.243 tikka confused.com

[User00040]

Hi @caberslash

Could you tell me why, just for my own interest. I’ve got a Sako .243 and love it, but wondered what the rationale was for your statement. I’ve heard of difference in tolerances between Sako and Tikka but I’m not sure how true that is?

Thanks,
Rob

Hi Rob,

All Tikka T3/T3x are based off the same receiver, so you could order one chambered in .204 Ruger and one chambered in 7mm Rem/300 Win Mag and the receiver is the same. Bolt lengths are the same as well, but bolt faces differ for different case head diameters.

The difference in cartridge size is accommodated via a shorter/longer magazine and bolt stop.

Some see this as a benefit, as the additional (theoretical, before modification) magazine length will allow for a longer loaded round when combined with a suitable chamber, so the Tikka T3/T3x action has found it's place among many custom rifle builds.

Now, why would you want a 'mated' action length? Because there are a few cartridge families which can be sorted by length.

1. 'Intermediate' cartridges (.222, .222 Rem Mag .223 Rem, 7.62X39, with later incarnations such as 204 Ruger 6.5 Grendel, 6ARC etc.) designed primarily around 'assault' rifles (think AR15), these cartridges have found their place among varmint, benchrest and even 'big' game hunters. There is a nominal overall cartridge length of 2.260" (to fit in AR15 mags), which makes the seemingly dimunitive round fit nicely in smaller rifles, yet pack a sizeable punch when loaded specifically for bolt action rifles (no concerns about cycling under semi or fully automatic fire).

Notable actions in this category: Sako Vixen (L461/A1), Howa Mini action, CZ 527, Zastava/Interarms M85

2. 'Short Action' cartridges (think everything based off the .308 Win, 243, 260, 7mm/08 and more recently 6.5 Creedmoor and derivatives) Nominal length around 2.8" (to accommodate the AR10 platform and magazines, see a pattern here?)

Notable mentions: Remington Model 7, Sako Forester (L579/A2), Howa Short Action and Remington 700 Short Action

3. 'Long Action' cartridges (think 30-06 family, and longer magnums).

There are a few 'in-between' rounds like the 284 Win and 6.5x55 which we won't mention

Now, Sako, Howa (arguably copying Sako!) and a few other manufacturers offer rifle actions which are 'mated' to each family, roughly speaking, as above. So I can't stick a .223 magazine into a Sako 75 chambered in 308 and vice versa.

What are the benefits of this system? Weight savings on the smaller actions with a shorter bolt throw, better round feeding, theoretically (nominal) shorter lock-times. That's pretty much it.

Costs? Well, costs. It is a lot cheaper to make a 'one size fits all' rifle, especially if the accoutrement which are required to change the chambering are all plastic (barring the barrel).

When you are making a different action length for each cartridge family, the requirements also mean a different stock, magazine, bolt, firing pin assembly, and trigger-guard.

Once you handle a Tikka T3 in .223 and compare it to an action that was meant for the .223 (like a Sako Vixen), the positive differences are self-evident.

However, with the trend for rifles being used more and more from a bench/truck/bipod/tripod, the heavier weight and reduced manoeuvrability of the 'one action' concept is no longer seen as a negative, but a benefit, as it also allows rounds to be modified for a longer length, longer bullets seated further out, more powder capacity and hence greater reach (as mentioned earlier).

It also means that aftermarket components can often be made to this 'one-size-fits-all' blueprint.

 

[User00040]

Same here...I have no problem with a stalker asking me to prove my rifle is accurate pre-stalk but if he tried to stipulate I used his rifle I’d be telling him to give me a full refund.

I did see one this year who seemed to bang on about 270 like any other caliber is a waste of time - it was wearing thin by the end of the day! Especially after watching a couple of good stags fall to other calibers. He was also disgusted that I had no bipod....again...it was proven that a bipod is not always required!

regards,
Gixer

There is also the aspect of good old 'elf and safety.

Some estates are complying with a 'non-toxic/non-lead' factory ammo only policy, and some have even imposed their own 'minimum calibre restriction', which is .270 Winchester, surprise surprise!

That being said, if I were to ever set up an estate rifle it would need to have a 2nd focal place scope (long eye relief), no twiddle turrets, illumination, parallax or any other faff to go wrong (maybe even fixed magnification!) yet an adjustable (length of pull and comb height) stock.

There is good reason for the lead member of the party carrying the rifle, some on here must of heard about the stalker whose arse cheek was blown off by a client/guest? Lucky to be alive!

 

[gixer1]

There is also the aspect of good old 'elf and safety.

Some estates are complying with a 'non-toxic/non-lead' factory ammo only policy, and some have even imposed their own 'minimum calibre restriction', which is .270 Winchester, surprise surprise!

That being said, if I were to ever set up an estate rifle it would need to have a 2nd focal place scope (long eye relief), no twiddle turrets, illumination, parallax or any other faff to go wrong (maybe even fixed magnification!) yet an adjustable (length of pull and comb height) stock.

There is good reason for the lead member of the party carrying the rifle, some on here must of heard about the stalker whose arse cheek was blown off by a client/guest? Lucky to be alive!

I absolutely don’t have an issue with a stalker carrying the rifle for safety reasons....and I could understand if someone turned up with a huge tactical lump of a cannon, however if that was the case the stalker could carry the mag and make it clear he will hand it over when on the final approach and stay behind.

I did hear of someone up on the north east coast (up Helmsdale way) being shot with a .270 by a client (and surviving) but what an absolute nightmare up on a hill!

regards,
Gixer

 

[muddy42]

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

Sorry to state the obvious, but have you tried the “compare rifles feature on the tikka website? When you do this it is easy to narrow your choice:
- some left handed
- some with a set trigger (i’d steer clear of one!)
- the shorter barrelled version is threaded for a moderator. Do you want one?
- you’ve chosen stainless barrel, great.
That leaves stock material and weight. Personally I’d go for a standard ‘lite’ sporter version in synthetic material. You’ll find the varment weight sticks quite heavy once you’ve added a moderator, scope and bipod. You can always add a bit of weight via a cheek piece if needed.

 

[rob4586]

Hi Rob,

All Tikka T3/T3x are based off the same receiver, so you could order one chambered in .204 Ruger and one chambered in 7mm Rem/300 Win Mag and the receiver is the same. Bolt lengths are the same as well, but bolt faces differ for different case head diameters.

The difference in cartridge size is accommodated via a shorter/longer magazine and bolt stop.

Some see this as a benefit, as the additional (theoretical, before modification) magazine length will allow for a longer loaded round when combined with a suitable chamber, so the Tikka T3/T3x action has found it's place among many custom rifle builds.

Now, why would you want a 'mated' action length? Because there are a few cartridge families which can be sorted by length.

1. 'Intermediate' cartridges (.222, .222 Rem Mag .223 Rem, 7.62X39, with later incarnations such as 204 Ruger 6.5 Grendel, 6ARC etc.) designed primarily around 'assault' rifles (think AR15), these cartridges have found their place among varmint, benchrest and even 'big' game hunters. There is a nominal overall cartridge length of 2.260" (to fit in AR15 mags), which makes the seemingly dimunitive round fit nicely in smaller rifles, yet pack a sizeable punch when loaded specifically for bolt action rifles (no concerns about cycling under semi or fully automatic fire).

Notable actions in this category: Sako Vixen (L461/A1), Howa Mini action, CZ 527, Zastava/Interarms M85

2. 'Short Action' cartridges (think everything based off the .308 Win, 243, 260, 7mm/08 and more recently 6.5 Creedmoor and derivatives) Nominal length around 2.8" (to accommodate the AR10 platform and magazines, see a pattern here?)

Notable mentions: Remington Model 7, Sako Forester (L579/A2), Howa Short Action and Remington 700 Short Action

3. 'Long Action' cartridges (think 30-06 family, and longer magnums).

There are a few 'in-between' rounds like the 284 Win and 6.5x55 which we won't mention

Now, Sako, Howa (arguably copying Sako!) and a few other manufacturers offer rifle actions which are 'mated' to each family, roughly speaking, as above. So I can't stick a .223 magazine into a Sako 75 chambered in 308 and vice versa.

What are the benefits of this system? Weight savings on the smaller actions with a shorter bolt throw, better round feeding, theoretically (nominal) shorter lock-times. That's pretty much it.

Costs? Well, costs. It is a lot cheaper to make a 'one size fits all' rifle, especially if the accoutrement which are required to change the chambering are all plastic (barring the barrel).

When you are making a different action length for each cartridge family, the requirements also mean a different stock, magazine, bolt, firing pin assembly, and trigger-guard.

Once you handle a Tikka T3 in .223 and compare it to an action that was meant for the .223 (like a Sako Vixen), the positive differences are self-evident.

However, with the trend for rifles being used more and more from a bench/truck/bipod/tripod, the heavier weight and reduced manoeuvrability of the 'one action' concept is no longer seen as a negative, but a benefit, as it also allows rounds to be modified for a longer length, longer bullets seated further out, more powder capacity and hence greater reach (as mentioned earlier).

It also means that aftermarket components can often be made to this 'one-size-fits-all' blueprint.

Thanks for that. Needless to say something I was absolutely unaware of, but very interesting and superb detail. It also explains the extra cost in a Sako over a Tikka. Some say they’re the same rifle, but this proven otherwise. Still a debate whether Sako are worth the extra cash, but that’s personal opinion.

I’d also wondered why Tikka were so heavily used as the donor for a custom....I wonder no more

Cheers,
Rob

 

[Border]

I would go T3x laminate sporter stainless if it was me, normal barrel length. As others have said I would also do a long action cartridge ie 25-06 6.5x55 270 30-06 UNLESS the calibre is set in stone, only because of the one action length issue. I wouldn't spend the extra cash on a Sako and I like and own several.

 

[smokey]

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

i would avoid a tikka with a 20" barrel in 243 win calibre, Personally i prefer a 22" as minimum for a 243

 

[DVS1]

But these guys from the internet disagree:

I expect camera angles have alot to play in it but I would be having a word with 'bro' infront incase he was sweeping me with his muzzle...he has the manly nipples that need nipple cups so carry the weapon system like a man ya wuss!