Tikka T3 Varmint?

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laker415

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I want to add a tikka to the safe as of late. Looking for some feedback from owners on the heavy barrel stainless varmint model. It will be used for steel and paper at various distances. Is it worth it? How’s accuracy? Necessary upgrades?

I’m leaning towards the 223 version for the 1:8 twist barrel to load up some 80 grain bullets. If not in 223, then perhaps one of the belted magnums. I already own and reload the following: 223, 243, 308, 6.5 creed, 7mm rem mag.

Thanks
 
I own one in 6.5x55 and it is by far the best rifle I own. It is no longer a factory T3 Varmint, but even out of the box it was ridiculous accurate with zero upgrades and factory Federal 140gr soft points. IMHO Tikkas are one of the smoothest actions out there as far as factory actions go. I own three and I will own more...

Here's my T3 Varmint (not the best pic, but its all good);

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Buy the T3 Varmint!!!
 

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Haha, thats the response i was expecting. Do you have details on your build? I have handled a varmint before and the stock didn't have the greatest feel. I also know the mags are stupid short and prevent the longer bullets to fit the mags. What bottom metal are you running? Thanks
 
T3 Varmint 6.5x55
McMillan A5
CDI Bottom Metal
Vertbrae Vector Brake
Sightron SIII 8-32x56 LRMOA

Note that the CDI bottom metal works well (I am running AI .338 mags for the length; tweaked the lips of the mag), but it is an interesting fit. Functions well, but mag does not fully enter action. I've thought about having it looked at again, but other than the mag not being super snug when inserted there are no feeding/reliability issues. Why fix it if it aint broke? Have a look at the thread below;

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1077979-Problem-with-T3-Varmint-CDI-DBM-AI-Mag

Let me know if I can help out further.
 
Thanks for the info. The gun looks awesome btw. Perhaps i will look at a chassis option as an upgrade to the standard stock. I'm not sure I'm a chassis guy but i appreciate how modular they are and the acceptance of magazines
 
Love my Tikka T3X Varmint in 223......when I have a good day and things go right, it's a sharp shooting rifle.

Excellent and very light trigger, stock is basic but decent, glassy smooth action and looks great too.

Mine is bone stock with a Bushnell 2.5-16 x 50 scope and it's a keeper. Loves the 69gr bullets for paper and
can shoot the smaller/lighter stuff well too if you want to crank up the velocity and shoot varmints.

Here are some best 5-shot groups, 100M, benchrest at range, nothing fancy.


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Nice groups. Those are similar to what I’m getting with my Remington 5r mislpec with 69 grain smk. Have you tried the 80 grain pills? I’m kind of leaning towards a 7mm rem mag but also stumbled onto a 6.5 creed version. Decisions decisions...
 
laker415 said:
Nice groups. Those are similar to what I’m getting with my Remington 5r mislpec with 69 grain smk. Have you tried the 80 grain pills? I’m kind of leaning towards a 7mm rem mag but also stumbled onto a 6.5 creed version. Decisions decisions...
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Have not tried the bigger stuff yet. I have some, but just haven't gone down the path yet.

It's so damn cheap and easy to reload the 223, that it just made practical sense to me.

I know it's a rock solid highly desirable caliber if I ever chose to sell again too, so win win.
 
CHIA said:
Have not tried the bigger stuff yet. I have some, but just haven't gone down the path yet.

It's so damn cheap and easy to reload the 223, that it just made practical sense to me.

I know it's a rock solid highly desirable caliber if I ever chose to sell again too, so win win.
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I hear you about the economics of the 223. A pound of powder goes a long way compared to other calibers. I just hesitate to double up on a caliber that I already have a winner with. Of the twist on the 243 was a lot faster I would go that route and load the heavy 6mm bullets.
 
I get similar groups with my Tikka T3x in 223 (non-varmint) it shoots great with a cold or hot barrel. It is light so good to carry around - the scope i have is a Leupold 2.5-8x36 it works.

cheers
 
I have one in 22-250. Shoots Winchester white box and 55g factory Vmax well under 1moa out to 400 and handload 53g vmax way way better when the winds not blowing. But it’s not fun to pack trudging through the snow etc.
 
I’ve owned many Tikkas and they have all been fantastic. My T3 Varmint wears a KRG Bravo stock. With 69gr SMKs I am well under MOA and was hitting a 1 MOA Target at 600m the other day. I like to shoot PRS and my Varmint is my training rifle. It takes thousands of rounds to burn out a .223 barrel and it’s cost effective. The only real changes that I’ve made to the Varmint is a YoDave trigger spring (10$ US) and a different bolt knob and a picatinny rail.

T3 Varmint is on the right.

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I will also add that, if possible, you should go to your local gun shop and handle a few rifles in your price range. Try a variety from different manufacturers to see what you think of the build quality, fit and finish, etc. Personally I’ve owned Tikka, Ruger, Remington, Savage, Browning and others. For a basic gun (ie: not a custom and not costing more than 1500$) you will find that Tikka delivers excellent quality and value for the money. Browning does as well but there is very little aftermarket support.
 
Tikka223 said:
I will also add that, if possible, you should go to your local gun shop and handle a few rifles in your price range. Try a variety from different manufacturers to see what you think of the build quality, fit and finish, etc. Personally I’ve owned Tikka, Ruger, Remington, Savage, Browning and others. For a basic gun (ie: not a custom and not costing more than 1500$) you will find that Tikka delivers excellent quality and value for the money. Browning does as well but there is very little aftermarket support.
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Thanks for the insight. Your guns look great. Did you get the chassis systems from go big tactical? I don't have a budget, merely interested in adding a tikka. Now considering the ctr and just getting another 6.5. I currently have a mix of savage and Remington in the safe. They all have their pluses and minuses.
 
I currently have three Tikka rifles, a Tactical with CTR bottom metal and mag in a PSE Composites stock, a CTR with a Benchmark barrel in a McMillan stock and a Tac A1, I have owned several others as well, and will own more in the future I am sure. Hard to beat in standard factory form, and after market support is growing rapidly for them now too, unfortunately the word is out and prices are slowly climbing.

I would suggest the CTR for the excellent mag system, then drop it into an after market stock that supports that bottom metal and mags, too simple.
 
laker415 said:
Thanks for the insight. Your guns look great. Did you get the chassis systems from go big tactical? I don't have a budget, merely interested in adding a tikka. Now considering the ctr and just getting another 6.5. I currently have a mix of savage and Remington in the safe. They all have their pluses and minuses.
Click to expand...

I did and Go Big Tactical is fantastic to deal with. I’m my opinion, the KRG Bravo is one of the best $/value stocks out there. A T3 CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24” barrel and a Bravo stock would make an awesome rifle. I already had a .308 CTR so it will be more cost effective for me to rebarrel the .308 to 6.5 in the winter. I’ve also got a barrel vice and an action wrench so once I have both barrels I should be able to the swap at home.

For hunting, my CTR will go back to its factory configuration.
 
It's important to look at total weight which makes all the difference if you carrying it around - i personally like lighter rifles that is why I didn't go with the varmint - overall stupid accurate. I find great accuracy staying at the posted COAL for the load. My last batch was 2.200 (50g and 55g) I will not load anything beyond 2.260. I find that your shooting ability is a greater factor in achieving consistent accuracy. Just my two cents or since they abolished the penny that would be my nickels worth. :)

ivob
 
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