I bought a Tikka T3X Super Varmint with a 22" barrel with 1:8" twist rate. My first reloads were with 55gr Sierra SBT #1365 and two experimental powders, Viht N530 and Varget. The result was so-so, not what I hope for. Given the 1:8" twist rate, I want to try a heavier bullet, maybe 65 gr. What experience have you guys had with powders, bullets, etc.? I'll appreciate any help you can offer. Tom
Bullets for my new Tikka .223?
- Thread starter Sniper66
- Start date
- Status
Docendo Discimus
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2021
- Messages
- 303
I like these with W748. Good price too.
https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bul...w-point-boat-tail-3-gun-hunter-bullets-new-2/
https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bul...w-point-boat-tail-3-gun-hunter-bullets-new-2/
AJC1
Member
The 68 grain Hornaday is good in my rifle and the 69smk is legendary. Hard to argue either is bad. Laupa also makes a 69 scanar but I haven't shot that or the berger offering. No shortage of good options. If your new to the game the rmr is great for bulk with exceptional accuracy.
I should add that the primary targets will be coyotes and prairie dogs. I chose the Sierra 55gr SBT because friends have had good luck with them and they are fairly cheap and usually available. Atypical p-dog hunt can yield 100s of shots so ammo can get used up pretty fast. I want a bullet that travels well in the wind, is accurate out to 300-400 yds and with good terminal performance. The first goal is to find loads and bullets that suit this particular rifle and can be effective for my targets. Thanks for your help.
AJC1
Member
For that I'd use this
https://www.sierrabullets.com/product/22-caliber-62-gr-sbt/
Just a little more punch and wind resistance. I use the 165 in 308.
https://www.sierrabullets.com/product/22-caliber-62-gr-sbt/
Just a little more punch and wind resistance. I use the 165 in 308.
That is precisely the. bullet I've been looking at, but was wondering about a 69gr. Won't know for sure until I try it, eh? Thanks for the boost.
kmw1954
Member
With only a 1:9 twist 22" barrel I was having very good results out to 300yds with 69gr pills such as the RMR, Nosler and the Hornady 68grMatch, using powders such as TAC, Benchmark and 2460.
I have been contemplating moving to a 1:8 or 1:7.5 to move up to 80 or 85gr bullets.
I have been contemplating moving to a 1:8 or 1:7.5 to move up to 80 or 85gr bullets.
That range is beyond my loads useful range but I’ll post it anyway. I like a 77 grain SMK over CFE 223. Accurate in my rifles and it retains some down range energy.
I also have a varmint load running TAC under a Hornady 55 grain soft point. It’s in the low side of the charge range running maybe 2700 fps from my 16” barrel. When load testing it shot right at 1 MOA. It’s a little slow for over 200 yards imho so I don’t know how you would do with it.
I also have a varmint load running TAC under a Hornady 55 grain soft point. It’s in the low side of the charge range running maybe 2700 fps from my 16” barrel. When load testing it shot right at 1 MOA. It’s a little slow for over 200 yards imho so I don’t know how you would do with it.
Blue68f100
Member
A 68gr SMK is right in the middle for the 1:8 twist barrel. I shoot these with Varget, and TAC. The varget loads will give you 1 ragged hole on a 3 shot group if you do your part. The TAC is a 1 moa group but not near as tight. I've tested the RMR 69gr bullet in my guns. It shoots like the SGK do on group size 1 moa. It's designed to expand so it's a good bullet for hunting.
Chuck R.
Member
Depends on use really.
TGTs I use Sierra either 69 TMK (1:9) or 77OTM (1:8 & 1:7).
Coyotes, beavers and muskrats: 55 Nosler BTs or 60 BTs
My precision/varmint loads all use either Varget or TAC
For either type loads, one make of brass, sized to the chamber, with FED match primers. I've had several yotes run off and die later when hit with OTMs, so I stick with varmint bullets for varmints.
TGTs I use Sierra either 69 TMK (1:9) or 77OTM (1:8 & 1:7).
Coyotes, beavers and muskrats: 55 Nosler BTs or 60 BTs
My precision/varmint loads all use either Varget or TAC
For either type loads, one make of brass, sized to the chamber, with FED match primers. I've had several yotes run off and die later when hit with OTMs, so I stick with varmint bullets for varmints.
I ordered this bullet for my experiment with heavier than 55gr bullets. As I've been searching for load guidance via manuals, I find that most of the loads were developed with 1:12" twist, but did see some for 1:9" twist, which will provide some approximate recipes for my 1:8". I'll be using mostly Varget. The Viht N530 is only so-so...it works better for lighter bullets in my other .223 and in the .204. I found no loads specifically for the a 1:8" twist.223
https://reloadingeverything.com/.22-65-grain-SPBT-GAMEKING-Sierra-092763013953-3284/
https://reloadingeverything.com/.22-65-grain-SPBT-GAMEKING-Sierra-092763013953-3284/
AJC1
Member
I think you will be very pleased.
kmw1954
Member
I think you will see improvement with the heavier bullets, say in that 65-80gr range.
As stated the 69gr MRM have done as well as many others I have tried in my 1:9 and intend to try their 75gr once I get to the new barrel.
Good luck and post feedback on your results.
As stated the 69gr MRM have done as well as many others I have tried in my 1:9 and intend to try their 75gr once I get to the new barrel.
Good luck and post feedback on your results.
dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Twist rates versus Bullet Weight for .223
flatsticks
Member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2020
- Messages
- 332
I have been using 77 Sierra and Berger in my Tikka 223T3X varmint with them both being the most accurate bullets for me .
Same barrel twist and a 24 inch barrel .
Both bullets have been with varget powder .
For a lighter bullet 60gr berger varmint have been pretty accurate also .
The 77berger otm, going to try it for yotes this year and see how it does .
Same barrel twist and a 24 inch barrel .
Both bullets have been with varget powder .
For a lighter bullet 60gr berger varmint have been pretty accurate also .
The 77berger otm, going to try it for yotes this year and see how it does .
These last two posts #15 and #16 are very helpful. The rest of them are useful too and these last two are the icing on the cake. I've ordered the 65gr Sierra SBT and have my loads waiting. Some of the other suggestions will be put into practice at some point when I can find them!
Bottom Gun
Member
Dh1633pm,
What was the source of that chart?
Thanks!!
What was the source of that chart?
Thanks!!
- Status
