Tikka Tac 308 1k tips

[TurboTrout]

I recently joined a range that has steel out to just over 1k, with all the covid crazy BS my 308 Tikka Tac got put on the bench, good news is my 22 Sako is dialed in now like a scalpel for NRL22, but with things getting back to normal, and me debating pulling the trigger on reloading, and having joined this new range...

Out to about 500 its/I’m pretty consistent, the rifle has the 18” factory barrel, vortex PST2 25x, MPA grip, atlas bipod, few different bags

I was thinking maybe a bartlein 5R 24” or so?

I’m also open to hear any load ideas or what specs I should be looking for in my ammo pending getting a reloading rig set up and myself spun up on reloading.

For sure 100% I am a yuuuge factor in all this, I get that, I just would like to take as many variables out as possible.

Thanks!

 

[phlegethon]

Why not just see how your current setup runs before replacing anything? Tikkas have good factory barrels.

 

[Biscuits]

I assume you mean 1000 yards, not metres. Don't think too much, just shoot it. Even out of an an 18 inch barrel rifle, your bullet should still be supersonic/accurate with any decent target match ammo.

You may find things head south rapidly past 1000 yards with most ammo as your bullet will be subsonic by 1100 with that barrel length.

 

[TurboTrout]

I assume you mean 1000 yards, not metres. Don't think too much, just shoot it. Even out of an an 18 inch barrel rifle, your bullet should still be supersonic/accurate with any decent target match ammo.

You may find things head south rapidly past 1000 yards with most ammo as your bullet will be subsonic by 1100 with that barrel length.

until I get into reloading, what’s the hive choice for best bang for the buck ammo for this range?

 

[Biscuits]

^ Can't say. I'm in Europe with the curious situation compared from what I read about the US, that here we have ammo, ammo everywhere, but not a big range of ammo to choose from. See what is in stock and look up the specs for it. You want match ammo with a G1 BC of about 0.45 or more to make sure you stay supersonic to that distance. I've never tried these, but several people suggest avoiding SMK (Sierra Match King) 168gr bullets for long range. I use 155gr or 175gr SMK bullets for that distance which are manufactured into a factory cartridge here in Europe, but that is more because it is cheap and effective than anything else.

If it's available, I think there is a Hornady 178 grain 308 cartridge with a very high (for 308) BC which would get you a bit more distance out of your short barrel. Haven't tried that mainly due the the limited range of ammo available in Europe. At longer range, it's often cheaper per hit if you use more expensive ammo and fire less shots.

 

[TurboTrout]

^ Can't say. I'm in Europe with the curious situation compared from what I read about the US, that here we have ammo, ammo everywhere, but not a big range of ammo to choose from. See what is in stock and look up the specs for it. You want match ammo with a G1 BC of about 0.45 or more to make sure you stay supersonic to that distance. I've never tried these, but several people suggest avoiding SMK (Sierra Match King) 168gr bullets for long range. I use 155gr or 175gr SMK bullets for that distance which are manufactured into a factory cartridge here in Europe, but that is more because it is cheap and effective than anything else.

If it's available, I think there is a Hornady 178 grain 308 cartridge with a very high (for 308) BC which would get you a bit more distance out of your short barrel. Haven't tried that mainly due the the limited range of ammo available in Europe. At longer range, it's often cheaper per hit if you use more expensive ammo and fire less shots.

I just grabbed some of the ammo I had for my first outing here

M80
168 tipped match kings
150 fiocchi

The 150 seemed pretty good
M80 held its own at distance better then I expected
The 168 match kings were underwhelming.

Just need to settle on something and get a good DOPE going

 

[Shoots 700's]

Berger 175 otm factory ammo or Federal gold metal match 175 are what i would run.

 

[TurboTrout]

Berger 175 otm factory ammo or Federal gold metal match 175 are what i would run.

Thanks!

Is there much advantage to the lighter bullet in light winds and or higher DA?

Not super high, but with a DA of like 2300MSL and 40% humidity those 150s seemed to be out performing the 168 tipped match kings

Of course this was legit like a few random boxes of ammo and I didn’t have a refined Dope for them at the ranges I was shooting, just ranged with my scope, strelok the drop and sent it

 

[Lost_Phil]

Thanks!

Is there much advantage to the lighter bullet in light winds and or higher DA?

Not super high, but with a DA of like 2300MSL and 40% humidity those 150s seemed to be out performing the 168 tipped match kings

Of course this was legit like a few random boxes of ammo and I didn’t have a refined Dope for them at the ranges I was shooting, just ranged with my scope, strelok the drop and sent it

It has a a lot to do with the barrel and it's twist rate and length, and lighter stubby bullets usually get pushed more then longer skinner bullets by wind.

The M80 147's have always been pretty good out to 500-600 yards with a 20 inch or shorter barrel, but I have never got the 168's to be as good, they like 22 inches or longer barrel length.

I would look for the M118LR surplus ammo and give it a try. I would also stick with the 175 SMK type ammo for any shooting out past 500-600 yards. You might also want to try out the Berger 185 Juggernaut OTM and the Lapua Scenar-L 175 ammo.

For reloading, look up the M118LR load data and try to copy it. Once you have it figured out, you can start to tweak it to shoot better in your rifle. Also, keep all of the brass that you shoot, it will save you money once you start to reload.

 

[Rob01]

until I get into reloading, what’s the hive choice for best bang for the buck ammo for this range?

Try some of these. I have shot the 178 Superformance out of my 20" and hit 1000 without issue but they discontinued them. The Superformance can give more velocity in the shorter barrels. The 168 ELD is an excellent bullet also. I load them for my match rifle.

Hornady Superformance Match 308 Winchester Ammo 168 Grain Hornady ELD

Topped with the finest bullets, Superformance Match ammunition marries the very best cartridge cases with extremely stable propellants that are custom...

www.midwayusa.com