[Lost River]

I think I would check it using a scope of known reliability and repeatability. I would also just stick it in a set of Talley lightweight one piece base and ring combos.

Chances are more likely than not, the problem would magically disappear.

On my stainless .308 T3 Lite I run a 2.5-10×24 Nightforce in Talley rings and it is dead nuts reliable.

[Lost River]

I have a T3 Lite stainless 8 twist that is a smoking good shooter. I don't know why they would fiddle with such a great package. Mine has accounted for a lot of dead coyotes, jackrabbits etc.

Fun little gun.

[Lost River]

While I have not had the issues Yukon has had, I don't run the factory rings on hard kicking caliber. In fact the only T3 that is now wearing  pair is a 223 Lite stainless. Most get Talley lightweight rings, which I find to be an outstanding product.

[Lost River]

Ralph,

I am not Dave.

But some members may be able to help you out with a bit more info from you.

What do you intend to hunt? Deer, elk, hogs ground squirrels?

What type of terrain and vegetation? Hunting in the thick woods of Virginia or similar area is vastly different than the wide open terrain of Idaho or Wyoming,where longer shots are almost the norm.

Using deer hunting as an example:

For the wide open Rocky Mountain West a Leupold VX 2 4-12 would be a fine choice, where hunting in the east you may be better off with a Leupold VX 2 2-7 power, leaving it on 2 power for quick shots and a wider field of view in the thick brush and dense timber.

Food for thought friend.

[Lost River]

We're you describing the bullet tumbling into the target?

I realize there may be a slight miscommunication/language barrier.

Glad to see it is shooting well now.

Cheers!

[Lost River]

How about some pictures!

[Lost River]

Nothing wrong at all with “hard” cast bullets. In fact they are preferred. They will lead up your barrel less and generally speaking you can run them a bit faster. When I shot IPSC heavily, I shot nothing but hard cast 45s by the 10s of thousands and never had an issue.

[Lost River]

1) Are there any flaws to my plan as of yet? Anything you guys think I should do differently?

2) Suggestions for a scope, gunsmith, or reloading components?

3) I appreciate any comments/suggestions/criticism.-NateK

1) Fluting is a waste of money, and weight you need for shooting LR. Spend the fluting money on a good bedding job.

2) NightForce NXS 5.5-22 out to 600, NXS 8-32 out to 1,000 and beyond. And…2nd focal plane for LR target shooting.

  Gordy Gritters–Gordy's Gunsmith Shop for the bedding.

3) No prob on the advice…it's free! ;D

In regards to the optics,

I run a 5.5-22×56 Nightforce on my Sako TRG and have often shot at the 1k Mark. I don't consider it a handicap. If you were only going to be shooting a single discipline that would be one thing, but if you intend to use your rifle as a more general purpose long range shooter, I would roll with the 5.5×22.

[Lost River]

I am looking for an all around bolt action rifle in 30-06.  I have access to new T3s but I am intrigued by an older m695 I have seen.  I am new to the Tikka family, does any one have an opinion one way or another?

Mags can be tough to find. Other than that, no. Go for it! Great rifles.

[Lost River]

Will your chamber/ throat let you seat them out super long?

Your idea is good. I would just check your chamber to see how much room you have to play.

[Lost River]

You will regret it if you do not go with a swivel model. I would suggest the Harris as well. I have used them in both a recreational and professional capacity and they are a good product.

Non swivel models are a PITA,as you never have a level surface such as a table top when you are out in the field.

[Lost River]

I have taken a lot of coyotes with my stainless T3 Lite .223. It will do the job in a heartbeat and shoots groups that made me sell my heavy barrel bolt action Savage. Mine is an 8 twist and with 52 grain SMKs it will shoot into the .2s and .3s over bags.

Between the T3 lite and my precision built ARs, I found no need for a heavy bolt .223 any more.

Don't over look the 22-250, but understand if you are shooting high volume, such as at ground squirrels out west, a barrel does not last long. Another option is a .308. I have two T3s in .308 and both are uniformly excellent shooters. Choose a load that meets your needs and go for it.

The .308 may seem heavy, but it will do the trick on anything and is a good medium range cartridge.

Food for thought.

[Lost River]

Load 21. 

Record your cold bore shot on a completely separate target.

Then shoot the other 20 into 4 groups of 5.

If they are still shooting within your acceptable range of accuracy (.25, .5, .75 MOA  or whatever) then roll from there.

That would be my suggestion.

[Lost River]

I have a pair of 6.5-20 MKIVs as well as a few 6.5-20 VX3s. Plus a couple of nightforces to compare them to.

In regards to shooting your .223, I don't think paying the extra $$ for the MKIV label is money well spent. I have never had any issue with the VX3 line and the 6.5x20x50 will do everything you need if that is the magnification range you choose. Without a doubt, target turrets are a must when precision shooting at LR.

At least from my perspective.

[Lost River]

Owning examples of both would be the easiest solution. That way you would never have to contemplate if you made the right choice.  🙂