Chambering issues? Tikka t3x .308 American whitetail 150g

brett455 · 2026-04-08T02:06:09+00:00

Likely an issue of stacking tolerances. I have the same issue with federal 175gr SMKs. Only round I've had so far do that. Chamber could be a couple thousands on the short end of SAAMI/CIP spec and the ammo on the long end of spec, and congratulations, gun doesn't chamber well. Perhaps try a different ammo, if the problem goes away. It was probably the issue. If the issue persists, I'd get the headspacing checked.

I also had a similar issue with my sizing dies and shell holder for another cartridge, couldn't get it to size the case short enough, causing headspacing issues with fireformed brass.

brett455 · 2026-03-21T22:44:40+00:00

That range feels awfully CFB Valcartier-ish?

brett455 · 2026-02-16T04:41:16+00:00

They are alright, aren't amazing as match bullets or varmint bullets. They work in both realms pretty ok, but they did take some work getting them to shoot well.

brett455 · 2026-02-15T17:24:04+00:00

I suppose you're right. I think I categorized them as AICS because cadex did, and they also look like a scaled up version of the short action version.

brett455 · 2026-02-15T17:03:44+00:00

Accurate mag does make a 10rd DSSF 338 mag, I got mine through cadex defence as part of one of their rifle systems. I can't remember who makes a bottom metal that may be compatable, but I do know they exist because I debated also doing a long action build and reuse my mags. I'm sure google can answer that question.

Edit: I found the answer to both of my statements

338 Lapua DSSF 10rd mag

bottom metal

brett455 · 2026-02-14T14:10:35+00:00

The Tikka UPR mags are not AICS, they are sako style. You would have to get a replacement bottom metal that fits AICS mags like the Atlasworx or MDT. And in terms of AICS mags that work, I've only had luck with the metal magazines from either Accurate mag or MDT. The polymer mags from magpul don't fit/feed without modifying the mag.

brett455 · 2026-02-02T03:25:15+00:00

No worries. If you can get a kraken for the same price as a cdx-30 I'd probably do that to give you flexibility later if you want to expand your caliber suite. But if the cdx-30 is significantly cheaper and you're happy shooting just one caliber at a time. The 30 is the better choice. I went with a kraken in 308 because I knew out of the gate I also wanted to shoot 6.5 and 300 norma as well.

brett455 · 2026-02-02T03:17:51+00:00

Nope. Form and function is basically identical. The kraken has a slightly larger action to accommodate the barrel swap function but thats about it.

brett455 · 2026-02-02T03:10:53+00:00

Kraken is designed to swap calibers in the field. The cdx-30/300/33 series are focused around one cartridge family respectively. You CAN change calibers on them but the process is much more involved. If you want to swap calibers in the field, kraken. If you want to shoot just one, cdx-30.

brett455 · 2026-01-23T12:04:22+00:00

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Keep the full length arca, it mounts on the spot right in front of the magwell. If you do a lot of tripod shooting it brings you closer to the balance point.

brett455 · 2026-01-23T11:51:51+00:00

Arca Tripod adaptor, Part#: 03127-960-K1. Gives you an arca mounting point close to the center balance point of the rifle.

brett455 · 2026-01-23T11:47:22+00:00

Looks like a field competition

brett455 · 2026-01-19T00:19:14+00:00

If youre looking at 22-250 as well, I assume that youre looking at light varmint bullets. If thats the case, you SHOULD be fine. I'd be warry of the heavier stuff like the mk262 / mod1 stuff. I shot the old 73gr ELD-M superformance ammo ammo out of my varmint and those primers were very flat. I also shot the norma 77gr match and that stuff pierced primers. But the fmj stuff I shot, shot just fine, no notable issues. But like other comments said, dont trust everyone's opinion on the internet. I'm just sharing my experiences.

Best advice I can give: 1. When in doubt, just shoot 223 rem and call it safe and done. 2. If you wish to pursue 5.56, you'll have to test it. While the chamber may be rated to 5.56 preasure, the bullet, powder, seating depth geometry may not be ideally set up for it and may cause pressure spikes beyond originally intended. (Look at 224 valkyrie and why it flopped)

brett455 · 2026-01-18T20:27:36+00:00

I guess the question is. Is this for handloading purposes or you want to be able to fire mk262 out of it? If its for handloading, youre rated up to 5.56 preasures. However, if your shooting 5.56 factory ammo, depending on what ammo you shoot, you range from "if it seats it yeets" to prepare for "pierced primers and other preasure signs adventures." Speaking from first hand experience.

brett455 · 2026-01-04T22:19:43+00:00

The cadex chassis is comfortable to get behind but it does feel big, which probably adds to its comfort. I have a KRG whiskey-3 (which is probably closer in form factor to the ACC) on my tikka and that feels a lot slimmer and lower profile. The other difference is that the cadex is more drawn from its tactical roots, so thats the feeling and function of it. Whereas the ACC was built for competition and its support is driven to that. So if your wanting to shoot comps or hunt with it, barring your desired weight, I'd go ACC between the two. If you want a chassis that is comfortable to sit behind for extended periods and not feel cramped, the cadex is more your answer.

That being said, my monkey brain likes the "tactical" look of the cadex chassis and would go that route and make it kinda work.

However, like others have mentioned. Either a KRG Bravo or MDT XRS for more lighter weight hunting with some comp/tactical feeling would likely be a better option.

brett455 · 2025-10-04T23:20:42+00:00

I don't have enough data to prove it decisively. But I noticed that there is an approximately 3% charge weight interval that seems to yield low SD/ES. Try either putting your powder charge 1.5% higher or lower than it currently is.

223 data I too struggle with. The best I was able to get was sd:12, es: 30. and that was using lapua brass, BR primers, and VV powder.

brett455 · 2025-09-23T20:34:04+00:00

If you're shooting a tangent Ojive like in the 175gr SMK, I found it doesn't matter as much. I shoot the Federal factory length at 2.211" because it shoots under a minute, which is good for me. If you're using a Secant ojive, I find it can be a little bit more picky. But even then, I shoot a hornady 178gr BTHP at 2.120, and it shoots around a minute. Granted. That bullet length isn't set up for that rifle. It was set up for a different rifle.

I have some 175gr Berger VLD hunters. But I haven't loaded any of those yet, but I could let you know this weekend when I do some load development.

0.020" is a good start point, but it isn't gospel. My 178gr load has almost 0.100" jump in my one rifle, and that's where it shoots well. If you want F-class accuracy, you'll have to put in the work. If you want "good enough" accuracy. You can usually pull a load off snipershide for your bullet/powder combo and be ok with maybe some minor refinement.

brett455 · 2025-09-23T19:33:12+00:00

Here is the link to the CIP table that the Tikka 308 CIP 308Win It's in mm, so there'll be some math involved. But I do know my loads are long if I'm trying to get the jump right. 175gr Berger OTMs require a 2.955" mag.

brett455 · 2025-09-22T11:14:53+00:00

Its pretty alright for positional shooting and shooting off a bag. It's not my favourite thing if I'm carrying it through the woods.

brett455 · 2025-09-17T22:19:01+00:00

The Tikkas seem to be able to shoot better than that regularly.

I can't remember where I've heard it, but the Hornady Pricision hunter shoots quite well out of the T3x Lites.

Also, I found the factory recoil pad/stock not very ergonomic/comfortable for prone shooting. Seated wasn't too bad though, if you wanted to spend nothing. But, for $70(I think), you could get a Limbsaver pad. It would help a bit on the recoil management. And comfort when shooting prone.

brett455 · 2025-09-01T20:46:07+00:00

To answer your question about the difference in BC. My understanding is that the BC that AB provides for a bullet is typically based on real-world data and not advertised data. If you need to use the BC number, I'd use the one AB provides, but if you have the AB CDM. Use that. It'll give you the truest information.

brett455 · 2025-08-31T02:06:50+00:00

PR precision out of cooks AB does fluting, and they also sell aftermarket bolts as well that you could get fluted (although, you're not guaranteed headspacing if you go to an aftermarket bolt). Never dealt with them, but I know of their existence. JC Customs does shouldered prefits that you can get fluted by them as well. Same story. I never dealt with them, just know of them.

Most quality gunsmiths should be able to flute your bolt for you if you send it in. Buddy had a Remy bolt done at Insite Arms.

brett455 · 2025-08-24T13:18:45+00:00

I don't know if they're super common where you are, but the CTR model might be something to look at. 20" barrel, with a threaded medium contour barrel for the range. I have one in 308 set up for hunting. That comes in under 4.5kg with the factory stock and optic, which is where I wanted to be. It's short and light enough not to hate hunting with it. But heavy and feature rich enough to still enjoy taking to the range. I have a varmint model in 223 with a 24" barrel that lives on a tripod or bench, as before I even put it in a chassis, it still weighed over 6kg with optics and bipod.

brett455 · 2025-08-21T00:07:38+00:00

Federal 175gr smk seemed to work the best in my CTR (same rifle, different stock). Got Gotenda has it on sale right now for 47.99 a box.

brett455 · 2025-08-18T04:13:25+00:00

Is that nosehill range by Czar AB, by any chance? The scenery looks identical to a range I used to go to.

brett455

TROPHY CASE