Tikka T3x 6.8 Western

JD338 said:
Is that 100 yds Gerry?

JD338
Click to expand...
Yes 100 yards, it's around 3/4" or so. I did start low but ran into a heavy bolt lift a bit quicker than anticipated. I did expect that it would be different since the bearing surface on the 170 gr BT is different from the other bullets mentioned.
 
Last edited:
That’s pretty promising Gerry.

You motivated me to get a new barrel screwed on my 270 WSM. Hope to take advantage of them long devils in the future.
 
SJB358 said:
That’s pretty promising Gerry.

You motivated me to get a new barrel screwed on my 270 WSM. Hope to take advantage of them long devils in the future.
Click to expand...
That's cool, the 7.5 twist barrel will be perfect for almost any bullet. Should be able to get 50-60 fps faster on average over the 6.8 Western if it's throated the same way. I saw that Peterson is going to make 270 WSM brass this year. Supposedly ADG will be making both 270 WSM and 6.8 Western this year too. Lapua is going to be making 300 WSM too so things are looking up for Winchester's creations.
 
A quick update.
The 175gr Sierra TGK has come together quite well and I'm calling this one a done load. When the weather gets better I'll chronograph it to see what it gets for speed. I loaded up one grain at a time from 58-62 and they went into about 1/2" at 100 yards. 61 gr went into 3/4" last time and today I shot this group. The 170 gr Ballistic Tip has been mediocre with Magnum and MagPro so I'm trying Retumbo with it next.

IMG_20240214_212130754.jpg
 
gerry said:
A quick update.
The 175gr Sierra TGK has come together quite well and I'm calling this one a done load. When the weather gets better I'll chronograph it to see what it gets for speed. I loaded up one grain at a time from 58-62 and they went into about 1/2" at 100 yards. 61 gr went into 3/4" last time and today I shot this group. The 170 gr Ballistic Tip has been mediocre with Magnum and MagPro so I'm trying Retumbo with it next.

View attachment 22030
Click to expand...
Well that looks like a good place to be! Dang good shooting. Magpro used to really be wicked in my 270 WSM with 130's. Looks real good with the 175's as well!

Cartridge : 6.8 WESTERN
Bullet : .277, 175, Sierra TGK 4475
Useable Case Capaci: 68.344 grain H2O = 4.437 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.955 inch = 75.06 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Accurate MAGPRO

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 0.769% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-07.7 90 60.00 2680 2790 49194 12954 97.1 1.411
-06.9 90 60.50 2703 2839 50477 13056 97.4 1.393
-06.2 91 61.00 2726 2888 51794 13155 97.7 1.377
-05.4 92 61.50 2749 2937 53144 13250 97.9 1.360
-04.6 93 62.00 2772 2986 54530 13343 98.2 1.344
-03.8 93 62.50 2795 3036 55953 13432 98.4 1.328 ! Near Maximum !
-03.1 94 63.00 2818 3087 57413 13518 98.6 1.312 ! Near Maximum !
-02.3 95 63.50 2841 3137 58912 13600 98.8 1.296 ! Near Maximum !
-01.5 96 64.00 2864 3188 60451 13679 99.0 1.280 ! Near Maximum !
-00.8 96 64.50 2887 3240 62031 13755 99.2 1.265 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 97 65.00 2910 3291 63653 13826 99.3 1.250 ! Near Maximum !
+00.8 98 65.50 2933 3343 65320 13894 99.5 1.235 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+01.5 99 66.00 2956 3396 67031 13958 99.6 1.221 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.3 99 66.50 2979 3448 68790 14018 99.7 1.206 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.1 100 67.00 3002 3501 70596 14074 99.8 1.192 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.8 101 67.50 3024 3554 72453 14127 99.9 1.178 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 97 65.00 3043 3598 76957 13341 100.0 1.152 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 97 65.00 2723 2880 50719 13594 94.2 1.380
 
gerry said:
A quick update.
The 175gr Sierra TGK has come together quite well and I'm calling this one a done load. When the weather gets better I'll chronograph it to see what it gets for speed. I loaded up one grain at a time from 58-62 and they went into about 1/2" at 100 yards. 61 gr went into 3/4" last time and today I shot this group. The 170 gr Ballistic Tip has been mediocre with Magnum and MagPro so I'm trying Retumbo with it next.

View attachment 22030
Click to expand...
Nothing wrong with that load Gerry. The rifle is a shooter for sure.

JD338
 
SJB358 said:
Well that looks like a good place to be! Dang good shooting. Magpro used to really be wicked in my 270 WSM with 130's. Looks real good with the 175's as well!

Cartridge : 6.8 WESTERN
Bullet : .277, 175, Sierra TGK 4475
Useable Case Capaci: 68.344 grain H2O = 4.437 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.955 inch = 75.06 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Accurate MAGPRO

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 0.769% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-07.7 90 60.00 2680 2790 49194 12954 97.1 1.411
-06.9 90 60.50 2703 2839 50477 13056 97.4 1.393
-06.2 91 61.00 2726 2888 51794 13155 97.7 1.377
-05.4 92 61.50 2749 2937 53144 13250 97.9 1.360
-04.6 93 62.00 2772 2986 54530 13343 98.2 1.344
-03.8 93 62.50 2795 3036 55953 13432 98.4 1.328 ! Near Maximum !
-03.1 94 63.00 2818 3087 57413 13518 98.6 1.312 ! Near Maximum !
-02.3 95 63.50 2841 3137 58912 13600 98.8 1.296 ! Near Maximum !
-01.5 96 64.00 2864 3188 60451 13679 99.0 1.280 ! Near Maximum !
-00.8 96 64.50 2887 3240 62031 13755 99.2 1.265 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 97 65.00 2910 3291 63653 13826 99.3 1.250 ! Near Maximum !
+00.8 98 65.50 2933 3343 65320 13894 99.5 1.235 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+01.5 99 66.00 2956 3396 67031 13958 99.6 1.221 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.3 99 66.50 2979 3448 68790 14018 99.7 1.206 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.1 100 67.00 3002 3501 70596 14074 99.8 1.192 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.8 101 67.50 3024 3554 72453 14127 99.9 1.178 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 97 65.00 3043 3598 76957 13341 100.0 1.152 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 97 65.00 2723 2880 50719 13594 94.2 1.380
Click to expand...
This barrel and chamber sure is on the tight side which isn't a bad thing. I max out before I reach charges that others use. 63 gr gave me pressure signs but others have gone higher in their factory barrels. I'm happy those 175 gr Sierra's are doing well, such a good do everything bullet in the 6.8 Western.

I'll try to chronograph them next time, my chrony doesn't like working in the winter.
 
I’d bet those 175 Sierras will work excellent. Right in the sweet spot for start speeds.
 
That load looks like a winner so far!
Other options you could look into are N-560 or the new Grand offering by Ramshot.
 
gerry said:
That's cool, the 7.5 twist barrel will be perfect for almost any bullet. Should be able to get 50-60 fps faster on average over the 6.8 Western if it's throated the same way. I saw that Peterson is going to make 270 WSM brass this year. Supposedly ADG will be making both 270 WSM and 6.8 Western this year too. Lapua is going to be making 300 WSM too so things are looking up for Winchester's creations.
Click to expand...
Nice to know that there will soon be some more brass available for the 270WSM!
 
Looks like ADG is starting to work 6.8W / 270 wsm brass. I saw in shot show podcast that Nosler is looking at 6.8 Western and 300 prc next. Hope that pans out too! I posted this on FB group:

Hey folks, this dealer is looking to start taking orders for initial runs ADG Cartridge Brass. I don't know anything about them other than sponsor on AfricanHunting forum and not promoting them over anybody else but first official ADG dealer public communication on 6.8W I have seen

www.africahunting.com

270 WSM and/or 6.8 Western loaders - ADG Brass LRIP - Read if you shoot either caliber​

270 WSM and (especially) 6.8 Western Brass are both hard to get in the US. ADG Brass is doing a low rate initial production run later this year, and they're going to need some feedback before it goes into full production. I had a conversation with them at Shot Show last month about this as I...
www.africahunting.com
www.africahunting.com

Please check out and order or get on list. I have never bought anything from them but google searches indicate legit. However, can join that forum and ask questions directly to dealer or call them. This is super news if pans out and ADG gets enough interest to move forward.

Lou
 
Looks like I'm onto something with the 170 gr Ballistic Tip and 61.5 gr of Retumbo. Of course I don't have a lot of it left. Probably enough for 30 rounds I would guess. Either I hold out for Retumbo or try to find some Ramshot Grand or Staball HD. Not sure which way I'll go, I can find some Staball HD right now.

IMG_20240220_180626349~2.jpg

All my shooting is prone with a bipod from field positions so I'm happy with the accuracy of this rifle. The 170 gr Ballistic Tip is a bullet I really want to use so it's nice to have a good load with them and also the 175 gr Sierra TGK. Those two bullets will do anything from deer to moose. I'm happy with the KS Arms barrel for anyone in Canada wondering about them.
 
Not yet DrMike. I guess I'll have to take out my pain in the butt Chrony and see what I'm getting. I believe I was getting a carbon ring, I trimmed my cases a bit short and there was some build up. Could be why I was getting pressure signs early.
 
Great start Gerry. Seating a little deeper should walk it in for you but it looks plenty good enough to hunt.
As for an alternative powder, I'd start with StaBall HD since it's readily available.

JD338
 
Staball hd works good in in my 6.5 prc. Didn't get any speed out of it till i was .5gns over max load data. And had a es of 10 fps and sd of4 fps.
 
Looking pretty good Gerry. Pretty well mannered cartridge and I agree, that 170 BT or 175 SGK should work real well at the velocities you are launching them.
 
Anyone try LRT in the 6.8 Western yet? I can get that powder but haven't see any data so far.
 
Looks like it'd work well to me.

Cartridge : 6.8 WESTERN
Bullet : .277, 175, Sierra TGK 4475
Useable Case Capaci: 68.344 grain H2O = 4.437 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.955 inch = 75.06 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot LRT

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 0.685% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-06.9 100 68.00 2661 2751 47565 13451 88.7 1.405
-06.2 101 68.50 2685 2801 48790 13588 89.2 1.388
-05.5 102 69.00 2709 2852 50051 13724 89.7 1.371
-04.8 102 69.50 2734 2904 51349 13857 90.2 1.355
-04.1 103 70.00 2758 2956 52688 13988 90.7 1.338
-03.4 104 70.50 2783 3009 54066 14117 91.2 1.322
-02.7 105 71.00 2807 3063 55486 14244 91.7 1.306 ! Near Maximum !
-02.1 105 71.50 2832 3117 56949 14368 92.1 1.290 ! Near Maximum !
-01.4 106 72.00 2857 3172 58462 14489 92.6 1.274 ! Near Maximum !
-00.7 107 72.50 2882 3228 60020 14608 93.0 1.258 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 107 73.00 2907 3284 61627 14724 93.4 1.243 ! Near Maximum !
+00.7 108 73.50 2932 3341 63286 14836 93.8 1.228 ! Near Maximum !
+01.4 109 74.00 2957 3399 65000 14946 94.2 1.212 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.1 110 74.50 2983 3457 66767 15053 94.6 1.198 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.7 110 75.00 3008 3516 68594 15156 95.0 1.183 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.4 111 75.50 3033 3576 70482 15256 95.4 1.168 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 107 73.00 3097 3726 75836 15047 98.8 1.137 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 107 73.00 2669 2769 49537 13543 83.7 1.377
 
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