Finally I managed to get to the local range today with my new 300wsm. Afer breaking in the barrel and getting it on paper at 100yards, I managed two 3 shot groups just under 1.5 inches, both remakably similar. This was using 180gn Winchester Power points.

I then had only time for one 3 shot group with 150 Winchester ballisic tips (factory). I was very surprised to find that at 100yards it shot to an entirely different point of impact - about 4 inches low and 3 inches to the right of where the 180 grainers were hitting. The 3 shot group was just over 1 inch.

I was very surprised as I thought that they would land in a similar vertical plane - just higher than the 180 grainers.

The difference was so great I went back to the 180 grain P. Points and fired another couple just to see if they were still hitting in the same place ie, had my scope moved or something? But they shot to the original point of impact and I was pretty relieved.

Maybe its because the 150gn ballisic tips are molly coated - I do not know. Anyway at least it shoots a group with them!

For anyone conemplating a Tikka T3 - I was very pleased overall with the gun. I have the trigger set at 2.5lbs which is where I like it and the trigger is very crisp - no creep that I could detect.

I was also really surprised how mild the recoil was in what is a 6.5 lb rifle - I think less than my 7mmMag. I did not cronograph anything but will leave that to next time when I have a little more time.

MLG,
The TikkaT3 is a good looking rifle! I have a 270WSM and 300WSM (both Brownings) and really like them both. After glass bedding and trigger work on both, I am getting 3/4" groups @100yds. Bullets definitely perform differently. I used 180gr ballistic tips for deer hunting this year and recently re-zeroed the gun with 180gr trophy bonded bear claws for an upcoming trip to Africa. Last week I found a box of 150gr ballistic tips I forgot I had and took them to the range....shot 5 inches higher than the 180TBBC's! Good luck with the rifle, I think you will really like the 300WSM. Also, not sure if you are a reloader (I am not), but Federal introduced several to bullet options for the 270WSM and 300WSM this year.

thanks hogfan,

I will keep an eye open for the Federals. I believe that Remington is also going to load the 300wsm later this year so the variety of factory loads will get better as time goes on.

Where are you going in Africa?? Good luck anyway!

I'm glad you enjoyed it! That was a fun thread you started when talking about it. The Power Points didn't shoot near as well in my rifle as reloads, I bet yours is going to do nothing but shoot better and better too.........DJ

I agree your original question started a very enjoyable thread. It is still difficult to understand why so many .300WinMag fans are so fearful of what the intro of the WSM might eventually do for the old WinMag.

Re: large POI shift when changing loads
With the light contour barrel on the rifle it is normal. Also your results with the PP 180 are IMO acceptable and it is a very capable bullet on game.

For longer than typical range the Winchester factory load 180 gr Ballistic Silver Tip should be outstanding if your rifle likes it. The claimed 3010 fps mv is lower than I have seen chronographed from several 24" M70 Win. Incidentally the Win factory load with the same bullet for the old WinMag is a claimed 2950 fps mv and the only sample I have seen chronoed was 3019 fps from a 27" barrel custom rifle. It would seem Winchester ammo velocity claims are not exagerated.

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MLG,

Going to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Leaving in 26 days!

Hogfan

Enjoy it - I hunted on a property near Graff Rienett a couple of years ago with my then 14 year old son and we had a great time. Some good Kudu in the area although we did not get to take one.

Thanks for your comments on the 300wsm guys.

I will of course be doing some more factory load testing and will try those 180 grain Winchester ballistic tips as well.

I am pretty happy that its going to be a good rifle, and not taking anything away from the 300 Winchester, but got a feeling I am going to be more than happy with the 300wsm.

The proof will be in the field though!