Thread: Old Tikka T3 270 - I dunno

So since the 30-284 project didn't look viable I went to plan B, that was a Kimber Montana in 270. But someone on TM had deeper pockets than me so I missed out on that. Whilst doing a bit of comparison shopping at Custom Guns I'd noticed a very modestly priced T3 model of the fluted barrel flavor there. Complete with Limbsaver, Optilock rings and a Burris 3-9 Fullfield 11 scope - someone had put together a very practica, lightweightrig!. The rifle presented as new, if it had fired more than a packet of ammo I'd be surprised. Plan C right there. So following the TM disappointment I headed there with my FAL and some cash.


It wasn't threaded so first order was to get that fixed, after copping quite a bit of cheek for buying a Tikka from the crew there Greg allowed he'd thread it right away. There was more cheek thrown my way about fluted barrels and the tiny bit of rust on the bolt. Well when I picked it up the rust was gone, replaced by a fluted bolt body, Greg had made a beaut job of it, for gratis! That's what happens when ya support ya local!

So I'm now the bemused owner of an "old" Tikka T3 "pooh-seventy". Nothing for it but to chuck some H4831 and H1000 behind the only box of 277 projectiles in my stash - Sierra 150gn SPBTs and head to the range. (I reload 270 for a couple of cobbers so there were dies and some Norma cases here).

The first 10 shot group was a tad over 50mm at 100M . . . So nothing to write home about there, although it did seem to be trying . . , so I rechecked my position on the bench and sent another 10 round group . . . . To be continued!

And this is the second 10 shot group at 100M.



I think I might give up and just run a Tikka 270 . . . PS, I cocked up using Ballistic X and the group actually measures at 0.75 MOA

It might be the rifle make. Maybe give up on Howa's?

I'm the same as you. Got an old Howa .270 for a steal. I wasn't sure if it would shoot well so I ummed and ah'd about rebarreling to a .280 or .280 AI. Seemed to be the best use of the LA.

Then I took it to the range to see what a cheap pack of ammo would do and very quickly changed my mind. I'm sold on my .270 now .

Originally Posted by Tahr

It might be the rifle make. Maybe give up on Howa's?

There is nothing wrong with our Howa's. You just haven't seen the groups. We didn't want to embarrass the boys who spent twice as much. ��

@Tentman and that was with the 3-9 scope on it or changed out for a range scope ?

Pretty boring rifle then and your work is done.
Move on to the next project

Go shoot the Gracia and test those bullets
Try living on the Dark Side
Just don't take it into the house this time

Originally Posted by nor-west

There is nothing wrong with our Howa's. You just haven't seen the groups. We didn't want to embarrass the boys who spent twice as much. ��

What he said^^

I did a sloppy position 5 followed by a well positioned 5 this week you'd swear it was two different rifles or shooters the sloppy position was held tight on the bull with no notable movement off poi but with inconsistent pressure and body position

Great news!

It will find the animals and carry them off the hill for you too.

Last night the young fellow I helped get going on reloading for his Howa 270 came over and we loaded 40 rounds with the ELDXs he is running. Just so you Howa guys can share the fun, here's a 7 shot group from his rifle, I never measured it but its not too shabby. His Howa is "full noise" - poking out the 145s at 3016 fps. Nothing much wrong with his shooting either.

good shooting all round.first 10 shot group is decent,thats a real group.most of the 3 shot groups people brag about would blow out to the same as that over 10 shots.270s are cool.

No doubt about 270’s can shoot.

Nothing wrong with Howa either. That's good shooting from you both.

I think I might take it back, first I think I got a Sako barrel out of the bin instead of a shitty Tikka jobbie, and now it thinks it's a bloody magnum, it's sending 145/150s at 3000 fps with nill pressure signs (confirmed by GRT)

This kind of finding is not news to us long term 270 users.