Tikka accuracy question

[RogerSanchez]

Hey guys. Backstory - I have several custom rifles that shoot lights out. However, I drank the Tikka Kool-aid and purchased a new threaded 7PRC Tikka T3X last month as a fun project rifle. I mounted an NX8 on a Mountain tactical pic rail and Hawkins rings. Everything was degreased and mounted perfectly (optics are 100% out of the accuracy equation). I'm getting 1.75" 10 shot groups (see 2 images). I know it's not me, because I was shooting my other rifles the same day (see 2 images with 10 shot groups). I have mountain tactical bottom metal, a 1.5# Timney trigger, the UM recoil lug and Mountain tactical action screws (torqued to 45 inch pounds). Torquing to 65# didn't help. I also mounted a pic rail for a bipod. I have come up with 3 possible conclusions.
1 - I need a better stock. The barrel is free floated, but flexes so easily into the barrel with any sort of pressure. I'm wondering if the bipod is inducing inconsistent torque.
2 - This is what a Tikka does and I can't compare it to my custom rifles
3 - The pencil thin contour barrel heats up too much and 10 shot group accuracy is a pipe dream (I set a timer for 3 minutes between shots)

Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks so much

 

[MuleyFever]

Try a different ammo.

 

[RogerSanchez]

Try a different ammo.

I've tried 175 ELDX, 180ELDM and UM loaded 180 Berger Hybrids. Same results

 

[LeftyWilbury]

could be the ammo
could just be what the rifle does
definitely more testing required.

 

[RogerSanchez]

Bipod Pic mount

 

[waspocrew]

What are your other rifles chambered in? Those Tikka 7 PRCs are pretty light and have quite a bit of recoil.

 

[Matt5266]

I would give it some time to break in. In the mean time let a buddy shoot it too just to see.

 

[RogerSanchez]

What are your other rifles chambered in? Those Tikka 7 PRCs are pretty light and have quite a bit of recoil.

Groups pictured above were with a 300 PRC and a 6.5 PRC. I was shooting the Tikka with a TBAC Magnus. Recoil is minimal

 

[S-3 ranch]

Tikka is a hunting rifle? No
Those plastic rifle stocks can be pretty flimsy
I like a OG Sako with a real wood stock

A T3X is kinda like a savage axis , just not the same as the 110 , same brand just whittled down for budget cuts

 

[Mike D Texas]

Tikka is a hunting rifle? No
Those plastic rifle stocks can be pretty flimsy
I like a OG Sako with a real wood stock

A T3X is kinda like a savage axis , just not the same as the 110 , same brand just whittled down for budget cuts

Maybe so but I have no issue with the 3 stock Tikka rifles I have shooting sun MOA 5 shot groups and 1” 10 shot groups.

I’d say the OP likely got one of the outliers that don’t shoot as well.

 

[Macintosh]

I had a tikka that I couldn’t get to shoot better than that even after considerable work. It happens. If you have another stock to put it in, and the same scope shoots on a different rifle, and neither of those two things indicates what the issue is…it’s not impossible that its just crazy finicky or doesnt shoot great.
Ime from a stock tikka you can expect 10-round groups less than 1.5”, but more than 1”. Im sure some are better but from the ones Ive seen most are in that range.

 

[RogerSanchez]

I had a tikka that I couldn’t get to shoot better than that even after considerable work. It happens. If you have another stock to put it in, and the same scope shoots on a different rifle, and neither of those two things indicates what the issue is…it’s not impossible that its just crazy finicky or doesnt shoot great.
Ime from a stock tikka you can expect 10-round groups less than 1.5”, but more than 1”. Im sure some are better but from the ones Ive seen most are in that range.

Thanks for the input. The scope was previously on another rifle that performed incredibly well. I'm at a crossroads with this rifle. I either invest in a better stock or just abandon ship and accept what it is. I'd hate to spend $500-$1,000 on a stock and see the same results

 

[BearGuy]

How many rounds down the barrel so far?

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Aggressively free float the barrel and bed the action. That'll at least let you discover the mechanical accuracy potential.

 

[The Harbor Master]

Id second the "try different ammo" opinion... I've posted it here a bunch so I'm sure everyone's tired of hearing it... but I went through about a half dozen loads before my 7RM found something good. I started feeling like I was the odd one out, "why does everyone rave about Tikka accuracy when Im getting 1.75 MOA at best?" Finally picked up a box of 168gr Federal Premium with Berger Hybrids, and like magic my 10rd groups turned into 0.75 MOA. If you have ruled out the scope, you've adjusted the trigger, you have free floated the barrel to dead cat levels, and you can shoot other rifles with stout recoil pretty well, I'd still try other ammo before you call it a lemon.

For what it's worth, I think I went through Fusion, Terminal Ascent, Trophy Copper, LRX, TGK, ELDx, Accubonds, and Partitions before I tried the Bergers. Its not a cheap route but eventually it worked.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I'm gonna agree with trying some different ammo, but also if it's brand new see what happens after you get 100+ rounds down range. Also give it a few shots without the suppressor.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Heat does nothing for “groups” with Tikka barrels. They are cold hammer forged and properly stressed relieved in Finland. Check that off your list.

You are onto something with the barrel not fully free floated. Take the barreled action back out and FULLY free float it. Sand the stock out with a deep socket and sand paper.

You need to be able to fold a piece of paper in half and have ZERO obstruction all the way to here…



Start there are report back please.

 

[RogerSanchez]

How many rounds down the barrel so far?

100


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[pbroski]

Try shooting it without the bipod. Use a front and rear sandbag rest.

 

[BearGuy]

100


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Idk if it’s the same with stock tikka barrels but I didn’t see my groups close up with my PBB until 200 rounds. Just a thought