New Tikka T3 Varmint 223 Groups are great (update)

[BobinIL]

I just bought a new Tikka T3 varmint in 223.  I mounted a Leupold 8-18 VXII scope on it with Leupold base and rings.  I went to the range to sight it in using Winchester white box 55grn FMJ.  I usually like to reload precision ammo but I wanted to get the scope close while I am waiting for my neck sizer die and some Hornady V-Max 60grn bullets.  The groups I have been getting are about 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" consitantly.  Not one group under 1 inch.  Is this ammo just this bad or am i having gun problems?  When I buy a varmint gun, I expect 1/2 inch groups but even with this cheap ammo I think it should print under 1 inch. 

It was definately the ammo.  I loaded up some 60grn V-max bullets with some Varget and put 4 out of 5 shots into the same hole!!!  I shot two sub .5 inch groups with ease.  I think this gun is the most accurate gun I have ever owned.

[Old English]

I think you'll find that the ammo is at fault, not the rifle. I have shot Winchester, Remington, Black hills and handloads through mine, very succesfully. It did not like the FMJ's I tried. If you want to find how it'll shoot while waiting for your dies to arrive, try some decent ammo, Black Hills or Hornady Tap. I only shoot handloaded through mine now, but sub half inch is really easy to acheive. I settled on 55gr Sierra's in mine and they really shoot lights out.

[hardly]

I have had one of these for about three years now.  Had a similar problem when it was new.  After 50 or so rounds the groups tightened up and will now shoot 1/2 in. groups at 200 yrds.  Mine does not like the heavier bullets.  I settled on the Winchester white box 45 gr. hp's.  Don't give up on it, it's a great gun.