Thread: .223 Remington help

Hi guys. Help please?!
I have a 2 x Tikka T3 Hunters; 1 x .223 with a 1-8" twist. Bought new.
1 x 7-08 bought used.
I cannot get the 223 to group well past 50metres!
History:
After deliberating between 22-250 and 223, I bought the 223 as my varminting rifle. The theory was that my deer shooting with 7-08, snap and long range, would improve as I shoot my almost exactly the same 223 much more often. Pretty much straight away, I took the 223 to Arthur Cleland to have it threaded for suppressor (not sure about workmanship quality of recrowning). Also bought a used MAE suppressor for it.
I've shot about 250 rounds through it now, so is well broken in. But while I get excited about shooting into the same hole at 25m, as soon as I extend the range beyond 60m, I can't even get the holes touching. And at 100m plus, it's a lottery as to how many inches from the bullseye the POI will be, especially between cold and hot barrel.

Naturally, I've tried multiple factory loads including Federal PS 55gn, Fusion 62gn, Belmont 55gn, Winchester 64gn, Winchester & Remington Match 55gn. Fusion 62gn was the most consistently accurate, but only at short ranges.

I'm wanting to shoot bunnies at 200m+, and surely this is possible with this rifle?

Remove suppressor...Same result (although very different POI)

Other shooters, all competent, same result.

Wondering if my scope was faulty, I've even bought a brand new Leupold VX3i 4-14 scope for it and mounted it carefully, ensuring she's tight..same result.

Before anyone asks the obvious question- can I shoot? A couple of weeks ago, I took both rifles out to my mate's benchrest range and shot 15mm groups with my 7-08 with a 3-9x scope at 160m. Yet I couldn't shoot better than 1.5" with the 223, using a 4-12x scope. Today I was shooting with the new Leupold on 14x, same result with 55, 62 & 64gn ammo.

Obviously reloading may help considerably, but what else may be wrong?

Bullet weights still too low for 1-8" twist?
Recrowning required?
Faulty receiver, need truing?
Is wind REALLY that big an influence on these high velocity .224 projectiles???
If so,anyone want a .223? Because I may as well stick to my old .22 LR and get closer.
???




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If it was only with so 50 or 55 grain projectiles, I would have said they were over spinning and that could be causing an issue.
Are you shooting from a bipod and loading it too much?

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I have the same rifle and best group I get is from the 75 grain Hornady, light ones are like a mad woman's shit!
Tried some Remington 65 grain on Sat with some success, is a work in progress I think!

Yes, shooting from bipod, but usually do ok and remember I shoot well with e act same setup in 7-08.

What size groups you achieving with 75gn @Maca49


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Incidentally @Maca49, I don't know what a mad woman's shit looks like, but I'm guessing it's kind of loose and splattery


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My 1:8 Tikka even shoots 40gr, 53gr, 55gr, 69gr and 75gr bullets fine.

Did you have the barrel shortened, hence the re-crown?
Arthur Cleland threaded my rifle (no re-crown was required) and I've had no problems.

Are you using the factory Tikka rings?
I always did and had no problem with them for years, but after changing scopes on the rifle they mysteriously went to crap and I replaced them, I use Talley lightweight rings now and they are great.

I'd take the scope off and remove rifle from the stock, make sure that the action goes back into the recoil lug correctly. Try non-Tikka factory rings and make sure the screws are done up just enough, usually only 20 in/lbs which is bugger all!

Anything you try leave the suppressor off and only put it on once you've got it sorted, try and isolate as many possible problems as possible, it could also be the scope so could try changing that with one you know is good, or put try the scope on a rifle you know is good.

Within 1" circle at 100 metres off bipod 3 shots, I want to shoot some bunnies with mine, might have to buy 1:12 as well! @Happy maybe able to help you?

How does it shoot with a cleaned barrel? If it groups tightly when cleaned and starts to spread the more you shoot, I would have a look down the barrel.
I have have a very bad experience after some Smithing (threading)was done on an unfired brand new rifle!

give the barrel a bloody good clean, right back to bare metal

take the scope off and re mount it

take the action from the stock and double check its seated on the lug

also it depends on your definition of accurate, just because it doesnt shoot as well as your other rifles? an inch is a dead rabbit easy no?

No noticeable difference between clean barrel or after 30 shots.

Original Tikka allow rings on both rifles. No stretch marks and have been careful not to overtighten.
Might have to inspect recoil lug and change rings as process of elimination.
Very frustrating!
Lost a Sika hind in winter when shouldn't have.


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I am not an expert, i never been and i think i will never be as i think i learn something everyday.
My opinion/experience is, I had a Tikka 223 in 1:8" and it shot everything i put through, Hornady's 55gn soft points - 75gn "match", the worse groups was about 1.2" at 100mt or yd, the thing about 1:8" twist is that it will shoot heavier projectiles that will give better/less "wind drift" at long distances for been heavier.
My suggestion is, ask for another gunsmith opinion depending what he say you cut and re-crown or may just re-barrel the thing all together. Dramatic and maybe extreme but should work.

M

Originally Posted by scoped

give the barrel a bloody good clean, right back to bare metal

take the scope off and re mount it

take the action from the stock and double check its seated on the lug

also it depends on your definition of accurate, just because it doesnt shoot as well as your other rifles? an inch is a dead rabbit easy no?

There's dead rabbits, dying a slow and painful death, and dead rabbits from head shots. I'm capable of the latter so I need a rifle that is too. I should also be able to compete with it


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Lots of comments about tikka ring quality but they hold up on 300WM's etc with no issue!

I havent had any issues with Arthurs workmanship, id try some 69gr sierra match kings or 75 amax and see if that makes a difference

Before you spend any coin, I have new take-off tikka rings and I might also think some Warne ones that you are welcome to give a try to confirm if yours are an issue!