[Ericbc7]

Sounds like a great elk gun!

If you find the recoil a bit “distracting” you might look into putting a muzzle brake on this light rifle.  I put a clamp-on brake by Witt Machine on my T3 Hunter in 30-06 and it tamed the recoil significantly.  I would prefer a threaded brake for a clean look, but have no complaints about the clamp-on's performance.

[Ericbc7]

I bought a “Varmint” spring from earniethegunsmith also.  It was easy to install, just remove the trigger group like in the Tikka Shooters video, back out the tension screw entirely and swap springs.  Replace in reverse order.

[Ericbc7]

I wish they listed his load recipe!

Edit: I just saw the load data on the 75gr A-max thread so “Yay !” And thanks Dog Down!

[Ericbc7]

I picked up a bunch of the 75 A-max .224 and plan to do some .223 load testing when the weather warms.

I plan to start with Reloader 15, Varget and H4895- I have had some promising results with 80 gr SMK's and the H4895.

[Ericbc7]

What Sporter did you get? I am very happy with my Sporter in .223 with 24″ bbl. I added the gen II +20 pic rail, bolt shroud from MT. I also added a Vero Vellini biathlon type sling, Harris bipod and trigger spring (which dropped the pull weight at lowest setting by about 1 lb.).  Topped with DNZ Freedom Reaper 30MM one piece rings holding a Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50. I kept the standard recoil pad since this rifle in .223 doesn't kick much.

I am very keen to see warm weather again so I can get started with load development!

There are a number of places that make aftermarket bolt knobs.  YouTube has some reviews on a few and several show up on eBay searches for Tikka.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[Ericbc7]

Welcome to the forum!

[Ericbc7]

Just received the above mentioned mags, it's too cold to go shooting but they look good and seat positively.  I will post an update when I get a chance to shoot with em.

[Ericbc7]

I think any of the popular aftermarket barrels can be fitted to the t3 by the smiths on this site.  I would love a 6.5 x 55 ai type chamber when my 30-06 wears out.

[Ericbc7]

Lol the mag is safe and sound although it did take some searching!

[Ericbc7]

I haven't personally seen this type of damage with Tikka's straight-feed mags but have seen it on my old Ruger M77.  That damage looks severe an will definitely affect performance.

I would make some dummy rounds and check the feeding with the stock removed.  You may see that the mag is moving during cycling or does not seat properly in the first place.  If the mag function looks ok, I would next try changing bullet seating depth.  If damage still occurs, then I would consider a trip to the gunsmith, or changing to a bullet style without exposed lead i.e. Polymer tip or jacketed hollow point.

Good luck!

[Ericbc7]

The problem seems to to be that the stock springs are underpobwered or provide upward pressure improperly for lots of applications.

Just offer stronger, better springs for cheap.

Stainless lugs are cool if not needed desperately, factory bottom metal is nice but if I spent $70×3 for mags that fit factory, why spend  more on bottom metal allowing same mags?

10 round mags- nice no way around it lol.

AICS bottom metal – if way less than CDI then “yay”.

[Ericbc7]

9 degrees Fahrenheit  here today, aluminiunium seems cold lol

[Ericbc7]

If Robert from here says will do then all good

[Ericbc7]

I am happy for you that the weaver gives you better clarity.  I have not used one so cannot comment on its glass or eye relief.

I did own a Vortex Viper PST 4-16 FFP Illuminated and traded it for similar Vortex 6-24 FFP Illuminated and much prefer the 6-24.

If you want the lower power minimum, you might want to check the optic evaluations found on YouTube under the poster “tiborasaurus Rex” (or close to that).  He gives a good profile of many tactical scopes based on price and quality.  I bought an SWF 10×42 super sniper that fully lives up to his review.

I love my vortex @24x for load testing.

Optics aside, if your bench technique is lacking, then all your data is suspect.

Sit your rifle on a bench with bags such that you don't need any muscle or input to maintain hold, even if you look away or only touch the rifle with your shoulder and trigger finger.  Not exactly true but close enough depending on caliber and rifle. (I wouldn't reccomend this “free” technique for harder recoiling calibers).

[Ericbc7]

Hi ShtrRdy, good point, I have been enjoying your posts for a while.
I should have noted the more appropriate location and if the moderator can move my reloading comments to a better heading, that would be great!

I put them here since I originally intended this to be an equipment recommendation thread, tho I realize I lean toward theory when I post.

Glad you saw my post and I welcome anyone's responses,observations/ questions or their own recommendations.