Tikka 7mm-08 range report and handload data

[Lorgar]

Broke in my new Tikka 7mm-08 today

'Stainless fluted' barrel in the 'Forest' stock. This is my first group from the rifle...

120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip | 43gr AR2208 | COAL 2.820

tikka-7mm-08-group-120gr-nosler-bt-43gr-ar2208.jpg (28.09 KiB) Viewed 6458 times

4 shots, 0.375" group Stoked.

This is 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tips with 43gr AR2208 and COAL of 2.820" for anyone working up a load for this rifle.

Also shot 140gr BT's with 42gr 2208, same coal, shot about 0.6" - 0.7" group. It was scorching hot by the time I got to the 140gr loads so had to pack it in and didn't really get to test the load much further. Fine start for a hunting load though, obviously.

First Tikka, couldn't be happier

[Chronos]

Looks like a dud mate, send it to me and I'll use it for a tomato stake

Glad its a shooter mate but let's be honest, we knew it would be. Might have to rethink that Sako eh?

Chronos

[MeccaOz]

Yeah If Chronos doesnt want it, I could use a new fence post ... Damn fine shooting mate.

[Member-Deleted]

Have you or are you going to try any factory stuff? The 139g hornady looks a winner.

[Rippah]

Looks like a dud mate, send it to me and I'll use it for a tomato stake

Yeah If Chronos doesnt want it, I could use a new fence post ... Damn fine shooting mate.

Very kind, but don't burden yourself you two.

I'll take it

[Lorgar]

Glad its a shooter mate but let's be honest, we knew it would be. Might have to rethink that Sako eh?

Yeah I knew it would shoot good but knowing and seeing are two different things. Happier to see the result on paper

It has got me wondering about the Sako TBH. I mostly want the Sako for the stock (Sako Bavarian Carbine), and also to have a really nice rifle.

I'm selling my .308 and and .243 Rugers at the moment to be replaced by the Sako and Tikka.

After getting it out in the field though I'm really liking the Tikka Forest stock. I reckon I'd be just as happy with it over the Sako.

Something to ponder... The Sako is 6 months away anyway according to the supplier so have some time to decide.

[Lorgar]

Have you or are you going to try any factory stuff? The 139g hornady looks a winner.

I haven't tried it, but thanks for the info.

I would like to have a factory ammo that I know shoots well though, I'll pick up a box of the Hornady and try em out.

The SST's shot well in my Ruger .308 so fingers crossed they do the same in the Tikka.

[Member-Deleted]

I've got two rifles to go after this one & the 7mm-08 is one of them. Not being a handloader I would love to see how the 139g hornadys go. I've got the rifle in mind I just need someone's hunting stories to go with it.

[Lorgar]

I don't mind trying a box and letting you know.

It will be a few weeks at least before I'm out for a shoot next, and will have to find the ammo in the mean time.

Don't mind sharing the result with you though, hopefully it doesn't come too late.

[Atter]

Glad its a shooter mate but let's be honest, we knew it would be. Might have to rethink that Sako eh?

I reckon.

I know the Sako is a bit nicer but it's tough to justify that extra $1,000 with shooting like that from the Tikka.

[Member-Deleted]

All good thank you lorgar, I've got my x-bolt arriving shortly & I'll be having plenty of fun with that. My quads fairly new so I've got to give that a flogging as well. So it will be at least 5-6 months before I order the 08. Any info is good info, thanks

[lole]

Can I send you a list of things to test for me too Lorgar

[Lorgar]

All good thank you lorgar, I've got my x-bolt arriving shortly & I'll be having plenty of fun with that. My quads fairly new so I've got to give that a flogging as well. So it will be at least 5-6 months before I order the 08. Any info is good info, thanks

No worries mate. It will take me a little while to get/test em but I'll post back once it's done.

[Lorgar]

Can I send you a list of things to test for me too Lorgar

You can send it, no promises that anything will get done

[VICHunter]

Aww, playing favourites now Lorgar?

[Lorgar]

Aww, playing favourites now Lorgar?

Yep, I'm my favourite.

I'll try it if it helps me

[bigfellascott]

Very nice mate, hopefully that 308 of mine will shoot the same once I get some loads happening.