it does. If I am at the range, i keep the bolt open and let it cool for a few minutes after each shot. I have a fairly heavy spiral fluted barrel and it takes a while to heat up. Usually shot 5 is where mine moves a bit, but not as far as yours.

I will do that-I have plenty of various rounds made and will test as soon as I get a chance. Between work, turkey hunting, and fishing, shooting is on the back burner at the moment.

 

[Dobeman887]

my experience with 300 win mags has been good with reloader 22, 4831, h1000. Off hand I don't know where ramshot burn rate compares to these.

I think Ramshot Hunter is between 4831 and H1000-if I remember correctly, H1000 has a pretty fast burn rate. I have no idea what the Ramshot Grand burn rate is since it is pretty new-guessing it is similar to Ramshot Magnum which is pretty fast too. I do have some rounds made with Reloader 22 with some ELD-X bullets (can't remember the charge/weight of bullet). Made those a couple years ago for a Remington 700 in 300 Win Mag, that didn't group for shit out of that gun, but nothing seems to group well out of that rifle. It is my step-son's and I think it was produced in the "lower quality" Remington years. I know Tikkas are awesome rifles and my neighbor has shot beautiful groups, and at great distance- just don't know the combination that the guy who made the rounds for him used, except that it was a 165gr Barnes TTSX. He doesn't feel comfortable asking the guy what load he used (don't know exactly why), but either way I'm lucky he is letting me use the rifle, and I have plenty of time to figure out a good load.

 

[Choupique]

What I am finding, regardless of charge or bullet is that the first two shots are touching and the the third shot is about an inch or so high and right. I have shot on two different occasions with temps being around 50 degrees each time. Is the barrel heating up after the 2nd shot to cause that 3rd shot to do what it's doing?

Just what it does. Have you laid 3 separate 3 shot groups over the same target or shot a 9/10+ shot group with it? That's probably just how it shoots.