Range Report - Tikka T3 Varmint .223

[eg6ajk]

Just took out my new rifle to range, finally got it sighted in and acquired some cheap ammo (UMC and AE). Not really too impressed, most groups where 6 shots, (full magazine), firied with 30-45sec. intervals. As you'll notice after firing six shots, it seemes that last one (6th one) tends to open up the group, most likely due to barrell heat.

Next report will handload some 80gr AMAXs with some Varget, hopefully the groups will shrink.

Rifle: Tikka T3 SS Varmint
Scope: Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x50
Caliber: .223 rem (1in8" twist, barrel lenght 23 3/4")
Range: 100yds
Ammo: UMC 55gr FMJ, and Federal/American Eagle 55gr FMJ


The Setup:

Targets:

 

[prosper]

Ack! You spent all that money on the gun and scope, only to run cheap-ass factory crap ammo?

 

[eg6ajk]

Ack! You spent all that money on the gun and scope, only to run cheap-ass factory crap ammo?

this is to have some fun, test the gun and collect some brass. I have about 400 shots out of it and pieces of brass for reloading.

 

[Ruthless]

The groups still look good considerring the ammo that you've used.

 

[Redhouse]

I'd say, with it's 1-8" twist, it will probably respond very well to heavier ammo.

 

[icedragonmx]

The ammo will be the limiting factor, cant wait to see what the reloads will do!

 

[GunBoy]

I had a Few of the T3 Varmint, and 1 of them was the 223, wasn't impress with the group at all, it was around 2-3.5inchs at 100meter, and it din't shrink at all, I try everything from 62, 75 and 80grain Sierra, but I was very happy with a rem700PSS in 223...

Gunboy

 

[KDX]

I shot this with my T3 Lite stainless .223 when I was trying out some different loads. It's a 5 shot group @ 100 and I pulled the last one quite badly. I was using Hornady 52gr Match HPBT with 25.5gr of BenchMark powder. I would imagine your rifle will shoot quite a bit better.