My Tikka T3 prefers 32 gr bullets . . .

[tpcollins]

I've tried numerous combinations and haven't been able to get 35gr - 39gr bullets to group well with various powder combinations. And I could never get anything to shoot better than the factory Hornady 32gr V-Max.

So I set up another test using 32gr SBK with H4895 and IMR-8208-XBR. The H4895 wasn't that great but with the 8208-XBR I got 4 of the 6 different load increments to group .615" or better with the best being .362". I think I'll stay with that 28.1 grain load of 8208 for the moment.

[jrwoitalla]

If a Tikka wont shoot, the problem is usually between the gun and the chair.

[tpcollins]

If a Tikka wont shoot, the problem is usually between the gun and the chair.

I've shot a few keyholes at 100 yards with the factory 32gr V-Max. I could be wrong but I'm under the impression other .204 shooters haven't had good success with 39/40 grain bullets in their particular rifles either. Seems if the thing between the gun and chair can get some loads to group really great, that thing might not be the problem . . .

[jrwoitalla]

Perhaps I said it poorly- didn't mean to offend. Almost all Tikka's shoot. So it follows that yours would too. You just had to find the recipe that yours likes.

[ozfox]

tp 1/4" with factory 32 gr v max out of my cooper havent tried hand loads at a $1 a shoot its a bit to easy

[broper]

Have you tried the 32 gr. Varmageddons? They really work good in my 700 VLS. The other day I loadfed some up withBLC(2) and I made a three shot group that measured .168. I loaded up some 39 gr. Speer TNT's too. The best I could get with them was 3/4 to 1". The 40 gr. V-max and ballistic tips work pretty good too but the Varmegeddons are best in my gun.

[tpcollins]

I suppose if I had $20 to throw away I could buy a box of factory Hornady 40gr V-Max and compare them side by side with their 32gr ammo that I know will shoot keyholes, but I'd rather spend it on another box of 32gr.

[broper]

Also, the Varmageddon's are $13.99 a box!

[tpcollins]

Went to the range again yesterday with a load group of 32gr SBK, a bit warm but the Tikka likes 28.0grains of 8208-XBR with a .446" group at 100 yards and I can cover the entire string with a dime - good enough for me. I'll use my 39gr bullets for paperweights . . .

[big37dog]

Both my T3 lite and Varmint shoot Bergers 40 gr Varmint well over 748. I havent tried any other powders for the 40gr.
My go to load is 35 gr bergers with h4895. My best groups are under 1/2 in the T3L and key holes with the varmint.