New Tikka Not Grouping Well

I just recently purchased a Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech in 6.5 PRC and mounted a VX-6HD 3-18x50 with Unknown Munitions scope rings on it. Torqued everything down to the right specs and took it to the range.

First 3 shot group (after setting scope) using 147gr. ELD-M was .5" @ 100 yards from a Magpul Bi-pod and a rear bag on the shooting bench. I was content and for the majority of my hunting that would be sufficient.

It got dark on me so I came back the following weekend and shot some more. My shot groups were averaging 1.25" to 1.5". I ran to the gun shop and grabbed a box of the 143gr. ELD-X to see if they would shoot better. I averaged 2" groups with the ELD-X and noticed some stringing up and to the right. From the research I have done, it seems like the barrel warming could've caused this. (Although, I normally wait +5 minutes between shots to let it cool off)

I also started to think the bipod was the issue so I verified that the barrel was free floating when the bipod was loaded. That did not seem to be the problem.

Ultimately I swapped to a lead sled to take the Bi-pod out of the equation. I cleaned my gun and reshot both types of ammo with the ELD-X averaging 1.5" groups, and the ELD-M averaging slightly less than 1" groups, but having occasional flyers about 2" from the point of aim. I saw slight improvement, but still wasn't where I want to be.

So far I have 54 rounds through the rifle, and am not very impressed with the accuracy. I intend to try the 156 gr. Bergers, but have not been able to find them locally. I am not currently able to reload, so I would like to find a factory round that is at least MOA or better until I get setup where I can reload myself.

I am fairly new to the long range shooting so I figured I would ask those that are more experienced than myself. Any advice or ideas, regardless of how simple are appreciated.

Thanks

Shotts2000, First things first…….Welcome from North Central Wyoming!
Now that the formalities are behind us…..I got nutt'n for ya!

I now relinquish the forum to my esteemed teammates! memtb

It's a new barrel give it 100 rounds or so, also check the screws on the stock make sure they are tightened to spec. Double check your scope mount. Hope it works out for you tikkas are nice factory rifles.

Stadoc said:

It's a new barrel give it 100 rounds or so, also check the screws on the stock make sure they are tightened to spec. Double check your scope mount. Hope it works out for you tikkas are nice factory rifles.

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Also fire different bullet types/weights see what it likes. I'm sure someone will give you much better advice from much more experienced and knowledgeable shooters.

Did you check your action screws?

Are you running a muzzle device? Is it loose?

Assuming factory ammo, not reloads?

Shotts2000, like stated above, recheck all screws/bolts ect. starting with the scope base!

Also, did you clean the barrel using a copper solvent (Sweets 7.62, ect). Not common on a Tikka, but maybe your bore is a bit rough, and you have some copper fouling! memtb

FireFlyFishing said:

Did you check your action screws?

Are you running a muzzle device? Is it loose?

Assuming factory ammo, not reloads?

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I have not checked the action screws, will do so first thing.

Muzzle brake is snug

Yes. It is factory ammo.

If you still can't get anything going, try swapping to a scope known to shoot tight groups and test with that.

memtb said:

Shotts2000, like stated above, recheck all screws/bolts ect. starting with the scope base!

Also, did you clean the barrel using a copper solvent (Sweets 7.62, ect). Not common on a Tikka, but maybe your bore is a bit rough, and you have some copper fouling! memtb

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Will recheck all screws.

I did not use a copper specific solvent. I will pick one up and try that. Shouldn't have had much fouling since the rifle was new and I shot approximately 7 shots before the accuracy changed. We shall see.

Shotts2000 said:

Will recheck all screws.

I did not use a copper specific solvent. I will pick one up and try that. Shouldn't have had much fouling since the rifle was new and I shot approximately 7 shots before the accuracy changed. We shall see.

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I had a similar issue recently with a cz 3006, I was about to get rid of it until I did what someone here recommended ie: make sure the copper was all out, then load some 150 grain hammer bullets. Brought my groups from 11/2 to .470.

First check all screws for proper torque. I'd clean it really well. See how it shoots clean. My tikka likes being clean. Groups open up after 40 rounds with no cleaning with 7mm rem mag. H1000 and full copper bullets. If it still isn't shooting well for you maybe let someone else shoot it that you know shoots well. Maybe it's you.

Another thing to think about is how hot are you getting the barrel? Thinner hunting type barrels tend to wander with the magnum cartridges. Next time you go to the range try shooting groups with 3 minutes between shots.

Chesterrose79 said:

First check all screws for proper torque. I'd clean it really well. See how it shoots clean. My tikka likes being clean. Groups open up after 40 rounds with no cleaning with 7mm rem mag. H1000 and full copper bullets. If it still isn't shooting well for you maybe let someone else shoot it that you know shoots well. Maybe it's you.

Another thing to think about is how hot are you getting the barrel? Thinner hunting type barrels tend to wander with the magnum cartridges. Next time you go to the range try shooting groups with 3 minutes between shots.

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It very well may be me. Although I am able to shoot .5" groups with my 30-06, so with a much nicer rifle and scope I would expect to be able to replicate this? Maybe not

I normally wait at least 5 minutes between shots. I feel of the barrel and try to wait until I feel no warmth before shooting again.

If everything is tight, and your bore is clean, as someone else mentioned…..try another scope. Stuff happens! memtb

Get it off the Lead Sled. Those suck.

Try different ammo. Don't discount Berger 140 Elite ammo. Those bullets rock.