Tikka t3x lite SS or superlite
- Thread starter JQIAN
- Start date
Fluted barrel = slightly less weight, perhaps slightly better heat disapation ... negligible to hunters + shooting minimal rounds at a time, varminters and target shooters shooting multiple strings and multiple rounds tend to like having a fluted barrel, and / or personal choice. I happen to like it: 22-250 and a 6.5CM
I got the hesitant to upgrade part. But I never have a tikka before. So lite SS or superlite would be my first one. I wouldn’t upgrade either if I had lite SS.
So sounds like $200 extra is just for fluted good looking and other effects are negligible. But I will go with superlite most likely
Those look like Talley Light Weights scope rings/bases to me. I've owned both version in stainless and don't think you could go wrong with either. Fluted barrel is nice to look at for sure. If you're not hung up on stainless might be worth checking out the CTR version. That would be a great set up for a .223 all round'r I think!
I also noticed another big difference between lite SS and superlite.
lite has twist rate 1:8", and superlite is 1:12". That is a significant difference. Why is that?
I am concerned that superlite's slower twist may not be friendly to heavier bullet. Let's say 223rem, 45-55 grain is kind of normal. Superlite 1:12" can handle that?
I have the T3X SS LITE in 223 1-8 Twist as i like to shoot the 69 - 77 gr bullets - The 1-12 twist is best for 40-50 gr bullets - I use Talley LW scope rings on all of my Tikkas - RJ
yeah, that's what I was thinking too. The general rule is that better twister faster than slower even with light bullets. That 1:12" twist rate in superlite is really concerning to me.
It is weird that Tikka has such as big difference in twist between SS lite and superlite. I mean other than that almost everything is identical. What are they thinking about? superlite is for light bullets only?
By the way, what height of the Talley LW rings are good for a Tikka T3X lite with 40mm object and 1" tube scope, is low good enough? I want to go everything with light, so the scope is not a monster either.
I had a 7RM in a superlite and it was very accurate with 175 partitions and 168 nosler accubond long range. I kinda regret trading it in for a more expensive rifle. Some " People "say the tikka magnums kick too much but I have found if the stock fits you, well then it is a good match. I prefer the fluted barrel so when you're having a slow day at least your gun looks good lol. A couple ounces really doesn't matter so pick the one you'll be happy with and not have to sell later to fund the one you should have bought.
Yes, Talley low should be correct. I had a Bushnell 3-9x40mm in a set of Talleys on my T3X and it fit well.
The 1:12 twist is standard for .223, but was designed for "varminting" bullets in the 45-55gr range. Different manufacturers have been playing with twist rates now for a while even in established cartridges just to offer something different. I have a 9-twist barrel that shoots the 68-75gr well, but 77gr and 80gr would need an 8-twist for sure, and beyond that 7-twist for crazy projectiles like the 90gr. You don't lose anything by going to the 8-twist and you actually gain some really good match grade options on the high end.
I have Lows with a 40 MM Leupold - No Clearance problems Bud ! RJ
Thanks for the information, very useful.
Is there any side effects let’s say I use a light projectile 45 grain in fast twist like 8” ?
The more I talk here the more I prefer lite SS or even regular lite.
What’s the benefit of stainless steel barrel other than good looking?
Fast Twist will shoot the lighter NORMALLY very Well and the Heavy long bullets GREAT ! Slow Twist will shoot light bullets Great and Heavy long bullets NOT worth a SH*T ! just my findings over the years ! All my 22-250 's were 1-14 and ALL hated anything heavier or longer then a 60 gr -they shot best with 50-53 gr-ers ! Same with my 222- 223 'S - jmo RJ
SS doesn't RUST or PIT up liked a blued barrel -receiver does if your a Sloopy Looker After Type ! Blued is find if you look after it and keep it wiped good with G96 !
SS doesn't RUST or PIT up liked a blued barrel -receiver does if your a Sloopy Looker After Type ! Blued is find if you look after it and keep it wiped good with G96 !
