Tikka ACE Game accuracy expectations

[SubMOA]

Recently purchased a Tikka T3 ACE Game in .223 with a 20 inch barrel with 1:8 twist. Have topped it with a Ziess Conquest 4-16x50. I bought this rifle with the expectation that it would match the .25 MOA results I get from my Tikka tactical in .308 using hand loads. Thus far I am barely maintaining MOA. I have tested ADI 69 grain and Federal Gold Medal 77 grain. Is there any one that can share insight on practical group size they are getting with factory or handloads with the ACE in .223 and a 1:8 twist.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Recently purchased a Tikka T3 ACE Game in .223 with a 20 inch barrel with 1:8 twist. Have topped it with a Ziess Conquest 4-16x50. I bought this rifle with the expectation that it would match the .25 MOA results I get from my Tikka tactical in .308 using hand loads. Thus far I am barely maintaining MOA. I have tested ADI 69 grain and Federal Gold Medal 77 grain. Is there any one that can share insight on practical group size they are getting with factory or handloads with the ACE in .223 and a 1:8 twist.

How many rounds in your groups?


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[SubMOA]

I generally shoot 5 rounds per grp. If I’m really trying to get a small grp, I will warm barrel with two foulers and pause one minute between shots.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I generally shoot 5 rounds per grp. If I’m really trying to get a small grp, I will warm barrel with two foulers and pause one minute between shots.

I usually discount any results less than 10-round groups, but five is still better than three. I don’t generally feel the need to let my barrel cool until I get mirage off my suppressor, but I try to keep myself shooting slow so I don’t rush shots. My normal practice is to shoot a 5-shot group with one rifle, then switch to another, etc., until each rifle has fired the desired number of rounds in the group. I’ll click off a couple of snap cap shots between each rifle and take a break if I start to feel fatigued.

My .223 T3X is getting the barrel cut and threaded right now, so I can’t comment on its accuracy yet. I have a ton of different factory loads to test once it gets back.

My 6.5 CM has managed to stay under 1.5” with Hornady 140-grain ELDM factory loads, which I consider just fine for a hunting rifle. I am optimistic that I can shrink that some with reloads, but if I don’t have time to reload before rifle season, I will happily use it as is.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I bought this rifle with the expectation that it would match the .25 MOA results I get from my Tikka tactical in .308 using hand loads.

sounds like you had unrealistic expectations imho

 

[fraz01]

I usually get some rounds down the barrel, 100 or more before I start looking for an accurate load. I do pay attention to cold bore shots and look for issues that might indicate a bedding problem.