Tikka T3X in 6.5 X 55 SWE - Long or short action?
- Thread starter zeegler
- Start date
Killbillc68
Regular
- Location
- Dawson Creek BC
Pretty sure if you’re using factory ammunition a short action will work. But if you’re into reloading and using longer bullets you might want a long action. It would be somewhat dependent on your particular chamber. Typically tikkas have a long throat. Basically you need to measure your chamber and decide on what bullets you’re going to be using.
The Tikkas (T3) all use the same length action. They just have different bolt stops and magazine blocks.
Edit- I should add that the magazine blocks can be removed or modified and the bolt stops switched from a SA to a LA which will allow seating the bullets longer on some cartridges. (Providing your throat is long enough in your rifle)
Edit- I should add that the magazine blocks can be removed or modified and the bolt stops switched from a SA to a LA which will allow seating the bullets longer on some cartridges. (Providing your throat is long enough in your rifle)
Blastattack
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg MB
6.5x55 is not a short action cartridge. Too long to fit in any short action magazines. You'll need to use a long-action stock, with long action 30-06 type magazines.
Killbillc68
Regular
- Location
- Dawson Creek BC
If I were you I would pick my bullet or ammo depending on whether or not your reloading. Measure your OCL then confirm whether or not that will fit in the magazine that you choose to use.
I'm not even sure since I don't have the action yet. Maybe I should contact Tikka and find out. I plan on sticking with factory loads, but who knows if I may get into reloading in the future.
I'm just in the planning stages of this build, and I wanted to do something different. I'm looking at the KRG Whiskey-3 chassis.
That's the confusing part. On the Tikka website, The T3X Hunter is available in 6.5 X 55 SWE. Almost every source of info I can find confirms that it's a LA cartridge. I know I should just do what everyone else does and go 6.5CM, but I'm stubborn like that. LOL
And yes, it makes more sense if I'm loading my own for higher velocities.
Laminate Stainless - factory ammo is very good. My reloads are excellent.
I love the rifle and the calibre. I'm loading 140gr and 160gr. My 140gr load is 0.35" at 100 and I suspect if a better shooter was using it that would be tighter.
All T3 s are LONG actions the only difference is if its a short or long action CARTRIDGE ! The short action cartridges have a BOLT stop to limit the bolt reward travel and have blockers in the mag ! The 6.5 x 55 Swede is classified as a long cartridge so has max rearward bolt travel and no mag spacer ! I have a T3 6.5 SWEDE and it shoots excellent - Nice Cartridge ! I also have a 338 FED a 223 FRem and a 22-250 Rem . 
RM
RM
I have changed the bolt stop in my 338 Fed to a Long one and now use long ammo mags so i can seat the bullets out further . RJ
If the chassis is made for a t3 how can it be short action only that doesn’t make any sense. If you got a t3 in creedmore the action would be the same length. And the mags too.maybe if you said what kind of chassis this mystery could be solved.
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AGain there is NO short action T3 All are long action ONLY difference is a bolt stop and blockers in the back of mags for shorter CARTRIDGES ! RJ
As already mentioned, Tikka actions and magazines are all the same size. However, when looking at getting a chassis for a long action cartridge, most of them don’t accept factory Tikka mags. That’s why the MDT says it’s for a short action because it uses AICS style mags. 6.5x55 cartridges fit in 3006 magazines, so unless you get a chassis like the GRS ones that use Tikka mags, you’ll need to get a chassis that’s a long action one.
