Topic: Tikka T3 Varmint 223 Accuracy (Read 7995 times)

Ranger3 · « **on:** July 13, 2012, 09:16:46 AM »

I am looking at buying a new T3 Varmint in 223 8 Inch twist. I already have a T3 Lite in 223 and am very pleased with the way it shoots. My biggest complaint is that the barrel is only 24" rather than 26", the two inches would really be helpful in velocity. Does anyone have one of these and if so are you happy with the groups and what size are they? I looked under the search but didn't see anything being discussed about this. I looked under Savage Shooters and the 12 FV gets lots of comments (Savage is my second choice) Am I unreasonable to expect 1/2 moa or less? My T3 Lite has probably spoiled me and probably is exceptional in this area.

Also is anyone aware of any accessory that can be put on the clip to make single shot shooting more convenient?? I know there are aids for Savage but can't locate anything for Tikka?

Jason_McHann · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2012, 12:26:37 PM »

My Tikka Varmint shoots in the .2's on a bad day and most days just under.

Here is the link to our sled: http://www.tikkaperformance.com/Tikka%20T3%20Sled

So far I have put more than 500 rounds over it without a single failure.

Hope this helps!

Ranger3 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2012, 06:34:00 PM »

Jason
Do you do any shooting over 500 yds and do you ever wish the barrel were 26"

Jason_McHann · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2012, 01:48:12 PM »

I shoot to 800 regularly and am building a 1000/1200/1740 range.

My 223 outperforms the Savage rifles in 26" my friends own. Savage makes a great gun but I have never envied their extra 2".

Earlier this year I set up Yukon Al here the last new super varmint in the country. He recently took it bone stock to an FT/R match and placed second. I don't think he's missing the 2" either.

My 223 will be used in some long range matches here as soon as I get around to putting my new XLR chassis on it.

At some point I'll have a 30 or 32" put on it for better performance at 1000. Until then I am more than happy with the factory barrel.

Hope this helps.

Ranger3 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2012, 06:34:49 PM »

Jason

First of all thanks for the response, it is helpful. What bullets do you use when you shoot out to 800?? I'm getting ready to load some 75 Gr. Amax's.

I really like my T3 lite and am hoping the Varmint will shoot as well. I load a lot of loads single shot now & that really helps accuracy.

What is the Super Varmint?

Alton

Jason_McHann · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2012, 08:16:13 PM »

Hi Alton

The Super Varmint is a stainless varmint with adjustable comb available every else in the world except the US. A limited number came in a couple years ago and have been coveted by the Tikka community :-)

I use Berger 80.5 Fullbore bullets on top of Winchester brass, varget, and Federal Match primers.

It holds half moa if I do my part.

The amaxes seem to work very well for everyone else. For some reason I couldn't get the 75 or 80 grainers to work for me.

I single load as well and the Bobsled has been a lifesaver for me!

Jason

Ranger3 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2012, 08:24:31 PM »

Jason

I also use Winchester Brass and varget, I sometimes use Federal Match Primers but have recently switched to CCI 450 which have worked very well for me. I will likely use federal Match on some of the 75 gr loads to compare with the CCI. I have used 69 Gr SMK's with good success, but they do not have a high BC so not sure how they will do long range. (i.e. past 300 yds)

Alton

yukonal · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2012, 05:47:56 PM »

Quote from: Jason_McHann on July 14, 2012, 01:48:12 PM

Earlier this year I set up Yukon Al here the last new super varmint in the country. He recently took it bone stock to an FT/R match and placed second. I don't think he's missing the 2" either. I am more than happy with the factory barrel.

Hope this helps.

To my knowledge, I've won every 600 yard F-TR match I've shot in in the last 4 weeks. Bone stock Super Varmint .223 shooting 80 gr Bergers...with only a 22X NF scope. I shot a 198-8X last week.

Jason_McHann · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2012, 06:02:51 PM »

Quote from: yukonal on July 15, 2012, 05:47:56 PM

Quote from: Jason_McHann on July 14, 2012, 01:48:12 PM

Earlier this year I set up Yukon Al here the last new super varmint in the country. He recently took it bone stock to an FT/R match and placed second. I don't think he's missing the 2" either. I am more than happy with the factory barrel.

Hope this helps.

To my knowledge, I've won every 600 yard F-TR match I've shot in in the last 4 weeks. Bone stock Super Varmint .223 shooting 80 gr Bergers...with only a 22X NF scope. I shot a 198-8X last week.

Al

Sorry to diminish your performance by saying you came in second.

If you ever want to sell that gun just give me a call... I'll be holding my breath.

Jason

Ranger3 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2012, 06:29:50 PM »

Jason & Yukon Al

I was pretty impressed with second.

I' ve got the T3 Varmint on Hold and will buy this week.

Thanks again

Alton

Ranger3 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2012, 02:06:14 PM »

I have one more question. What kind of bipod is that on the Tikka? I don't recognize it and it looks pretty solid.

Thanks!!

yukonal · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2012, 05:26:26 PM »

Quote from: Ranger3 on July 16, 2012, 02:06:14 PM

I have one more question. What kind of bipod is that on the Tikka? I don't recognize it and it looks pretty solid.

Thanks!!

A guy up here in MN that has a machine shop makes a few, and sells them to us guys that shoot leagues.

Ranger3 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2012, 07:18:07 PM »

yukonal

Thanks. Bummer, I'm sure they are pretty spendy

Ultra12 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2012, 11:07:14 AM »

I also have a T3 in 223 bbl. I bought it used with about 300 rounds trough it. I was sighting it in at 100 yards with Nikon monarch and usin privi ammo and Remington 55gr. It wasn't grouping as tight as I would like. It was def more than 1inch apart but not by much. I had no problem hitting both 6 and 9 inch steel plate at 200 yards. I would want to make it a arming rifle and perhaps my entry gun in to competition shooting. I am planing to spend money in this gun (scope leupold/vortex/ zeiss and most likely a complete chassis). I don't want to invest 2k in to a gun that will not be worth it. I know Tikkas are great and I do own a sako so I know it's quality but before I dump money in to it I would like to improve accuracy. I am thinking its either ammo / stock or gun. I did shoot using a vice. So no human error. I couldn't find havier bullets and hopping my gun will like them more due to 1:8 twist.

Now as far a stocks. I would like to have one aluminum block but B&C doesn't make them for bbl. the ones that do make stocks that accept bbl mostly don't have an aluminum block and with all the options cost as much as xlr and whiskey 3 chassis. So might as well get a chassis since it will come with most bells and whistles. But once again 800$+ investment to a gun that so far is marginally accurate.

Anyone have any thoughts? Btw gun is as good as new not obused and taken care off.

Jason_McHann · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2012, 12:32:05 PM »

Hi Ultra

I haven't met a Tikka yet that couldn't be made to shoot great. That being said, some can get temperamental about ammo, action torque settings, and whether or not the stock is slightly touching the barrel 2-4 inches from the receiver.

My 223 shoots everything extremely well EXCEPT 75 or 80 grain A-Maxes. This is incredibly bizarre because I have never heard of a gun, with proper twist, that didn't like A-Maxes. Maybe it was my powder choice. It is just a quirk with the gun. Since it shoots Bergers to 800yds under half moa, I haven't worried too much about it.

As for an accurate stock, I would stay away from the B&C. We had one here that we planned on testing, but the craftsmanship and inlet design were so horrible that we decided to not change damaging one of our rifles.

Hunters seem to love them. This makes sense since most hunters don't put thousands of rounds of ammo through their guns each year and are typically looking for minute of deer accuracy to around 300 yards. There is NOTHING wrong with this. It is simply something I have observed.

The aftermarket stocks we have seen the best accuracy with are the Helmick Arms, GRS, and XLR systems. For looks and adjustability you can't beat the GRS. If tactical is what you are after the XLR is hard to beat.

More info can be found here: http://www.tikkaperformance.com/Tikka%20T3%20Aftermarket/Tikka%20T3%20Aftermarket%20Stock

All of these have an oversized recoil lug built into the stock for added rigidity.

Hope this helps!

Jason

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Author Topic: Tikka T3 Varmint 223 Accuracy (Read 7995 times)

Ranger3

Tikka T3 Varmint 223 Accuracy

Jason_McHann

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Ranger3

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Jason_McHann

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Ranger3

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Jason_McHann

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Ranger3

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yukonal

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Jason_McHann

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Ranger3

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Ranger3

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yukonal

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Ranger3

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Ultra12

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Jason_McHann

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint 223 Accuracy