.308 Tikka T3X Super Varmint for F-Class & Single Round Feed

[disco_ike]

If you are looking to buy something as a going concern look at HPS-tr and Fultons. They both have off the shelf FTR spec rifles. There’s a cracking Quadlite actioned rifle at HPS for instance which he may shift on the asking price but is a full FTR set up ready to go with load data.

However- back to your original question. A longer barrel would suit better and if going outside 223/308 then you would be competing in F open and those guys have serious kit which is hard to compete with.

Your Tikka would give you some really good experience and get you going and potentially be competitive if you get your load right. Remember for FTR your wanting to be up closer to 200gr bullets that will punch wind better so may mean some subtle tweaks to chamber dims. It would be worth chatting to a few of the others where you shoot about their loads and velocities. From chatting to a few last time I CRO’d the imperial they find a load that groups well and compensate for the rest.

 

[tjm160]

Thanks, that's really helpful @disco_ike . I had hoped to get away with factory ammo, but clearly not if heavier would be advisable and so needing pushed a bit harder for the distance.

 

[disco_ike]

Thanks, that's really helpful @disco_ike . I had hoped to get away with factory ammo, but clearly not if heavier would be advisable and so needing pushed a bit harder for the distance.

You could try something like the heavier Hornady Black or chat to HPS as he does batch custom loads etc if you don’t have your own kit.

 

[tjm160]

Thanks @disco_ike really appreciate the steer.

Hornady black is 168gr and 2700 fps at the barrel (24"). I take it the round still need to be supersonic (>1050 fps) at 1000-yds to still be properly stabilised?

The Hornady web site only goes up to 500-yds. Mathematically extrapolating the data (rather than calculating properly as I don't know how), suggests the FPS at 1,000 yds should still be 1166. Does this seem about right? I also assume that in a 30" Barrel, the figures will be even higher?

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/308-win-168-gr-a-max-black#!/

 

[disco_ike]

So the 168 will just make it, if you try the free Hornady App think that gives terminal velocities too. The 30inch should add a couple fps but not a massive number. Have you got access to a chrono if you test a box?
I would grab a box or two, see how it groups and get up to Bisley for a try out.

 

[tjm160]

Perfect, thanks, yes, I've replaced my LMBR 'Air' chrono with a Garmin to cover all calibres.

A kind member gave me a quality loading demo and I've since completed a days reloading course. However, I have cognition issues with the M.E. and so am concerned about possible error with reloading. Paul at Corinium has consequently developed my stalking load for me and is making me the required ammo when needed. His range, although local, is dedicated to stalking and so only goes out to 250m and he suggested it might be better if I looked at a factory load for Bisley.
Now realising that (just like for the stalking) a home load would be preferable, I'm starting to reconsider just biting the bullet and setting myself up for reloading. Paul can set everything up for me and supervise me well enough to get started and so with enough practice and experience, I should be ok.

I've applied for NRA membership (just waiting for the police check to complete) and will be booking their course to complete the Safe Shooters Certificate just as soon as I can. My local club only shoot at Bisley a few times a year but there are a group of us who are keen to go outside the club also.

 

[disco_ike]

Hi,

I may well see you when you do your NRA SCC assessment.

Before looking at reloading I would give Matt at HPS a ring. They produced a 175gr 308 for Match Rifle which will hold at 1200 so may be good for what you are after. I am not sure if he has produced it recently but could be a way to go? Whilst it won’t have the same punch through wind as a 200gr it will get you damned close and with that rifle give a fair few a run for their money or you may find if you are good that one of the teams absorbs you and they may offer to assist.

 

[tjm160]

You know what, why not, it would save a lot of hassle and expense. How do I find Matt's contact details?

Bisley feels like unfinished business and I couldn't be more pleased at the prospect of returning. I shot the annual national meet with the Army Cadet Force from 1988-1991, making the Cadet 100 all three years and in the centenary year, placing 4th at 500m on Century in the Centenary Trophy. Three V's and two five's and then devastatingly pulled my sixth shot into the magpie before finishing with another V. I knew it the split second I released the shot. A 4 would have taken the trophy, but the 2-point pull put me down into 4th, absolutely gutted. I can't shoot match anymore, the M.E. just not being able to cope with the restriction of jacket/sling, but F-Class makes still accessible.

 

[bk]

I shoot f class regularly if you want any advise feel free to PM
What twist is the rifle you have bought

 

[tjm160]

Thanks bk, much appreciated and good question; the .284 32" barrel version is 1:9 but I'm not sure about the .308 30". I've emailed and asked but they are on holiday until 12th August.

 

[Outback]

If I remember the old boys and there long barrel 308's were 1/10 twist which was the same as my 300wm which would give you the mv you need for the long pills .

 

[bk]

Twist has little effect on MV
Barrel length does

 

[TimWest308]

Why not get the tikka re barrelled in 30”

 

[Tjstewart]

Thanks @JTO

Thanks @Edinburgh Rifles very much appreciated, having watched a few PRS videos, shot out to 1,000+ I was scratching my head why shorter barrels are ok for that but not for FTR. However, my 6.5CM proving all I need for stalking, I've just bitten the bullet and ordered a dedicated .308 FTR rifle.

View attachment 431072

Very nice what rifle is that? Is that a dolphin stock? Do you mind me asking what price range roughly it was as I’m just about to start out myself thanks