[jrsdws]

I decided on the 7mm-08 in stainless.  Thanks everybody for the input. 

Now to find the a good hand load for deer….which bullet?

[jrsdws]

Checked out a few rifles over the weekend.  Some of the competitors have stepped up their game it seems, but I'm pretty happy with my Tikka 223 Varmint so buying another Tikka brings some “known” to the decision.  Now I'm just kicking around 7mm-08 vs 308…..and stainless or blued.  LOL

[jrsdws]

I'll be stopping at a nice little shop tomorrow to shop around a bit.  I'm sure I'll pull the trigger on something.  They have a nice selection of all calibers mentioned except the 260.  It's just virtually non-existent around here it seems.  The bigger sporting goods stores have good selections for the rest.  I'm kind of itching to try something I don't already have…..of course I've never deer hunted with a rifle before anyway because it's not legal here.  I could just use my muzzleloader up there but that ruins the whole new gun excitement!

[jrsdws]

I'm certainly not engaged to the idea of just a 270 or a 308.  I had even considered 7mm-08, but it appears that factory ammo is far more scarce for it…..same for the 260.  I do reload 308, but for a hunting only rifle, I thought it would be a good idea to run factory ammo for the “just in case” times while traveling. 

[jrsdws]

Yeah I ran about 50 rounds through her Saturday working up some loads.  My groups were far more consistent with the bipod and rear bag than using a Caldwell deadshot front bag. 

[jrsdws]

Hehe…yeah it was.  I was hoping nobody would notice!!!  :-[

[jrsdws]

Just got it yesterday and haven't shot with it, but it's built well and very stout. 

[jrsdws]

Awesome thanks!  Off to a promising start with the IMR 4064 but only got to shoot the 23gr loads after a rough sight in using factory Tula 55gr rounds.  No pressure signs with them and shots strung vertically so they should improve as I go up in powder charge. 

[jrsdws]

Just a heads-up for those looking for the coveted 1:8:

https://www.wholesalehunter.com/product.asp?productid=1297307

Eight are available as of this morning.

I bought my from Bud's and they had several.  After it arrived I ran the serial number and it was manufactured in 2015 so they are making them new again.  They also have the same rifle with 10″ twist.  Both show the same manufacturer's number, but have a different Bud's number so be careful and read the listing before ordering.

[jrsdws]

Keep checking the primer as you get into hotter loads…S&B's are known to be soft and from my experience reloading the 80.5 bullet and a full case of Varget soft primers are not a great mix.  You will most likely get pierced primers with the larger 4064 charges…

If you have flat primers at 23.5grs – 24grs with signs of flow around the firing pin don't go any further with the test.  You may not even get past 23.5grs without issues.

I had to switch to CCI Br4's during my load development with this bullet. To attain velocities in the 2850-2900fps range (this is where my tikka shines with this bullet) you will need a thicker cup primer…

Thanks for the tip!!  I will be ordering powder fairly soon so I might have to get some primers too. 

Did you get my PM with my email address for those load recipes?

[jrsdws]

Got her today and very impressed with fit and finish.  Bolt action is super smooth as advertised.  Waiting on my scope base and I'll get this baby out to see how she shoots.

[jrsdws]

I can get the IMR 4166 no problem and might have a line for some Varget.  I will know later today.

I appreciate everyone's input.  It really helps me out and keeps me on the right track!!

[jrsdws]

80.5gr Fullbore Bergers & Varget is a very accurate combo!
Somewhere in the 24-25gr range of Varget…2800-2900fps

75gr Hornady Amax is capable of better velocities (2900fps +++) without pressure signs but the tips have been an issue from lot to lot…some lots are not centric, huge accuracy problems.  I've since switched to Berger bullets for most long range 223 shooting because of this issue.

You will love the T3 Varmint , don't second guess buying it if you are looking for a heavy barrel 223.

Varget seems to be like Unobtainium since I started reloading again.  I've been loading some .223 with CFE223 and will probably try to work some loads up with the Bergers using this.  CFE223 meters great!  I Also keep IMR 4064 and 4895 on hand, but I expect the CFE to do well.

[jrsdws]

Nah….no factory order.  😉

[jrsdws]

Tikka T3 Varmint .223 heavy barrel 1 in 8″ twist INCOMING! !  Order placed!!