Tikka Barrel?

[Ron/Pa.]

 I bought a wood stocked Tikka in .243 caliber. I can get two shots that are pretty close but the next shots will start to print all over. Is this due to Barrel heat up? How many shots can be taken before barrel heat up becomes a problem Also, would a larger Caliber, 308 30-06 etc. do better in keeping a decent group with a hot barrel?? Thanks ..

[doctordisaster]

The Tikka T3 has a free floated barrel so the heat shouldn't effect it as much as other designs.I would say if the rifle is new,return it for a check up.I can shoot three shot strings with my T3 6.5X55 and practically put them all in the same hole.The heat is not an issue if you can hold the palm of your hand on the barrel.If you cant take some more time between strings,3 or 4 minutes should be enough.I shoot mine then open the bolt and stand it up so the barrel airs out.Then I grab another rifle shoot a string .By that time the Tikka is fine to shoot.The 6.5 runs hotter than a 243.The only thing I can think of is the stock fit.At any time did you remove the stock?Check the pillar(piece of steel used to float the barrel).Take a dollar bill and it should slide from the for-end tip to to the action.That will tell you if it's contacting the stock(which it should not).A loose scope mount could do the same thing but it would be more erratic than two good shots and one flier.A loose or poorly fitted scope would be all over the target.
Hope that helps.

[Ron/Pa.]

  I hope it is the scope. Really like the Rifle. Tried the Dollar Bill and it seems o.k. Think I will try another scope and see. Thanks for the help...

[Racklover]

I was having the same problem.  It turned out to be the cheap factory rings it came with. 

[Tikkabuck]

Hey There
  My son has a Whitetail Hunter in .243 and it is a very accurite gun,we normally shoot a sting of 4 while sighting in and let the gun cool. His does the best with Winchesters in the black box and remington Core'Loks,I can't reload them to shoot any better in that gun. We have never used the standard scope mounts so I can't advise you there. When you bought the gun did you do a proper barrel break in ? You shouldn't have to but if all else fails you might try bedding the action. JUst a side thought, I have a buddy thats kids shoots a Model 7 in .243,with 100 grain factory loads it will shoot fair but noting to right home about,kinda of like your saying,it will kill a deer but nothing to write home about but if you shoot 80 grain factroy loads in that rifle it becomes scary accurite. Why I have no clue.

[rockbilly]

I own several Sakos, and would never consider barrel bedding, or any other alterations unless it was a last ditch effort.  I would go back and take a look at the total set up, check the screws that hold the action together to ensure they are tight, look at scope mounts, rings, etc. And you may also consider having a friend fire the gun to see if they get the same results you are.  You didn't say if the gun was purchased new, so if it was bought used check to see if any alterations have been made to the stock or action.  If it is a used gun you may consider glass bedding the action at this point if you see, or suspect alterations.

I shoot both the .243 and .244 both are tack drivers, neither gun has been modified, both are topped with V-X II Leopold 3x9 scopes.  In the .243 I am shooting reloads, 100 gr Sierra BTSP, 33 gn IMR 3031, CCI Mag primer, in Federal cases.  It is a moderately light load but extremely accurate, and has been an excellent deer round.  I had to play with reloading for a while until I found the load the gun liked.

[Zachary]

If you are using the factory rings, then I think that's the reason.  Get either Warnes or Talleys.

Zachary

[Ron/Pa.]

Thanks for the replies. I am in the process of buying a new scope, might as well spend a few more Bucks and get new rings too! Man, I really like this Rifle and want it to shoot half decent!

[ccoker]

get a good scope (I am partial to the Nikon Monarchs) and a set of good rings (I use Warnes for Tikkas, but hear the Talleys are nice)


my first tikka had the rings break, they were basically Millet's with the adjustable windage, no need for that in my opinion with a good gun and scope and more variables to go wrong

the 308 lite I bought the other day had different rings but they just seemed like cheap aluminum ones so I put on the Warnes, 30 bucks for the piece of mind is cheap..

[Ron/Pa.]

I bought a Sightron 3x9 and had a a set of Weavers Rings and Bases put on and I can get the one inch advertised groups , with 100gr. Remington`s. Really like the Rifle and `scope Combo.....

[ccoker]

cool
also be sure and try several different boxes of shells to try
some may group better than others
my old sako 243 loves the Federal 80g SPs, the cheaper stuff for example but didn't like the 85g Federal Gameking BTHP
loves Winchester 100g SP and Hornady light magnum 100g SP

I would try a box of Federal Fusion 95g, I haven't tried it in my gun but the reviews are pretty unanymous for shooting well in a variety of guns