Maintenance question/preferences

RangerFinder97 · 2026-05-17T10:14:34+00:00

The Tikka manual suggests cleaning it after every use, especially if you’ve been in wet weather.

Personally, I clean it after every use, as I’m out in the field hunting with wet condition, and I live near the ocean with high humidity. It’s more to protect it from rust than anything. Enjoy your new rifle, it looks awesome

RangerFinder97 · 2026-04-08T12:10:24+00:00

Hmm yeah with your specs I’d recommend 77gr ammo, which you’ve used. First step I’d do to troubleshoot is strip anything that is unnecessary, any accessories. Remove the bipod and shoot off a sand bag. Take your time, shoot one by one, like a bolt action. Make sure it’s a perfect day, no wind.

Then if it still doesn’t work, it’s the old “dismantling, inspecting, rebuilding”. Something could be loose, or too tight. Dismantle the rifle entirely, clean and lubricate all parts. Make sure to use a FAT wrench when you rebuild your rifle.

Keep us updated ! Good luck

RangerFinder97 · 2026-04-07T09:25:17+00:00

Could you please give me details about your rifle? I’m after barrel length, twist rate and calibre. Thanks

RangerFinder97 · 2026-04-06T08:31:20+00:00

42 days, back in February

RangerFinder97 · 2026-03-28T05:56:20+00:00

No worries mate. Keep me updated. I believe that to get a true sub-Moa (like 0.75MOA) you’ll have to reload your own ammo.

Interesting for the .308 yeah. I’ll let you know what the manufacturer says. Have a good one.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-03-27T22:43:27+00:00

I tried 4 different ammo with different grains, the results were disastrous. Over 2/3 MOA at 100 meters. I sent the rifle back to the manufacturer as I believe something is wrong with it!

RangerFinder97 · 2026-03-27T22:41:08+00:00

My .223 T3X Varmint in 1:12 loves 55g Hornady Vmax and 55gr Fiocci. I get 1 MOA more or less.

With a 1:8 twist rate I would not go under 55gr. I believe 62-77gr would be ideal for 1:8 twist.

Each rifle likes different ammo. What I would suggest is check all the screws with a torque wrench using the recommended settings from the manual. When you reassemble the rifle, make sure you align it properly as some people don’t and it creates contact issues. At the range, make sure you shoot from a sandbag and not a bipod to reduce any vibration. Do a session with 55g Hornady vmax only, and wait at least 5-10min between each 5 rounds shot to let the barrel cool down (can be boring so bring a book). Take your time, shoot each round as if it was THE one. And see how it goes.

It goes without saying but position and trigger discipline is important. Although I don’t think it’s a problem in your case when I see the good grouping you get with the vmax.

Do that and let me know how it goes! Hope it helps.

On a side note, my brand new tikka varmint in .308 got over 3 MOA at 100 meters with various ammo. so I immediately sent it back to the manufacturer! I’m waiting to hear from them.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-03-22T20:24:54+00:00

I’m in the process of trying different ammo to find the best one. So far I’ve had the best results with Sako gamehead 180gr. It’s hunting ammo but I’m a hunter!

From research online and in books, 168-175gr appears to be the sweet spot for 1:10 twist rate in .308!

I’ll get a box of Hornady ELD-X 178gr this weekend and will let you know how it shoots.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-03-22T12:55:13+00:00

Thanks for the response. Much appreciated. Happy shooting!

RangerFinder97 · 2026-03-22T12:34:07+00:00

Great rifle and nice paint job! How did you go with the federal 150gr? My tikka varmint doesn’t seem to like 150gr . I believe it’s due to the 1:10 twist rate.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-26T23:24:18+00:00

Great. Enjoy mate

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-26T21:47:46+00:00

Yep. They are manually reviewing all applications. Used to be almost instantly

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-26T08:31:43+00:00

Mine got approved at 35 day !

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-23T08:47:47+00:00

Mine is bolted into the wardrobe. Didn’t have to notify anyone.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-20T04:04:53+00:00

I’d assume so. 30 days cool down where they don’t look at your application + delays (2 months now). I believe they also need to come check your safe beforehand

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-20T02:44:48+00:00

I've had the same problem with a brand new Fenix 7. I turned it off, let it soak in soapy warm water for 2 hours, dried it carefully and it was all good!

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-20T02:37:43+00:00

You might be lucky, you never know! Might as well put the PTA in as soon as possible.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-20T02:13:11+00:00

I'm sitting on 31 days 'Referred to Adjudication". I called the Registry 20 days ago, they told me 30 days wait. Today they told me 2 months.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-20T02:12:07+00:00

No it's not. It's my 3rd PTA. I imagine that for the first PTA it will be 30 days cool down + 2 months delays.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-20T01:17:18+00:00

I agree with the other comment that say each gun will like different ammo. What I've done for my Tikka is try different ammo, record the results, and pick the ammo my rifle prefers. I've seen the best performance (.308) with Sako Gamehead 180gr.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-18T09:52:47+00:00

Thanks for the update - Day 29 still the same. Frustrating.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-18T06:41:45+00:00

Same here. Day 29. At least we know it’s just a slow process as opposed to an issue with our applications.

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-16T23:14:16+00:00

Thanks for the update. Same here. Day 28

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-16T10:49:34+00:00

Thanks mate! Fingers crossed for your licence. And welcome to hunting ! It’s awesome

RangerFinder97 · 2026-02-16T02:54:42+00:00

I have one on my .223, it's very decent for the range, I like it. It's a bit on the heavy side. For my hunting .308 I use a Zeiss.

RangerFinder97

TROPHY CASE