Should I replace my tikka T3 .223?

Hi Guys,

New to this forum and my first post. I have a Tikka .223 1 in 12 twist which I love but was out goat hunting today and had trouble bringing a couple down. I'll admit I'm not the best shot in the world, have only been hunting a couple years but put round through the front shoulder. Was shooting 55gr ammo, the goats did expire but took a bit longer than I would like. I'm not a fan of animals of suffering. I prefer clean take downs. I did shoot a fallow with the gun about a month back using 60gr ammo was a spine shot so straight down.

Like i said i love the rifle but seeing as I can't really put anything heavier through it than 60gr, would I be better in getting rid of it and getting a 1 in 8 so can use heavier ammo? Or does anyone have any advice on better ammo I can use. I also have a 270 for the big stuff but like the smaller calibre for smaller stuff, goats, wallabies and the occasional fallow.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

My t3 in 223 manages whitetail well. Had a couple of big bucks walk 50-100m with double lung shots but most drop on the spot as usually take head or neck shots out to 200m

Thanks for that, is that a 1 in 12 twist as well?

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Originally Posted by bigred

Thanks for that, is that a 1 in 12 twist as well?

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Would have to check but pretty sure, standard factory one. Using 55gr amax reloads or hornady factory ammo

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Originally Posted by 223nut

Would have to check but pretty sure, standard factory one. Using 55gr amax reloads or hornady factory ammo

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Thanks, looks like more to do with my shooting that what I'm shooting possibly. Need to get bit more confidence to take head shots from that distance which means more practice then

The 223 is an awesome cal I have found the cheap 55grn hornady SP one of the best bullets to use they do massive damage with should shots and work well on fallow and reds as well. I think it is the same bullet that is loaded in the bulk training ammo if you are not a reloader.
These work well in the 1 in 12 twist. You will be impressed with those cheap little projectiles.

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I've got an 8:1 and find I cannot group it with lighter ammo, Chuck in some Hornady 75 grain and bingo 1" at 100 metres off the bi pod,
I'll have to muck about a bit more to find a lighter projectile it likes!

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Originally Posted by Maca49

I've got an 8:1 and find I cannot group it with lighter ammo, Chuck in some Hornady 75 grain and bingo 1" at 100 metres off the bi pod,
I'll have to muck about a bit more to find a lighter projectile it likes!

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Had the opposite problem, tried 75gr and could stabilise them!
@bigred head shots on goats is good practise, just behind the ear and they either drop on the spot or you miss! Can go well past 200m if you don't want to recover the meat from goats which is another bonus

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Originally Posted by 223nut

Had the opposite problem, tried 75gr and could stabilise them!
@bigred head shots on goats is good practise, just behind the ear and they either drop on the spot or you miss! Can go well past 200m if you don't want to recover the meat from goats which is another bonus

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Thanks 223nut guess its better to practice in something that I wouldn't be too uspet about missing.

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

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Originally Posted by 25/08IMP

The 223 is an awesome cal I have found the cheap 55grn hornady SP one of the best bullets to use they do massive damage with should shots and work well on fallow and reds as well. I think it is the same bullet that is loaded in the bulk training ammo if you are not a reloader.
These work well in the 1 in 12 twist. You will be impressed with those cheap little projectiles.

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What sort of distance do you normally shoot from on deer?

Up to 200M neck or should

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Have to agree with 25/08 IMP those 55gr SP/WC are a very good bullet you can get them in factory loads and bulk for reloading. About 200 meters is a safe range for the 223 but a good shot can stretch that a bit. If you need more horsepower use your 270 out past 200 meters.

Have the 1:8 and use only federal 55gr sp.....used the same load for over 14 years now, Sika, fallow, goats and pigs.
Am sure there are better loads to try but I like the load and the rifle still puts them into tiny groups.
Just keep shooting the goats you will soon learn which angles and shot placements work best, head and neck work well with practice.

If mostly goat shooting something bigger would be better.
Or get a 1:8 iv had two now. The first shot 50 to 80gr well. The second doesn't like 50's but shoots 80,s well. The only thing is for the 1:8 you really need to hand load to take advantage.
My first 1:8 didn't like 55gr but maybe the second one will. There a great versatile rifle.

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.

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Originally Posted by Maca49

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

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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:thumbsup:
The Horn 55 beep pretty well, a great factory load.
KH