Well, got out to run some ammo through. Very short lived as it was too hot and the mosquitos were too hungry. Anyway, bipod on bench at 50yds. Random ammo type (did not shoot same ammo on two consecutive targets), 5-shot groups. I did not shoot any SK because I only have half a box and it's sold out everywhere anyway. Of course, the $24.00/box stuff won. Why should I catch a break and have it like Federal bulk. I shot 3 Eley Match targets because I was trying to get it to like Match over Tenex. Trying to save 5 bucks a box. That first Match target was very promising until that 12 o'clock flyer. That's 4 rounds in the same hole at 4 o'clock. I think I'll lot test some various Match boxes and see if I can find one close to Tenex. I'll have a real problem paying $0.48/rd for .22lr. It will have to wait for cooler weather though. Shooting in this heat is just not fun. Oh...and I like the rifle a lot. Trigger is right at about 28 ounces. Very crisp.

Some very nice groups, and I’d say you’ve got the edge on my abilities.

What scope did you choose? 28 oz trigger pull weight is significantly less than mine, and although I don’t like a really light pull, I’m beginning to believe I’d benefit from dropping a few ounces.

Mile High Shooting has some SK in stock.
https://www.milehighshooting.com/brands/sk-ammo/
Strangely, I was able to get 1500 rounds of SK Standard Plus from Natchez Shooting Supplies a couple of weeks ago, but they’re out of stock now.

My local club is planning to running some NRL22 competitions next month, so I am looking forward to that.

My abilities with rimfire come from the fact that I shoot break barrel air rifles almost every day (I have a range in the basement), and I can use the same technique with rimfires. I really suck with centerfire rifles. I have a Ruger precision in .308 I enjoy shooting steel with at 200-300 yds. but I'm all over the paper at 100 yds. It's just not the same hold. Yea, 2 lbs. or less for me on target triggers. 28 oz is the sweet spot.

I'm really partial to SWFA scopes. Very good bang for very little bucks. That's left over from air rifles too. They are parallax adjustable down to 10 yds. and I'm not a big fan of variable power optics. I went with a 20x42 SS Gen2 MOA on the Tikka. Thanks for the heads up on the ammo. I'll probably stick with Eley for serious shooting. Killough always has it, and lot testing from them is hassle free. CCI SV will work fine when not shooting for score. Thanks again for your review on the rifle. This is gonna be a lot of fun.

I decided that this is my new challenge target for the Tikka. I actually designed this for .22 air rifle, but I figure why not. Aim small, miss small. Circles are 1/2". Scoring keeps you honest.

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
Scoring keeps you honest.

That it does.
I have a 5×5 array of circles that I developed for myself with center crosses similar to yours except mine are 3/4 inch in diameter and have a small center dot. I usually fire two shots at each circle and also from 50 yards, but this discussion prompted me to modify them by adding a smaller central circle. A very valuable and challenging drill for me—not to mention fun.

I've had really good luck with SK Long Range in my Vudoo and Anschutz rifles. It can shoot up with the Lapua high dollar stuff. I've not had luck finding any lately, but if you can find some, give it a try.
When it comes to shooting wine corks, dollar store Army men, Happy Meal toys, etc. I trust in CCI standard.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Shooting for score, I would probably stick with Center X exclusively if availability wasn't so damned unpredictable.

BTW...love dollar store army men!

Eley Match lot test...pretty clear winner.

Those Eley groups are definitely nice. I’ll have to try to find some and branch out from the SK and (sometimes) Lapua I usually use.

Three groups from today, and what a difference the ammunition makes; 10 shots each, 50 yards, bench, bipod and rear bag for support.

Fired in immediate succession, left to right: SK Standard Plus, 0.502" center to center; SK Rifle Match, 1.452" CTC; SK Long Range Match, 0.380" CTC.





I was very surprised by the Rifle Match. I have fired it from other guns and although it didn’t produce spectacular results, they weren’t anything like today’s. If one 10-shot group is anything to go on, it seems that my Tikka likes the Long Range.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
Those Eley groups are definitely nice. I’ll have to try to find some and branch out...

Killough Shooting Sports has it in stock. I just bought a case. SG Ammo has it too, but only by the brick.

quote:

If one 10-shot group is anything to go on, it seems that my Tikka likes the Long Range.

That SK Standard Plus isn't too bad either. Only one round kept that out of the running. Hell, maybe you hit a fly or bumble bee on the way in.

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
Hell, maybe you hit a fly or bumble bee on the way in.

Well ..., there were some mosquitoes in the area.

Thanks for the Eley info.