Thread: Factory/Factory 223 Accuracy Challenge

Originally Posted by Tentman

Crown looked fine.

Seems logical that it's fine if it shoots well with another bullet. Sensitivity to fouling might be bullet specific though, give it a good hoozle out.

Originally Posted by gimp

How many have you see with 10rd groups though?

Factory ammo shoots fine out of a better match barrel

Attachment 283814

the difference between good and mediocre barrels is that good barrels shoot more or less any ammunition well, while mediocre barrels only shoot some well. it's driven by barrel quality not ammunition quality.

Is there a 1:12” category for those of us plebs with the slower twist rates?

Originally Posted by Andrew46826

Is there a 1:12” category for those of us plebs with the slower twist rates?

Sure, I'm working on identifying a 55 gn ammo that is satisfactory for testing different rifles.

Originally Posted by Tentman

Sure, I'm working on identifying a 55 gn ammo that is satisfactory for testing different rifles.

55 v max in fiocchi is a cheap option to try. Its shot well in a few fussy rifles.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

A factory 55 GRN load might possibly be a better test....include larger pool of rifles.

Nah my Ruger American Ranch II hates 55gn. Loves 62, 65 , 69, 75, 77. Mostly shoot 62.

Originally Posted by gimp

the difference between good and mediocre barrels is that good barrels shoot more or less any ammunition well, while mediocre barrels only shoot some well. it's driven by barrel quality not ammunition quality.

I imagine that you are right...but I imagine it's a commonsense observation rather something proved with any scientific method...which seems to be the way of things with firearms because even with Hornady's massive investment they still acknowledge that they can only work with a limited number of barrels. So we have to look at what we are seeing across the board and reach commonsense conclusions.

One could imagine that all factory barrels (except outliers) are mediocre (relative to the best custom barrels) and really, it's about who is more consistently acceptable for intended purpose.

It seems the people at Vortex, Rokslide, Backfire, Gerg Duley and the majority of NZ hunters have concluded that Tikka is your best bet of not getting a lemon...my local wont stock Howa's, they don't like disappointed customers and the work involved in getting them shooting.

My mates Howa shoots as well if not better than my Tikkas...after being at it with a dremel...which is no sweat and only one trip to the range wasted, because we knew that was probably going to happen.

Another mates Remington it was boxes of ammo because he wouldn't break out the dremel and I still have no idea if that rifle was better than really average (and way below what I would go hunting with).

And it doesn't surprise me the issues that are starting surface with Bergaras who are trying to sell such feature rich rifles at bargain prices.

I think Tentman referred to this in a previous posts, Howa's and other brands he's had that shoot as well as any Tikka but after a decent chunk of them needed work.

Tikkas have their limitations, I hate the stocks feel but it is an amazing stock at the price point, every new version of them is better than the last, in terms of material and construction. And its a Sako barrel (Friwi has commented on their consistency...which I assume is relative to their competitors) and Duley at the very beginning chose a Remington to work because the Tikkas are machined too "true" to bother with.

All that costs money and that reflects in a one size fits all action and a bland finish on the stock....but the upside is a new rifle that will more likely than most comparable alternatives shoot about moa from day one.

I only care because I hate seeing new shooters struggling with problems they don't understand...it's a big enough learning curve without a manufacturer's limitation thrown in.

Having said all that I have a brand new Tikka 223 which goes to the range this weekend...cant wait to have a crack at a ten shot group with TMKs (should have got the 73eldm but commonsense went out the door)

The Tikka stock and its bedding design is I think extremely good. The rifles generally are pretty good. The Tikka T3 in 270 I have is better than any other factory rifle Ive had with the exception of a Lighgow LA102. It doesnt mean all Tikka rifles will be as good, and some will be poor. Pretending they are all "perfect" just does a huge disservice to any poor bugger unlucky enough to get a lemon one, Ive encountered several, and often it completely destroys their confidence in their shooting, when its the rifle!

Originally Posted by Tentman

The Tikka stock and its bedding design is I think extremely good. The rifles generally are pretty good. The Tikka T3 in 270 I have is better than any other factory rifle Ive had with the exception of a Lighgow LA102. It doesnt mean all Tikka rifles will be as good, and some will be poor. Pretending they are all "perfect" just does a huge disservice to any poor bugger unlucky enough to get a lemon one, Ive encountered several, and often it completely destroys their confidence in their shooting, when its the rifle!

Agree...My mates Tikka 223 stacks the 73eldm in one hole and he's a competitive type...so the pressure is properly on ...it will crush me if doesn't shoot (which is exactly what you are saying eh).

Originally Posted by Tentman

The Tikka stock and its bedding design is I think extremely good. The rifles generally are pretty good. The Tikka T3 in 270 I have is better than any other factory rifle Ive had with the exception of a Lighgow LA102. It doesnt mean all Tikka rifles will be as good, and some will be poor. Pretending they are all "perfect" just does a huge disservice to any poor bugger unlucky enough to get a lemon one, Ive encountered several, and often it completely destroys their confidence in their shooting, when its the rifle!

Like bergara 223 has done to several new to shooting forum members.
All makes have duds is just important to remember some like tikka generally have less.

Sent from my SM-S936B using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by BRADS

Like bergara 223 has done to several new to shooting forum members.
All makes have duds is just important to remember some like tikka generally have less.

Sent from my SM-S936B using Tapatalk

Exactly I still think a Tikka is the best bet to avoid the duds.
Even premium barrel makers have duds and that includes Bartlin

Sent from my CPH2531 using Tapatalk

Back to the real world guys, I'll start a new thread for your Tikka fantasies . . .

My Schultz and Larsen Legacy, 21" barrel, Factory Hornardy 73gn Match, just like the rest!



That's 1.39 MOA, MR is not horrible for hunting work at 1.32, velocity was 2739 with an SD of 16.7.

Next up was @nor-west s Howa mini "heavy barrel" . . .



And we have a new leader, yes a much scorned Howa just shot a ten shot group with factory ammo of 1.15 MOA, MR of 0.95 CM, velocity was 2764 with an SD of 18.6

I reckon this would have been a better test with the Hornady 68gr BTHP, which would have been a more favorable proj to most 1:8 twist rifles and due to the shorter length allows a better seating to short COAL, just saying .... yeah lower bc but better speed

@Wildman's howa mini .223, 1:9. My old rifle. 73gr factory