Tikka Whitetail .338 WM

B

Bob Locke

New member
Rifle arrived today. I am in LOVE! What a smooth action this baby has!

A guy came into the shop not too long after the UPS guy dropped off my little bundle of joy. He owns a Ruger M77 in .338, and we had ordered some ammo for him as it is a VERY uncommon caliber for SE Virginia. He recommended that I not even bother firing it until I get a recoil pad attached to the butt. He seemed a pretty stout fellow, and I had gotten similar advice from a couple of other people so I suspect I will do so prior to firing the first shot.

Now for some glass. Any recommmendations?

Also, I'm going to use this baby primarily for elk in eastern Colorado (near the Springs and Rocky Mountain Natl Park), so I am looking for some advice about factory loaded ammo that you guys have had success with.

Thanks in advance.

(And did I mention that I am totally impressed with this rifle? :D)
 
I don't think you can go wrong when using he Federal Premium 210 gr. Nosler Partition bullet.... if it groups well with your rifle.

Two of my hunting buddies
use that factory round and have had very good success on elk, when we've hunted together in Colo., Wyoming, and Idaho.

I handload, using the 210 gr. Nosler Premium, and have had fine success on elk with it.

EDIT: Yes, indeed! Put a good recoil pad on it. You'll not regret it.
FWIW.J.B.


[This message has been edited by Jay Baker (edited September 27, 2000).]
 
Do you recall what sort of scopes they had on thier rifles? I have some knowledge about scopes, but am not as well-versed as I ought to be.

I figure to get a variable, either a 2-7 or a 3-9, but am not sure if it's something I need to drop a lot of money on. I have a Tasco World Class (3-9x50) on my Savage 10FP, and it shoots 3/4 MOA consistently. Was looking at their Mag IV line as a possibility. Unfortunately, money figures into the equation more than I'd like, or I'd already have the Leupold Vari-X III and wouldn't be looking for an opinion!
 
As for glass, I would go with a Leupold Vari-X III in 2.5x-8x. Low powered enough for the brush shots and high enough for the longer shots. Also, the eye relief at the lower power is a good thing to have.

As the owner of a Tikka, I would suggest the Tikka factory rings. They are a little pricier but the plastic inserts and four hex screws make for a very solid mount.
 
Bob:

Sorry you posted just before I did and I didn't see your comments on the Leupold.

If $$$ are an issue, take a look at the Bushnell/Bausch and Lomb Elite 3000 2x-7x. You may be able to find them discounted because Bausch and Lomb has decided to use Bushnell for rifle scopes and some stores are clearing out the scopes under the Baush and Lomb name. I have an Elite 3000 and am very pleased with it and consider it a great bargain for the price.
 
I just bought a "closeout" Baush and Lomb Elite 3000 3-9X50mm (30mmtube), with Euro reticle for a friend from Natchez. It's really one clear scope, and I actually like the Euro reticle. Will be mounting it to a Rem. 700 in .243 tomorrow. It cost around $200, with shipping. Seems to me that would be a good scope for your Tikka, assuming that you can get 30mm rings.
 
Bob - I think Natchez also has Burris refurbished scopes. They are good scopes too.

One thing about the recoil pad. When you get ready to have it mounted, dress in your hunting clothes (cold weather). You need to ensure that the length of pull (and scope positioning) are right for the clothes (bulk) you'll wear. I find that a 12.5 inch length of pull suits me. I have 36 inch sleeves and an 18 inch neck.

Giz
 
Giz,

Sounds like you and I are about the same size! Thanks for the advice on the length of pull. I had actually thought about that, but it was good to see someone back up my thinking.

I have also read and heard good things about the Elite 3000's, and had them on my list of possibilities. As I work at a gun shop, availability of mounts and rings isn't a problem, and I can get some pretty good discounts on pieces and parts. The Leupold's are still pretty pricey, even at wholesale! Burris is another option I'm looking at, as one of our distributor's is running a special on them right now.

Tasco is WAY ahead in the affordability department. Any of you have experience with their Mag IV line?
 
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