Tikka T3 204

[IvoB]

Hi guys
Had it out for the first time this morning and I did somewhat of a break in procedure (shoot 1 clean etc)
I purchased the RCBS Competition die set a while ago in case I decide to reload (already reload for 223)

Is anyone shooting 39g Sierra's or should I stick to factory 32grain V-Max. if so what are your thoughts on accuracy compared to factory. Which powder works best for the 39 grainers? Not interested in the exact load data your using but more so the powder/primer combination.

This will be my Coyote rig next year would like to have some custom rounds for it - I will only be punching paper to make sure the scope is on target.

Any insights would be appreciated.

cheers
ivo

 

[r204]

H4895 or IMR 8208xbr behind a 35gr Burger and touched of with a Federal match primer.

 

[leveractionjunkie]

Best coyote bullet I’ve found in the 204 is the 35gr Berger, & i propel them with Benchmark. It’s wicked on dogs easy on pelts for me so far. I use the32gr poly tipped for rodent and flying varmints and am very happy with them.

 

[IvoB]

Thanks for the replies - who sells the 35g bergers? online

 

[bbobie]

check prophet river

 

[Got Juice?]

Stellar results from my T3 Varmint with 40gn Vmax, H322, slightly over 24gn, and small mag rifle primers. Accurate, hard hitting.

 

[Big bore dinosaur]

Like benchmark, great powder, accurate..40 gr vmax and 27.3 gives me 3800 fps..
Also worth mentioning IMR 4166 , was also great..

 

[Got Juice?]

Like benchmark, great powder, accurate..40 gr vmax and 27.3 gives me 3800 fps..
Also worth mentioning IMR 4166 , was also great..

One key thing to note is the 40 Vmax does need to be driven with some authority to produce accurate results because of the standard twist rate in most factory 204 barrels.

 

[Chargerguy]

One key thing to note is the 40 Vmax does need to be driven with some authority to produce accurate results because of the standard twist rate in most factory 204 barrels.

Yes, my findings as well. I've loaded for a few rifles in 204 and found the 12 twist a little slow. The 26" barrelled rifles I loaded for easily achieved a high enough MV to stabilize the 39/40 grain bullets. Couldn't get a couple 22" rifles to shoot. They would keyhole.

 

[IvoB]

Yes, my findings as well. I've loaded for a few rifles in 204 and found the 12 twist a little slow. The 26" barrelled rifles I loaded for easily achieved a high enough MV to stabilize the 39/40 grain bullets. Couldn't get a couple 22" rifles to shoot. They would keyhole.

this ^^^ is why I may be purchasing a custom barrel for my 204

 

[prairie lover]

I have yet to see a 204 factory barrel that would not shoot the 39 gr blitzkings very well. And I've played with about a dozen over the years. 40 gr v max or nosler is hit or miss. Some do some dont. I believe barrels on the tight side of 1 in 12 will and the ones on the looser side will not.

There is a reason sierra made there bullet 39 gr instead of 40.

 

[Big bore dinosaur]

One key thing to note is the 40 Vmax does need to be driven with some authority to produce accurate results because of the standard twist rate in most factory 204 barrels.

I agree , my CZ527 liked the 32 gr pills, but I wanted better b.c. and more energy down range.
Berger 50 gr just would group, got to pressure to early to properly stabilize past 100
My 40 gr Vmax load is running hot, but my C.H.E. is modest and the brass stretches a little enough not to be worried.
CCI BR was the ticket.. lowered my pressure and brought down my S.D. into single digits..
Also found this Winchester brass to have more case capacity then the hornady or the nosler .. anyhow..
When I rebarrel , it will be a 1-9 or 1-8.5 ..
Those 50 and 55 gr bergers are some ###y.. half the wind deflection of a 22-250.

 

[IvoB]

Well guys thanks for the advice picked up 100 39g blitz kings
Right now gun is sighted in using the 32 g v-max

 

[IvoB]

Well guys thanks for the advice picked up 100 39g blitz kings
Right now gun is sighted in using the 32 g v-max

Update:
Picked up 100 35g Berger's and they shoot well my new favourite bullet

 

[300ultramag]

what kind of accuracy/velocity are you getting and what gun

 

[scott_r]

If you are after coyotes Id go with 35 gr Bergers as well. They hit hard within 300 yards and leave minimal pelt damage.

 

[waterhauler]

Also shooting the 35gr Berger in my tikka t3. I’ve always went with a max load of benchmark or my new favourite cfe223. Heading out in the morning for the first coyote stands of the year

 

[wonksy]

39gr blitzking over 27.0-28gr(whatever your sweet spot is) of imr xbr 8208
game over!!!

 

[wonksy]

I have yet to see a 204 factory barrel that would not shoot the 39 gr blitzkings very well. And I've played with about a dozen over the years. 40 gr v max or nosler is hit or miss. Some do some dont. I believe barrels on the tight side of 1 in 12 will and the ones on the looser side will not.

There is a reason sierra made there bullet 39 gr instead of 40.

Agreed x2!!!!! Nothing outperforms 39 blitz in 1 in 12 factory T3 barrel, tried em all.

 

[dead meat]

My Tikka t3 shoots great with 27gr's of H322 and 32gr Blitzking, 5 shots will group .625 all day. 39 and 40 gr Hornady, Sierra and Berger bullets and all powder combinations i have tried don't group, they pattern. Also had a Rem 700 heavy barrel that did the same thing, and i tried many different combinations even factory ammo in the heavier bullets with no luck. On a good note the 32gr are great on coyotes, in but not out.