Thread: Should I replace my tikka T3 .223?

Mate, those OSA pills group really well in the Tikka.

I had the 12 twist and it had 3 shots pretty much touching at 160 so you should be ok with those... They were the 55 game king rounds.

There is no need to sell your rifle. Buy some decent ammo in 55gr such as Federal Fusion which has worked very well for me on goats and PRACTICE. Join an NZDA branch if there is one close and get to the range often. Become very familiar with how you rifle shoots, get it sighted in at 100m and become confident with it. You have a great rifle you just need to keep at it. If you don't want animals to suffer make sure you can kill targets first. Have fun and keep at it.

Originally Posted by Maca49

That's interesting, I think this may need Happys magic worked on it!

I think you do ... My Tikka T3 223 shoots overlapping shots at 150 yards ... albeit 1:12 / 53gn ...

but the point I'm making is these things are the bomb .. so if you're gettign inch groups @ 100yd its fair to say there's room for improvement ..

I have one of the same and it shoots really well.Keep it for rabbits hares and magpies and buy something bigger for the goats.

I haven't had a problem shooting goats with 55gr bullets, usually just some cheap soft point ammo.
If it really worries you, I think you could get a decent price for your 1:12 one and buy a second hand 1:8 twist on trademe (or here) for much the same money.

@bigred what you have experienced is normal. I've shot large numbers of goats with the 223 and occasionally they will walk then drop. Front of shoulder / base of neck will drop them with anything you chuck at them as a rule. Others have mentioned the Hornady 55gr SP and it works well, even better news for you is that Belmont Ammo make a load with that and it should shoot well in your Tikka. I'm pretty sure H&F are selling it as well. Going to a heavier bullet may not be the answer as you may end up drilling right through without effective damage. Goats are not a big animal and side on there is not a lot of sectional density, so a faster lighter jacketed bullet can work best.
Suggest you try adjusting your bullet placement and working out for yourself how best to be more consistent, practise is the key.

My rabbit load is 40gn v max with 27.5 win 748 in 1.9.
Put this through two different AR15 and it finger nailed 4 at 100.
It's not a hot load but works well out to three hundred haven't tried any thing greater.
Haven't needed to so why would I. I like the .223 just needs a good scope now
The Horn 55 beep pretty well, a great factory load.
KH