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Bought a non Tikka #9146171 11/30/24 12:01 PM
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onlysmith&wesson Online Content OP
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I retired my CTR, second year in a row I didn't kill my buck with it opting for the lighter, easier to handle Tikka RoughTek in 7mm Rem Mag. I'll always have 2 .308's in my line up so the search was on. Enter a hunting partner with a Bergara that I really liked the feel, weight and handling characteristics of. I also noticed he center punched the dot on the zero check camp target.

Scheels is close and has a great selection of Bergara's . I bought the Wilderness Ridge. 22" barrel, cerakoted barrel and action, hinged floor plate, nice camo pattern on a stock with a grippy texture, 2.5 lb trigger I may not adjust for $850.00 It also came with a muzzle brake I took off and replaced with the supplied thread protector.

I always have my ears up on what other hunters say about accuracy and have never heard anything negative on Bergara. We'll see.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146173 11/30/24 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson


I always have my ears up on what other hunters say about accuracy and have never heard anything negative on Bergara. We'll see.


Same here.

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146661 12/01/24 02:32 PM
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Who has one? I have a few questions. Thanks.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146680 12/01/24 03:03 PM
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I have owned a Bergara B-14 HMR in 308 for about two years now, and have shot out to 325 yrds consistently at the range I go to. I have never had any issues with my rifle; it's been a dream to shoot every time I bring it out. If I can, I'd be happy to answer questions.

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146693 12/01/24 03:35 PM
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I have a Begara in .308. It’s a very well made gun.


However, the first load I tried ( Fiocchi SST 150 grain ) thru bullets all over the paper. Thr load I got next was 165 grain hornady CTX outfitter and they will shoot about a 2” group.

Just bought some 165 grain core lokts and are gonna give them a go.


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146696 12/01/24 03:47 PM
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is yours the one with the adjustable cheekpiece and a more vertical grip? These guns are shooters for sure.


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Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: Buzzsaw] #9146704 12/01/24 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Buzzsaw
is yours the one with the adjustable cheekpiece and a more vertical grip? These guns are shooters for sure.

No, I have the Ridge West River.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: txtrophy85] #9146705 12/01/24 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by txtrophy85
I have a Begara in .308. It’s a very well made gun.


However, the first load I tried ( Fiocchi SST 150 grain ) thru bullets all over the paper. Thr load I got next was 165 grain hornady CTX outfitter and they will shoot about a 2” group.

Just bought some 165 grain core lokts and are gonna give them a go.

2" is troublesome. Definitely not what I'm used to with Tikka. I'm getting some ammo recommendations. I'll of course start with what I have been using with great results for the last 7 years, Hornady Superformance, SST, 165 gr.

Thanks for the reply.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146714 12/01/24 04:22 PM
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I would try Federal Fusions or the newer Tipped Federal Fusions. Federal has always shot well for me in various 308s before I started reloading.

If the Bergara won’t shoot, just bring the CTR out of retirement.



Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146716 12/01/24 04:22 PM
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Bergara also has a list of recommended ammo, I've got the link below:

https://www.bergara.online/us/accuracy-testing/?_gl=1*11suwfh*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTA3MTgyODQxLjE3MzMwNjcxNzg.*_ga_ABCDEFG*MTczMzA2NzE3Ny4xLjAuMTczMzA2NzE3Ny4wLjAuMA..*_ga_H7XCS306WN*MTczMzA2NzE3Ny4xLjAuMTczMzA2NzE3Ny4wLjAuMA..

I have had best results (for .308) with Federal Fusion and Federal premium gold medal match, with165gr and 168gr respectively.

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146721 12/01/24 04:33 PM
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I’m gonna try a few more brands.

Only rifle I’ve seen this finicky was my wife’s weatherby. Would throw Nosler copper bullets all over the board. Puts accubonds into tiny clover leafs


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146726 12/01/24 04:38 PM
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I have a ridge in 6.5 and 308. Both are shooters and like the Barnes TTSX. Haven’t had to do anything to them, and honestly with how they shoot, I don’t plan to.

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: txtrophy85] #9146734 12/01/24 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by txtrophy85
I have a Begara in .308. It’s a very well made gun.


However, the first load I tried ( Fiocchi SST 150 grain ) thru bullets all over the paper. Thr load I got next was 165 grain hornady CTX outfitter and they will shoot about a 2” group.

Just bought some 165 grain core lokts and are gonna give them a go.

My premier in 300 prc has also produced less than stellar results with numerous loads. I’m debating reaching out to factory support.


NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146736 12/01/24 05:00 PM
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I don’t shoot factory ammo but if I did I would start with Hornady Precision Hunter. Only Bergara I’ve shot was a Crest in 7 PRC and it shot that ammo sub MOA.

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146772 12/01/24 07:07 PM
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I think I’ve tried five kinds of factory ammo, and even swapped scopes. The rifle is a problem child. We’ll see what we see. I’ve got a Horizon .300 WM with no such difficulties.


NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: syncerus] #9146784 12/01/24 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by syncerus
Originally Posted by txtrophy85
I have a Begara in .308. It’s a very well made gun.


However, the first load I tried ( Fiocchi SST 150 grain ) thru bullets all over the paper. Thr load I got next was 165 grain hornady CTX outfitter and they will shoot about a 2” group.

Just bought some 165 grain core lokts and are gonna give them a go.

My premier in 300 prc has also produced less than stellar results with numerous loads. I’m debating reaching out to factory support.



I’ll try two more loads before I send it off


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146811 12/01/24 08:23 PM
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When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: Augustus1994] #9146814 12/01/24 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Augustus1994
When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.

Spot on. Thanks.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146830 12/01/24 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
Originally Posted by Augustus1994
When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.

Spot on. Thanks.


I’m fairly certain TxTrophy 85 and syncerus know how to shoot.



Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: scottfromdallas] #9146842 12/01/24 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by scottfromdallas
Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
Originally Posted by Augustus1994
When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.

Spot on. Thanks.


I’m fairly certain TxTrophy 85 and syncerus know how to shoot.
I wouldn’t know if they can or cannot and wasn’t implying either way. I appreciate their feedback. Augustus is providing a check list to me should I have issues.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146853 12/01/24 10:02 PM
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Following this thread for results as I'm a huge Bergara fan.


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #9146892 12/01/24 11:07 PM
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My guess is it will shoot just fine. Most 308s are not picky on ammo. Dare I say “inherently accurate?” Look forward to seeing you post some good groups.

I have a Bergara BXR. It’s a 10/22 clone and I love it. Shoots great.

Last edited by scottfromdallas; 12/01/24 11:12 PM.


Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: Augustus1994] #9146982 12/02/24 01:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Augustus1994
When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.


100% you have to look at all factors when making a determination on a rifle.

I’m a fair shot off a bench. Better than average but not “great”. I’ll have a flier about every 4th shot or so that is 100% caused by me.

But this is 100% the bullet and the gun not getting along.


I’m a big fan of the rifle though. Am gonna buy one in a left handed action for my truck gun. They are solid little rigs


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: txtrophy85] #9147038 12/02/24 02:26 AM
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Originally Posted by txtrophy85
Originally Posted by Augustus1994
When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.


100% you have to look at all factors when making a determination on a rifle.

I’m a fair shot off a bench. Better than average but not “great”. I’ll have a flier about every 4th shot or so that is 100% caused by me.

But this is 100% the bullet and the gun not getting along.


I’m a big fan of the rifle though. Am gonna buy one in a left handed action for my truck gun. They are solid little rigs



That’s really weird it just won’t shoot. Is the bedding okay or stock pressing on barrel somewhere after the first shot or two?

Re: Bought a non Tikka [Re: Augustus1994] #9147073 12/02/24 03:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Augustus1994
Originally Posted by txtrophy85
Originally Posted by Augustus1994
When I see reports that these rifles won’t shoot, I get fairly skeptical after many lessons learned on an ultralight rifle..

A couple of questions to ask yourselves as you go down the path: Realisticallu what accuracy are you capable of and what’s your goal for the rig? What is your rest setup? Start with a truly clean bore free of all copper? Was rifle balanced in the rest setup so recoil is directed correctly? What external pressures did you place on the gun with your hands and face? Were these pressures consistent? How even and consistent is trigger press? Did you flinch through trigger pull or keep eyes on target as rifle recoiled? What was your breathing pattern like?

OP - I’m shooting the 130gr Barnes VORTX with one ragged hole results. They’re 15% off right now on Midway.


100% you have to look at all factors when making a determination on a rifle.

I’m a fair shot off a bench. Better than average but not “great”. I’ll have a flier about every 4th shot or so that is 100% caused by me.

But this is 100% the bullet and the gun not getting along.


I’m a big fan of the rifle though. Am gonna buy one in a left handed action for my truck gun. They are solid little rigs



That’s really weird it just won’t shoot. Is the bedding okay or stock pressing on barrel somewhere after the first shot or two?



4th shot flier is due to barrel heat.

I'm 100% sure about that.

The reason for heavy contour barrels is to tolerate excessive shot strings. Thin barreled hunting rifles are for being light weight, to carry a whole lot, and shoot one, maybe two shots. Asking a hunting rifle barrel contour to tolerate more than 3 consecutive shots is a fool's errand.


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