T3x 223 Compact/Groups/Shot Sequence

[BLJ]

I have a T3x compact 20” barrel that’s been giving me a little bit of issues.
With factory ammo or hand loads, it will put 2-3 on top each other then have one 1/2”-1” away. 1-2 more in original group then another one out.
Same results with 2 different shooters.

For reference it’s a 20” barreled compact. Free floated clear to the action.
Sportsmatch rings with bases torqued to 40 with thread locker.
Ring caps torqued to 18-20 with no thread locker.
Action screws to 45. (Plastic trigger guard)
Trijicon Credo 2.5-15.

Ammo has been ADI 69 SMK for factory and 77TMK-25 grains of Varget-CCI 400-ADI once fired brass-1.90 Base to Ogive for hand loads.

I’ve tried bipods and bags as well as front and rear bags.

3” Green dot picture is 12 of the ADI.
1 1/2” Orange dot picture is 10 of the TMK hand load.
I numbered the shots on the green target. Same issue on the orange target. Just not numbered. POA was center of target in both.

Maybe this isn’t an issue but it just seems odd to me. Thanks.

 

[Bluumoon]

My Tikka didn’t like that ammo (ADI) last week, produced similar size groups.

Your second group is pretty normal and adequate for the range of the gun. Shoot another 20 rounds into it and the cone will prob fill in.

 

[TxLite]

I could be wrong here but I think what you’re seeing is completely normal and plays into the “your groups are too small” podcast from Hornady as well as form’s described “cone of accuracy”.

 

[wind gypsy]

Yep, my tikka shot the 69 SMK ADI that way too. The old Aussie outback branded ADI ammo used to shoot way better than this new ADI "world class" stuff.

Shot the 55 SBK stuff better and the factory 73 grain elds a lot better.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

Try a couple boxes of the 73eldm factory loads. I couldn’t believe how well they shot out of my tikka. I think others have had good luck with them as well.

 

[Marshfly]

73 ELDM factory shoots lights out in my T3X. I'd keep trying other loads/bullets. I have had stuff that shot 2" plus just like you are seeing though.

 

[swavescatter]

Another endorsement for factory Hornady 73gr ELDM ammo. It'll shoot sub MOA with an entire box, or two.

 

[BLJ]

@Bluumoon. I thought about shooting 10/20 more just to see where they ended up. Honestly I was kinda discouraged after those 10 and needed a break.

I may try some 73 ELDM’s. I also have after market mags so I have room for 75 ELDM’s as well.

@wind gypsy. Have you had better results with the ADI 55 SMK for a practice load than the 69’s? I’d like to stay with the ADI if I can for the brass. I already have a couple other rifles I’m using it in. Thanks.

 

[wind gypsy]

@wind gypsy. Have you had better results with the ADI 55 SMK for a practice load than the 69’s? I’d like to stay with the ADI if I can for the brass. I already have a couple other rifles I’m using it in. Thanks.

The ADI 55 blitzking definitely shot tighter for me. It works good for shooting paper drills at shorter range.

 

[Bluumoon]

@Bluumoon. I thought about shooting 10/20 more just to see where they ended up. Honestly I was kinda discouraged after those 10 and needed a break.

I may try some 73 ELDM’s. I also have after market mags so I have room for 75 ELDM’s as well.

@wind gypsy. Have you had better results with the ADI 55 SMK for a practice load than the 69’s? I’d like to stay with the ADI if I can for the brass. I already have a couple other rifles I’m using it in. Thanks.

Aside from there being a better use for the TMKs that group is good to go after a 0.1 mil right adjustment.

 

[BLJ]

Aside from there being a better use for the TMKs that group is good to go after a 0.1 mil right adjustment.

Meaning burning through 30 on paper?

 

[Bluumoon]

Meaning burning through 30 on paper?

Correct, save those for hunting. Sierra 77gr hpbt have shot very similar for me and you can usually get seconds on Midway for half TMK prices.

 

[BLJ]

Fortunately I have enough to verify.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Hornady Black 75 grn hpbt’s shoot great in mine with a 16inch barrel

 

[BLJ]

Got some 75 ELDM’s to try with the Varget. We’ll see what happens.

 

[ljalberta]

Got some 75 ELDM’s to try with the Varget. We’ll see what happens.

That’s what I shoot. Shooting about 1.5 moa on average from my tikka, but this was one of the better groups.

 

[Mulyhuntr]

75 eld and h4895