Thread: New Tikka T3X Aspire - enjoying it

I bought a Tikka T3x Superlite Aspite about 8 weeks ago. I just couldn't resist the rifle when I saw it in Whakatane Hunting & fishing. Alan did a package deal with a basic Burris 3-9X scope.

I managed to score some AR2219 (same as H322) which was my favourite powder in my old Tikka 222 Rem. I also got some AR2206H.

I got some projectiles -
* Hornady 55 gr SP with canelure
* Sierra 60 gr HP Varmint
* Hornady 60gr VMax
* Sierra 63 gr SMP

A mate also gave me 3 packets of old stuff he had - Hornady 50 gr, Sierra 60gr SP & Nosler Solid base 55 gr.

I have been playing with these 3
* Hornady 55 gr SP with canelure - Shoots well with AR2206H
* Sierra 60 gr HP Varmint - Shoots well with AR2206H & AR2219
* Hornady 60gr VMax - Shoots well with AR2219

I am an older person and my fitness is not good. I have issues with my legs, hip, back etc. I cannot shoot prone. Even at the bench I am stiff and not always in a comfortable position.

I have slowly got into a routine now. I made up some small sandbags as the old ones are long gone. I can now hold the crosshair on the 1 inch dot with a bit of waver. 5 shot Groups are often 1.3" as I invariably get a flier or pull one.

Yesterday I was at a club shoot and did well. Then I tested a couple of loads from a very uncomfortable bench with no sandbags! The 60gr Amax went into 0.83 inch - 3 bullets into one hole. The vertical spread was about 10mm or less. I am thrilled with this. I haven't shot such a group for 20 years!


BTW, I also got a Yo-Dave replacement trigger spring and it makes a huge difference. I do not have a gauge but I have got it set for a safe and light crisp release. A BIG improvement.