Tikka t3x arctic 308 Reloading tips

sbistheman

sbistheman

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Bought a tikka t3x arctic a couple of months ago been shooting 3 different types of cheap bulk amo in it with very disappointing results for a rifle that is guaranteed 1 moa. I decided to take the rear sight off temporarily and put a scope on it till I get the hand loading figured. I have handload only straigh cartridges up to this point 357 mag and 45 acp. Any loading specs you have to point me out in the right direction would be most appreciated.
 
well you might want to start with some lapua brass, then try and find some varget powder. Be nice to know what gr weight bullets you plan to load for
 
Looks like a nice rifle. You may want to develop a load for it.
Buy some good bullets, suited to your intended use.
Look up load data in a manual or online from the bullet maker. Pick out a suitable powder.
Start with the minimum powder charge. Load 3 rounds each of min to max in 5 increments.
Measure max seating depth. Seat bullets .010 shorter than max.
Shoot groups watching for pressure signs.
Stop increasing powder charge if you see pressure signs and pull bullets on hotter loads.
Look for best group.
Try different seating depths.
You should have an accurate load.
 
Personally, I would buy 20 rounds of match ammo and test the rifle first before reloading for it.

It should shoot BUT it's always a good plan to confirm before you start chasing your tail reloading.

:cheers:
 
^^ Yes. Bulk ammo is 2 minute ammo. Big groups could be the ammo, or maybe there is a hidden rifle issue. Try some match ammo, or at least good hunting ammo to verify the rifle is capable of better performance.
 
The tikka CTR has the same barrel 1:11 20". And with some digging and looking at people's loads for that guys we're using projectile wights form 168gr to 180gr and they all used Varget in around the 44-45gr range and some were maxing out there seat to as long as the mag would let them with good results.

I was thinking of going with the Hornady 168gr match grade because it would also work for hunting.
 
I have no doubts that the rifle is Accurate. It's just shooting a hundred meters with cheap bulk amo and irons. I'm averaging a group that varies 4-6". So I hate the idea of spending $60-120 on match amo especially when I own all the reloading gear from my pistols. It's time to make that gear pay for its self for the second time:cool:
 
Developing a handload without taking care of the basics could be a frustrating experience. Do you have proper screw drivers for the action screws? If so, check that they are tight. ( I think the Tikka T3 Arctic uses Torx screws??) The first thing to do if a normally accurate rifle is not shooting accurately is to see that it is tight and snug in the stock, recoil lug with firm contact & without any chance to shift during shooting. Then buy a box of good match ammo. Finnish Lapua or Swedish Norma ammo would likely be a proper match to your Finnish rifle. If everything is tight, and the ammo is good, there is only two things left - your technique & skills, or your aiming precision. A scope will take care or the aiming part, the rest is up to you.
 
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I've only jut begun reloading, but I have the T3 CTR and a few weeks back I decided to toss some reloads together. I used what I had for powder (like I said, just got into reloading and was waiting for powder to arrive). I used IMR4064 with Speer 168gr. I loaded 5 of each from min to max loads in 1gr increments. My best group was 41gr and it was 0.8". If I counted only 4 of the 5 rounds that group was 1/2". I'm sure it could have been better if I had more trigger time, but I'm only beginning the bench shooting game
 
I also struggle with the irons. I like the ones on the t3x Arctic, but I need to practice a lot more. I averaged 2.5" at 100m when I shot a few 5 round groups but the rifle can do much better with someone that trained on iron sights a lot more. How is it doing with a scope on it?

For that rifle you're on the right track with a quality 168-180 grain bullet and Varget. The Nosler 180 grain Ballistic Tip works well for me and is suitable for hunting, but a bit pricey just for the range.
 
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