Tikka t3x range day

[Jaywmustang]

Today I had a little time to take my tikka t3x Ctr and try some hunting ammo. I wish I had more time but life can be busy. My main concern was finding ammo that was good for hunting. I did try this once before and my targets were destroyed by the rain. I wasn't happy with the results the first time around.

The rifle is a tikka t3x Ctr in 308 win with a nightforce shv 4-14x50 f1 shot off a lead sled.

 

[Criticalt]

Nice setup, lets see some paper!

 

[Jaywmustang]

Ammo used today was hornady precision hunter 178gr, federal trophy bonded tip 165gr, federal 165 gr sierra gameking, federal 168 and 175 gr gold metal match. The 175 gr gold match has shot very well for me in the past so I was using it as a baseline.

 

[Jaywmustang]

All shots were from 100 yards, all groups are five shot groups. The groups are for grouping then I sighted in. First two groups with the federal 168 gr gold.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Federal 175 gr gold match.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Federal trophy bonded tip 168gr
Hornady precision hunter 178gr

 

[Jaywmustang]

These are the federal sierra gameking 165gr. The pictures are not in order. It was starting to get dark and my eyes were getting tired. Plus I was getting some heat from the barrel that was not helping.

 

[Darth]

Nice groups.

 

[Jaywmustang]

The hornady and federal trophy bonded I shot before out of this rifle last weekend. I was not impressed with the accuracy out of the tikka with those. The groups today where probably the best groups I have gotten from this ammo and rifle.

I think I would have had better groups with the federal gamekings if it wasn't getting dark. I decided I am going to use these for hunting.

I am pretty happy with the tikka t3x Ctr. If I had to change anything, it would be the trigger. I just wish it was a little lighter trigger pull for me. Yodave makes a spring that will lighten the pull, I'll do that after hunting season. With more time behind the tikka I am sure my groups will get better.

 

[GUNSICK]

Trigger is everything.

 

[Criticalt]

The hornady and federal trophy bonded I shot before out of this rifle last weekend. I was not impressed with the accuracy out of the tikka with those. The groups today where probably the best groups I have gotten from this ammo and rifle.

I think I would have had better groups with the federal gamekings if it wasn't getting dark. I decided I am going to use these for hunting.

I am pretty happy with the tikka t3x Ctr. If I had to change anything, it would be the trigger. I just wish it was a little lighter trigger pull for me. Yodave makes a spring that will lighten the pull, I'll do that after hunting season. With more time behind the tikka I am sure my groups will get better.

I love the 2lb trigger on my Mossberg 308, it makes a huge difference from the 5lbs it was set for before.

 

[Jaywmustang]

I did some digging and the trigger is adjustable....well the t3 is so I am assuming the t3x will be. The t3 are adjustable from 2-4lbs. Wish I had one of the trigger weight scale. I dont think the trigger is bad, it nice and crisp. I am just used to a lighter pull.

 

[MilesTeg]

I have your same problem Jay. I want to spend some more time behind they new rifle and want to make some mechanical changes. Like you I can't bring myself to do it before season because I don't have the time to make it to the range. I do think I will have to invest in a lead sled I think it's the only way to really test ammo in a firearm. I went 150's in my 308 and wasn't impressed, there's a chance that was my fault and not the gun. Anyways my point was I see you only went with the heavier bullets, if I get another chance to go to the range before season I will pick up a box and throw them into the testing mix. Too bad we don't have more time it would be good to do side by side comparison of the two rifles. Keep up the good work and I want to see a kill shot this year!

 

[Jaywmustang]

I have your same problem Jay. I want to spend some more time behind they new rifle and want to make some mechanical changes. Like you I can't bring myself to do it before season because I don't have the time to make it to the range. I do think I will have to invest in a lead sled I think it's the only way to really test ammo in a firearm. I went 150's in my 308 and wasn't impressed, there's a chance that was my fault and not the gun. Anyways my point was I see you only went with the heavier bullets, if I get another chance to go to the range before season I will pick up a box and throw them into the testing mix. Too bad we don't have more time it would be good to do side by side comparison of the two rifles. Keep up the good work and I want to see a kill shot this year!

I hear you on time. I just don't have any lol. Another factor is that I can't find the federal sierra gameking ammo locally. I bought all that gander mountain had.

The lead sled is a great investment. It take the shooter almost out of the equation when shooting. But the best group I have ever shot was off off a bipod with a rear support bag.

What is the barrel twist with your 308? The tikka is a 1:11 barrel twist. I would love to shoot with people with the same interest. It just seems everyone is all over the state. I am allowed to take one guess with me to my range sooooooo if u r ever up in the Oswego area let me know

 

[MilesTeg]

It wouldn't be that bad of a drive for me as my house is near the Turning Stone Casino. Maybe next summer we will have to do a side by side shoot. I too am strapped for time always someday I hope that changes! The twist rate on my barrel is 1:10 so it can handle the heavier stuff.

 

[Jaywmustang]

You are not far. My sister lives in wampsville, I think she is about 5-10 mins from turning stone.

 

[MilesTeg]

Yup she's very close!

 

[Jaywmustang]

She works in Marcy I believe. We should plan a shoot day next spring. You can come out my way or I can go your way if u have a spot.

 

[MilesTeg]

Sounds like plan. Now to actually remember it!

 

[Jaywmustang]

That is if we still have guns after the elections.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Sounds like plan. Now to actually remember it!

Hey we got to keep our guns. Let's try to remember

 

[Jaywmustang]

Sounds like plan. Now to actually remember it!

Hey I remembered!! Lol. Let me know if you want to hit the range. Maybe I can help you with your rifle.

 

[MilesTeg]

Hey I remembered!! Lol. Let me know if you want to hit the range. Maybe I can help you with your rifle.

Sounds good I will try to get some test rounds loaded up before the move to try out.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Sounds good I will try to get some test rounds loaded up before the move to try out.

You moving out of state? I have some ammo you can try

 

[MilesTeg]

Moving in with the parents and while I build my forever home. I'm planing on setting up my reloading station in the interim because my father wants to learn but god knows if it will actually happen.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Will you be in the same area? Best time to save money lol. I wish my property had a place to shoot on. Be nice to have a reloading station/shooting range.

 

[Podmonkey]

Followed your link from another thread, nice rifle, nice shooting! Now I really want a CTR!

 

[Jaywmustang]

Ha thanks. Not my best shooting but I had to get the ctr sighted in for hunting.