Questions about Tikka

DaveMachine

DaveMachine

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I'm looking to build a starter LR rifle and I'm pretty much settled on Tikka and I have a few questions about some of the different models.

First, is the tactical model worth the extra money when compared to something like the stainless super varmint?

Besides Ellwood Epps, what are some other places to pickup a Tikka so I can shop around some?

Now some calibre specific questions

I'm torn between 6.5x55 and .308. Is the 6.5x55 going to be much more costly to reload for compared to the .308?

Being new to LR shooting, would I be better off going with one calibre over another?

Any other info in regards to the .308/6.5x55SE is welcome.
 
One of the best informative sights I use for Long Range equipment reviews is this..

http://www.snipercentral.com/caliber.htm

But I stand behind the .308 for its 800 yard range and ease at which you can buy ammunition. If I were going to get a round for something lighter .. I would take the .243 over the .223 even though they are way more expensive for their increased bullet weight and good balistics out to 500 yards.

Honestly, those are the only rounds I have ever really considered for Long Distance Shooting. Other opinions may vary ;)
 
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I don't know about LR, but I use a Tikka in 6.5x55 for high power silhouette and find it very accurate out to 500 metres. I have not had too much trouble gettting components for reloading, and the price of components is comparable to .308. I got someone I met through E-bay to buy me 500 brass from Midway in the States and mail them to me as Midway would not ship to Canada. I think Wholesale sports carries a lot of Tikkas. That's where I got mine.

Good luck.
 
I'd choose the 308.

Ammo will never be a problem, and its a damn good round.

Not that the long swede isn't... but it isn't a 308.
 
either one

I just bought the Varmint in .223 with the heavy, stainless barrel. Haven't shot it yet though. I think the .223 is a beautiful round for accuracy, and since I'm more of a target shooter and coyote blaster it's perfect for me-- what a sweet rifle it is! Nothing else even came close to that smooth bolt and just the overal feel. It doesn't matter what you pick for caliber. 308 is a great round too, and you can do pretty much anything with it. I guess it depends if you only want to buy one rifle to use on anything (although 308 on a coyote seems like using a hammer to kill a housefly to me) go with that. I've heard .243 is a terrific round too, but you can't shoot anything bigger than deer with it (correct me if I'm wrong) and you have to hit them right with that caliber too.
I looked at the tactical, and while it looks mean in all black and has the adjustable comb, picatinny rail and threads on the end of the barrel to put brakes on, I would say it's not worth the extra $600. I plan on having other rifles if I decide to go hunting for elk, bear or whatever, but for what I do now the .223 is perfect.
I bought mine at Wholesale Sports in Calgary. There's no reason to have them shipped from Ontario or whatever, just take a drive up here. Russel Sports is another good place for rifles, or The Shooting Edge, or Proline Shooters. If you go on Firearmscanada.com and click on the gun dealers page you can get links to several sites in the area.
 
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By the way, what do the rest of you Tikka owners think about break in for the T3 in stainless, heavy barrel? I can't find anything in the owner's manual helpful and nothing online specifically for it either on Tikka's website.
There doesn't seem to be any agreement out there from what I can tell among shooters either. Some say just shoot and clean like normal, while others are all specific about number of shots to cleaning ratio, etc.... opinions anyone?
 
I've got a T3 tactical in .300 Wi Mag. Shoots Beyond Awsome (even with factory ammo). I can't comment on the Varmint models, But this Tik-Tac can get .5 inch, 5 shot groups with Federal premium, 180 gr. Accubonds. I have 4 Tikka's ,and wouldn't hessitate to put another in the safe.
 
DaveMachine said:
I'm torn between 6.5x55 and .308. Is the 6.5x55 going to be much more costly to reload for compared to the .308?
Click to expand...

I've been reloading this cartridge for at least 2 years now, and near as I can tell the cost for reloading either cartridge is about the same.

PE90SHOOTER said:
.308 mainly because top end scopes come in models calibrated for it. It's not the most common sniper/sharpshooter round for nothing.
Click to expand...

In Sweden it accounts for more precision shooting, all around hunting (including Moose) then any other cartridge.
I'd go with the Swede, as you plan to hand load anyway, and it is a real performer.
 
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