USGW Tikka .260 - *New Update 12/30/11*

jrob300

jrob300

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 7, 2009
2,492
6
Montana
#1
<span style="font-weight: bold">*RANGE REPORT ADDED 6/9*</span>


I love news when a new build is in process. Well, good news...
grin.gif


Got this from Mike Bush @ Underground Skunkworks today on my phone while I was at Home Depot after work. Blurry cellphone pic, but made *MY* day!

IMG_0024-2.jpg


Action work is complete. New bolt knob done... Barrel chambered and installed by Fri. Almost there!

John
 
#5
Re: Good news today!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matthewusmc8791</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice.... Even though its for a 260...lol

Looks good JR!!! </div></div>

Thanks Matt!

Scotch,

Yep, Tikka T3... good call!

John
 
#6
Re: Good news today!

Got an update from Mike. Barrel is chambered and installed with the custom recoil lug on the trued action. Barrel is threaded and muzzle brake installed.

Won't be long now....
grin.gif


John
 
#9
Re: Good news today!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really like that bolt handle, did mike do that? </div></div>

Actually, I'm in the VA Bch/Norfolk area until Wednesday....Although the design is mine, the bolt knob install is all Tim (my Ops Manager). He handles pretty much everything while I'm on the road....
 
#11
Re: Good news today!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike-will you be selling the handles as a separate item? </div></div>

Adam,
We'll be offering the entire package on the Tikka T3 and if you just want the bolt knob, we'll do that as well.

The entire package includes:
Face Receiver Back and prep for UGSW Tikka Recoil Lug
Locate Pins in Receiver Face for Recoil Lug
Custom Manufacture Recoil Lug (Matches Shape of Receiver)
Re-Cut Receiver Threads
Re-Cut Lug Abutments
Open Scope Base Holes to 8-40
Prep and Modify Bolt Handle to Accept UGSW Bolt Knob
Manufacture Bolt Knob
Fill In (Eliminate) and Profile Factory Recoil Lug Notch in Receiver Bottom
True and Square Bolt Face/Bolt Lugs Referencing Bolt Way in Receiver
Thread, Chamber and Crown New Barrel (Brake Optional)
Custom Fit Barreled Action to Manners Stock (The UGSW Way)
Apply Finish to Barreled Action and Stock

In my opinion, the Tikka T3 action is quite (ahem) superior to the Rem700 in numerous areas. However, there are areas on the T3 that fell a little short in execution (as is the case with most things I guess). That's why we've developed the improvements that we incorporate and the results are incredible.

I expect to range test John's .260 in a couple weeks or so and I'm sure John will post results as well.
 
#12
Re: Good news today!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skunkworks</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really like that bolt handle, did mike do that? </div></div>

Actually, I'm in the VA Bch/Norfolk area until Wednesday....Although the design is mine, the bolt knob install is all Tim (my Ops Manager). He handles pretty much everything while I'm on the road.... </div></div>

Adam,

Sorry for the confusion... I was under the impression that you were asking if Mike (UGSW) did it as opposed to another shop. I knew Mike was out of town and I'm glad he chimed in here and clarified, because I would certainly not want to take credit from Tim. He does outstanding work.

John
 
#13
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost done!

I'm jealous!.. definitely jealous.
smile.gif


I wish the precision rifle fairy's would wave the magic wand (are you listening Tikka ?) and make a short action 2 gen version that I could send off to UGSW.
 
#16
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost done!

<span style="font-weight: bold">Update</span>

Pics of barreled action:

IMG_0402.jpg


20MOA EGW HD Picatinny rail modified to 30 MOA and to accept 8-48 screws, pinned to the action. UGSW recoil lug pinned and fitted to the action, as well as UGSW Bad Azz brake. Custom pillars made and DBM fitted.

USGW Bad Azz brake:

IMG_0401.jpg


Waiting on stock work and finishing touches... coming together.

Thanks Mike and Tim!

John
 
#19
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost done!

Got the call from Mike last night. Picked it up this morning. Of course it poured rain all day. Will try to get out and shoot tomorrow morning.

This thing is a work of art. Thanks Mike and Tim!

IMG_0413-1.jpg


IMG_0416-1.jpg


IMG_0411-1.jpg


IMG_0418-1.jpg


I asked if I could do my own paint, so Mike let me pick it up nekkid. Living 15 minutes from the shop has its advantages.
wink.gif


Range report, cerakote, and better pics to follow.

John
 
#22
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost done!

It looks great naked. Theres something elemental about well machined steel. It's a marvelous rifle.

Enjoy it in good health.
 
#24
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">JRob- What color is the manners stock,? </div></div>

That's Krylon Fusion Ultra Flat Khaki
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Tim shot a coat of Polane in Desert Tan as a base coat (I think). But it looked really funky when I threw the Razor on top. I shot the Khaki on it so it would at least semi-match the paint on the Razor, which is off my 300WM. Waiting patiently on the new SS 5-20 HD for the .260

John
 
#25
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

that rifle is sick. (I end up saying this about every damn rifle on this site!) Oh well, it's the truth!
 
#29
Re: Good news today!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skunkworks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Custom Fit Barreled Action to Manners Stock (The UGSW Way)
</div></div>

you guys are some on the best at this i have seen. in all of the photos it looks like the tang just grew from the stock. seamless and perfect.
 
#30
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

Got out to the range today. I wasn't looking forward to the shoot one, clean til copper is gone, routine.

Bore sighted the scope. Put first round downrange and clean with Barnes CR10. After a few patches to get the powder fouling out, and *several* more swipes I began to just get the faintest hint of blue. Hmmm... used to seeing a lot more copper than that with my 300WM. Make scope adjustment. Shoot second round. Clean... A little carbon on the patch, but no blue. None. Shoot third round. Clean... No blue. Screw this... time to shoot some groups.

Huge kudos to Brux barrels and Underground Skunkworks for a great barrel and an awesome chambering job!

I had loaded up 10 rds. of 41.5 grains of H4350 in virgin Lapua .260 brass under 140 Berger VLD's, .020 off the lands for break-in. Then I had 25 rds. from 41.5-43.5 gr. in 5 rd. groups for development. Below is the development target.

260groups1jpg.jpg


I had called flyers in the 41.5, 42.5 and 43.5 gr groups. I'm sure that I'm not on my A game since this is the second time I've shot since October.
frown.gif
The largest group is .796" (.307" w/o flyer) and the smallest is .398" Apparently this rifle really doesn't care what you feed it.

This is so different than loading for my 300WM. It's a picky bitch.

Tim told me that cut-rifled barrels really start shooting well after about 40 rds. so these should tighten up a bit more. Might continue to go up in charge also, as NO sign of pressure and 43.5 was giving me about 2775 fps.

More pics:

IMG_7115.jpg


IMG_7117.jpg


All in all, I'm thrilled. This is exactly what my goal for this rifle was. Something capable of surgical precision. Mike and Tim have surely given me that. Now I know that the weak link is me.

John
 
#35
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aubrey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd appreciate it very much if you could elaborate on the recoil lug changes. </div></div>

I learned from my Tikka T3 300WM that the recoil design on these rifles may be OK for an infrequently shot hunting rifle, but for a precision rifle that sees over 1000 rds./year through it, especially a heavy recoiling magnum, the stock lug is in adequate. For the 300, we installed a Tubbs R700 style lug. That lug is not ideal as the threads for the Remington 700 barrel are larger, so a step has to be machined in the Tikka barrel and ultimately engagement between the lug and the action are reduced due to the Tikkas smaller action size.

Mike Bush @ UGSW has solved this by designing a proprietary lug specifically for the Tikka. It is the correct ID for the Tikka barrel and shaped to contour to the outside of the Tikka action.

IMG_0402-1.jpg


John
 
#36
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

John,
Thanks. I've been intrigued by the Tikkas as an alternative to the typical Chevys and Fords. Looks like a really sweet solution.
 
#37
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

Aubrey,

You're welcome. Like any other action designed to be hunting rifle, the Tikka has its drawbacks, but it is my opinion that those drawbacks are fewer, the advantages are greater and more of the shortcomings have been mitigated of late by aftermarket support and builder innovation by guys like Mike @ UGSW. Add to that a 75* bolt lift and sliky smooth action... I'll keep my Tikkas.

John
 
#38
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

Took advantage of a Monday off, to check out our LR spot. A dry lake in the summer, it's basically a swamp right now. Ugh... muddy, standing water (over the tops of my boots in places at the target), mosquitoes... horrible. Raining cats and dogs, and oh, did I mention LOTS of mud? But we came this far, be a shame not to shoot.
wink.gif
Not optimal field conditions.

500 Yds. (2.6 mil up) - 3.1" c-c - .62 moa

IMG_0419copy.jpg


1000 yds. (7.9 mil up)- 6" vertical (1st shot missed just right, 2nd shot on edge of plate, made a wind hold adjustment of about .2 mil left to finish the group)

IMG_0424copy.jpg


Would have loved to shoot more, but it was horrible conditions and I accomplished what I came to do which was double check elevation to verify my MV. JBM confirms the chrono. This load (43 gr H4350) is running about 2785 fps.

John
 
#39
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

Ran my new UGSW Tikka T3 .260 through it's first match on Saturday. Performed flawlessly. Fed perfectly and basically hit everything I pointed it at (I did have some elevation issues past 750 yds. .. shooting high. But that was due to lack of field data for the load, not the rifles fault. Simply have not had a chance to shoot it over 500 yds. with the new load).

Speaking of which... some load development groups at 500 yds. with once fired brass:

All @ 500 yards.

First round on the right was a sighter. Next three rounds:

TgtGfx4.jpg


pulled the next two to open up to this:

TgtGfx5.jpg


Settled down a bit and shot this (.5 gr. less powder and a bit of a L-R wind):

TgtGfx1.jpg


Finished the day with this:

TgtGfx2.jpg


Rifle is great... shooter still needs some work.
wink.gif


John
 
#41
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

Nice. The Potomac shoot is fun, no? I was the one in the desert BDU shorts. It is always a good time and a learning experience. I learned my rifle is not a summer gun. It is a 6.5-06AI and it got so hot I couldn't touch it at stage 3. I'm thinking you shot pretty well, I think I heard Gary say you tied Bob and his tube gun. I will miss Aug. but will try to make Sept. to prep for Antelope.
Mike did an excellent job on your rifle, I can only imagine what it takes to do that kind of work. I'm envious of you both.
 
#42
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JeffP40</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I heard Gary say you tied Bob and his tube gun. </div></div>

Thanks, Jeff. I had a ball. Definitely be back.

I'm guessing that Bob didn't have his best day then... I got gooseggs on the 6th stage (I think)... I took a shot at the 1327 target on stage 5 (?) and forgot to rezero. Thought the scope was at 2.7 mil on the next stage (actually 12.7)and shot everything 10 mil over. Since we couldn't see the misses, neither the spotter or myself caught it until we were talking after the stage and I though to check the elevation turret. Rookie mistake.
cry.gif


John
 
#43
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

A guy in our group did the same thing twice. One nice thing about my screamer is I only need 20moa to 1000, so I am never over one turn on the turret, except for the 1300. JBM says 35.5 at that distance, but with no good way to see misses, I haven't been able to tell where I am at that one yet.
 
#44
Re: Good news today! - UGSW .260 build almost don

I won't shoot at that one again... not with a match on the line and no way to confirm a hit.

Mike is building my son (he goes back to Iraq from r-n-r tomorrow) a 30" 300WM. It should pump Hornady 225's out at 2850-2900 fps. I'm pretty sure that will make a mark at 1327
grin.gif
That is one thing I do miss with the .260. The big "thump" on steel.

John
 
#45
Re: UGSW Tikka .260 - *New Update 12/30/11*

Year end/1000 rd. Update.

New paint. Cerakote FDE. Did it myself and it came out OK. I like it:

IMG_0774.jpg


Went to the range today to test out my new 139 Scenar load. Not ideal conditions. 33 deg. F. Sleeting/raining, wet mess.

Shot some Berger 140 VLD's at 300 yards for a baseline:

TgtGfx-2.jpg


The small print from OnTarget (what's up with that?) says, ".756" C-C , .241 MOA". Not too shabby, huh? Stay tuned.

Then I shot the Scenars. Yes, the top shot is all me. I called it. Ask my spotter. Grrr.

TgtGfx-1.jpg


If you can't read that itty-bitty print, it says, ".508" C-C, .162 MOA" for the 4 bottom shots. I guess the Scenars are grouping adequately.
grin.gif
For reference, that is the smallest 4 shot group I've ever shot. The load will work for my purposes.

Oh, and Mike and Tim build a hell of a rifle. Thanks guys.

John
 
#49
Re: UGSW Tikka .260 - *New Update 12/30/11*

Thanks guys.

As you can probably guess, I really like Tikkas. The only reticence I have in recommending them is their soft aluminum, floating recoil lug. As long as they address this issue, the rifle will be a consistent, accurate rifle, but that lug has caused more issues for me than I care to remember, hence the custom R700 type that Mike made up.

I am honestly still learning to shoot this thing. I've never owned a rifle this accurate before and the other rifles hid some of my issues. This rifle gives immediate positive feedback. No questions. I screw up and the round goes exactly where I shot it. So as I make adjustments to my form, the groups just keep getting tighter. Me likey.
grin.gif


John
 
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