[Bob Lee Swagger]

I don't own the sporter, but mine is the T3 lite in 308.  I used the limbsaver for a little while but eventually took it off.  At first it took some getting use to but now I don't even notice it.  I think you'll find that you get use to the recoil over time.  I shoot around 40-60 rounds each range trip and it doesn't bother me anymore. 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Dog,

  Nice groups!!

What kind of primers are you running?

Nice group as well…keep posting new ones!
Its alway nice when everything comes together for that one great group of the day, makes it all worth it.

I only shoot CCI primers…
308 – CCI 200
223 – CCI 400 & CCI Br4 (will be ditching the 400's when they are all gone, cap is too soft for any high pressure load…discovered this with the 80.5gr Bergers I'm playing with…).
300WSM – CCI 250 Mag

Awesome!  I ran into a box of 1000 CCI 200 at a local store and bought them.  Cannot beat not having to pay hazmat fees  🙂

From what I have been reading, the only difference between CCI 200  and the BR series is the person that watches the machine… lol!  I'll save the extra bucks and stick with the CCI 200's since they're easier to find. 

I was able to find IMR 4064 online today and ordered it.  Killed me with the hazmat and shipping, but it will be worth it for testing my hand loads.  I'll soon have some H4895 and IMR 4064 loads, both using SMK175g through FGMM brass for testing and I'll post up the pics.  I might look into getting some Laupa brass down the road but for now this will work.

I also picked up a FN SPR A1 24″ barrel for a helluva deal so I will run a side by side comparison for anyone that is interested.   

Jealous of your 300WSM… I see one in my future  8)

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Dog,

  Nice groups!!

What kind of primers are you running?

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Got this 3 shot group at 200 yards with 168g FGMM.  I would have tried for 5 but it was my last 3… lol

I haven't been back to the range yet, at least not for grouping.  Shot some steel last weekend.  This T3 Lite is just an incredible rifle.  I'm currently working up some hand loads with 175g SMK and H4895 (Cannot find Varget or IMR 4064 anywhere).  I'll see how these do next weekend.  I'll put some more up there with some match ammo that I have left (168g FGMM and Black Hills 175g). 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Sweet group Bob!  You might be surprised what a T3 light will do at extended range.

And nice set up. What scope level are you using?  I have 21 Century level and love it except it is hard to adjust since screw heads are on the bottom… Like most.

Thanks!

The level is a Vortex and yes, it was a pain to install.  I was only able to torque down the top screw.  Why they made them this way I have no idea!

Well, I will be pushing my rifle this weekend.  300-600 yards.  My concern is continuous shots and having the groups expand as the barrel heats up.  All ready at 200 yards with 6 shots they start to get a little crazy.

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Sorry for the delay, Fellas!

Been wanting to really work on my trigger control before throwing up some pictures.  That said… I got out to the range yesterday with my Tikka T3 lite.  The Vortex Viper PST 4-16×50 is an amazing scope.  Very clear, the turrets are quick but responsive.  Along with the scope I bought the Vortex precision rings.  Torqued everything down to spec after finding my eye relief and headed to the range.  I zero'd her in at 100 yards and have been shooting 168 grain Federal Gold Medal Match to see what this thing is really capable of. 

As I said first, my trigger control and hold on the gun was horrible.  I was muscling the gun so much that the recoil was affecting my accuracy.  Add to that, my follow through on the trigger was bad.  I've had a lot of time to work on it and yesterday it showed!

I took 3 shots at 100 yards and I was pretty happy with that group.  I had 1 flyer, but it was definitely sub-moa.  The 200 yard try was where I was very happy.  The photo I attached will show 3 shots POSSIBLY 1/4 moa at 200 yards using 168 FGGM.  Shots were taken from a bench using a Harris bipod and a rear bag.  Barrel was cold, wind was under 5mph and the temp was around 75F, no clue on humidity but it was sticky!

200 yards is as far as I can go around my neck of the woods.  I am going to take a good 90 minute drive to another state in a few weeks to see about joining a range that goes out to 1400 yards.  I think I'm going to need another rifle with a heavy barrel, for that one lol.  When I first got into bolt actions I wasn't sure if I was going to like precision shooting.  Now I can say I'm honestly addicted.  So much, I just ordered all my reloading equipment and a bench. 

I'm undecided as to what heavy barrel bolt gun to purchase.  It's between the Tikka T3 Tactical, or a FN SPR A1.  I would have no issues buying another Tikka, after what this lite hunting rifle has shown they are capable of doing. 

Let me know what you guys think about the grouping and opinions on the next rifle.  I will gladly answer any questions about the scope, as well!

[Bob Lee Swagger]

I would take a look at the JARD trigger available on Mountain Tactical ($149)

I personally would not shave off that screw.  It's set for a reason.  You don't want to be that guy discharging rounds while locking your bolt. 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

T3's look good suppressed…

That they do!  Trying at the moment to get a total cost for everything.  Seems like a smith is going to have his work cut out for them.  I'm getting quotes ranging from $250-400 due to needing a special lathe.  Factor that in with all the BS you need to go through for the NFA item. 

I'll let you all know what I end up doing.

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Hey Swagger,

You can thread the barrel with the right setup, a special lathe is needed.
I had my 300wsm lite barrel threaded for a custom muzzle brake last year.  The brake is designed and produced by a company in New Zealand. The ports are a patented design that work very well!!!
My gunsmith had to send the barrel to a machine shop with all the greatest toys to do the job properly though. They threaded the barrel with a 9/16 thread to match the brake.

Here's how its looks…and it now kicks like my 223…I'm not exaggerating!

Wow!!  Now THAT is impressive!  Thanks for the info! 🙂

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Eric,

  Thanks for the reply!  I would rather keep the current barrel if I can, since a swap seems expensive and from what I have read kinda hard to get.  I'm just not sure if the T3 Lite barrel (being tapered) would be easy to thread.  I'm also not sure what I would lose by threading.  I guess my best bet would be to talk to a reputable smith and find out pricing and his recommendations.  This is a while down the road, but I like planning things out. 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

bye the way, what torque wrench do you use? Im using the Wheeler FAT wrench now but want to upgrade.

I too am using the Wheeler FAT wrench and it's working perfectly fine, for me!

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Thanks guys. So I shot 4 loads today and the most consistent was Hornady white tail 150gr. Seems to be grouping best with 150's. However I was trying to improve my shooting technique over the last 200 rounds but today I went back to what comes natural and how about that I'm shooting tight again. I managed a less than 1/2 inch 5 shot group with that load. Probably could try some other loads and get better results but the nice thing about the whitetail load is I can find them everywhere as opposed to others that are only found in gun shops.

I shot Hornady WT 150gr this past weekend.  Absolutely loved them!  Very accurate, I must say! Nice grouping!

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Sweet!  Thanks, Fellas!