T3 SS .223

[Crackers]

Hi all,

I am looking to purchace my first centre fire rifle and like the Tika T3 SS in .223. Would any body have any information on whether a 80gr VLD would fit in the T3's action. The only reason I ask is that I am new to the sport and would like to take part in the odd club F std comps.

The salesman advised me that it would most likely not fit. Is anyone able to assist me with some insight on this.

Many Thanks

Crackers

 

[1000yardstare]

Are you looking at the T3 Lite or Varmint? I have a T3 Lite stainless in 6.5 Swede and think it is a quality rifle. It is throated for long bullets but I don`t know anything about the throating of the .223. If you are single loading as is typical for target work, it won`t matter if the 80 gr round won`t fit the magazine.

The more important spec is the rifling twist. The .223 T3 is available in 8 or 12 twist. Make sure you are getting the 8 twist if shooting 80 gr bullets. No way the 12 twist will stabilize the 80s.

I shoot .223 in F Class with a custom 8 twist 30 inch barrel. By comparison, the Tikkas have relatively short barrels, 22 1/2 Lite and 23 1/2 Varmint. You need a 30 inch to get max velocity for 1000 yards but if you are only going out to 600 then it shouldn`t be too much of a handicap. The AR15s shoot out to 600 with short barrels.

 

[Crackers]

Thanks 100YardStare,

I was looking at the Varmint with the heavy barrel, in the 8 twist. Just so I could go down the range and shoot the barrel off it to learn about reloading, and reading the wind on longer distances.

Then when I feel I have a handle on things, I will look to invest money on a custom rig.

Thanks for the feed back.

Crackers

 

[1000yardstare]

Crackers, good luck with your new rifle. Another thing you might consider is Burris Tikka-to-Weaver scope ring bases, part# 410630. The Tikka/Sako type rings are very expensive. The Burris bases let you use any Weaver type ring and have multiple slots for more flexible scope placement.

 

[geoff]

Hi all,

I am looking to purchace my first centre fire rifle and like the Tika T3 SS in .223. Would any body have any information on whether a 80gr VLD would fit in the T3's action. The only reason I ask is that I am new to the sport and would like to take part in the odd club F std comps.

The salesman advised me that it would most likely not fit. Is anyone able to assist me with some insight on this.

Many Thanks

Crackers

Hi Crackers,

I've got a T3 lite in SS for varminting - great gun. I can regularly shoot 0.25 moa or better but I only go to the range on windless days . This is out of the box with no work done to the gun except a trigger job.

You will be able to get the 80 grains in the action but not the magazine. This seems perverse for a 1:8 twist barrel but there you go. Your choices are to make a single shot follower, modify a mag, or fiddle them in by hand. Modifying a mag is harder than it may seem. I've wrecked an 'M' mag trying to build out the feed lips, cutting the back out of an 'S' is likely to be more productive.

I shoot Sierra 65gn Gamekings (loaded to mag fit) most of the time. I've tried 75 gn amax and couldn't get them going quick enough (short barrel) to beat out the Gamekings for what I do. I've also used some 69 gn Rebate Boat Tails based on a Beger jacket that where whickedly accurate but just to long for the mag (new 'S' mag on order to cut up...).

Deadnutz make a great one piece alloy scope mount.

Great gun, put as much money or more into your scope and have a blast.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[geoff]

And thinking about it for a moment longer (I'm a leftie in New Zealand and our buying choices are very limited).... Have you considered any of the Savages? A potential draw back of the Tikka is the lack of aftermarket parts (stocks, magazines, triggers etc). If you do want to eventually do a longer barrel then it would be worth checking with a gunsmith that the action and stock could take it easily.

With a Savage you could have a good action left at the end of the barrel life and a far greater range of options to do something custom on that action e.g., http://www.competitionshootingstuff.com/id13.html

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[Crackers]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for all the helpfull hints and the link. This the greatest thing about this forum and web site in general, is the sharing of knowledge from its members, especially to people who are new to the sport.

I shall keep you informed of the upcoming purchase, either way I go.

Cheers

Crackers