Recent content by Ltbullken

Fix the Sako!!

I either use my 6.5x284 or 270 Win. I handload for both.

Just my preference, but I'd cut the throat longer and set the barrel in a standard action so you can seat out longer heavier bullets, get better MV with a lower pressure curve. My 2 cents.

Been using 65 staball in my 65cm. Have a decent 120TTSX load for hunting, MV could be higher but it's consistent and accurate. I also have along range rig in 65CM using 140gr Hornady Match HPBT. Again, velocities could be higher but same - consistent and accurate. Frankly, I've found that...

If you must, make it heavy for calibre!

Barnes 7mm 140gr TTSX is designed to open at lower velocities than other TTSX, as Barnes anticipated it would be used in rounds like the 7-08. I was advised that it can be expected to open up at 1600fps to 1.7x diameter. It's on older style Barnes bullet, but if long range is needed, this bullet...

I'm shooting a 6.5/284 with 127 LRX and H1000. The H1000 looks really good though I'm still tinkering a bit with the load to squeeze out some more accuracy. I think any of those slow burn powders will do well. I'd be more concerned about bullet match to twist rate and (my bias) a fast moving...

200gr ELDX, 68gr IMR4831, Fed215 primer, Peterson brass. This was a good load!

I'm shooting a 65/284 and have taken elk with a 260 before using a 130gr TSX. I am partial to the 127LRX but have yet to use it on game. Other experiences with Barnes, though, have all been positive and they've have done the job I've needed them to do. I have no hesitation recommending a Barnes...

By far the most fussy has been loading for .243. Never have I seen more keyholing, and at times couldn't even get on paper. Different rifles. Very picky in my experience. If I was ever asked to load for another, I'd decline. By far the easiest, across different rifles, has been 6.5CM. Different...

6.5 CREEDMOOR, 6.5 Grendel would be fine low recoil deer rifles. My son just dumped his first WT with a 6.5CM!

I've shot bullets that 'should' be stable that have keyholed. I'd try increasing velocity to see if that stabilizes the bullet. My concern would be that the bullet destabilizes when it reaches the velocity you're shooting now. Try a 120 or 140gr mono? Good luck!

Great rifles. Never had a Tikka that didn't shoot well with my handloads. The only drawback I can think of is that sometimes the mag length will limit taking full advantage of optimal bullet seating depth. Having said that, I've never owned a Tikka that didn't shoot well!

Get it to a gunsmith, don't mess around with that.

Personal preference. I sight for 200. I don't worry about any adjustment to about 225. 300 is about an 8" holdover or about 2 moa. Simple. Most of my hunting is within that range. When I go mountain hunting, I sight for 200, but have my range finder and confirm with my range card.