Which Tikka T3 for target shooting?

[Danny Treacy]

Hi All,

I've been looking at the Tikka T3 range for target shooting, this will primarily be 300 - 1000 yards, and potentially PRS later down the line.

I am thinking of getting .308, due to the current restrictions on shooting 6.5CM in the UK.

It seems like the options are the new ACE Target model, the Super varmint and the CTR. (I am fine with putting the Super Varmint/CTR in an aftermarket chassis).

Does anyone have any suggestions on which one may be the best to go for, my head hurts from too much inter-webbing and not enough first hand knowledge.

Thanks!

Best,
Danny.

 

[jthyttin]

Look at the (equipment) rules of the disciplines you want to attend in the future. With wise choice you might be able to joins classes / divisions you otherwise couldn't, and it might make the shooting more pleasant (not feel undergunned). Find videos and attend events as spectator.

E.g. ACE Target might be much better choice than Varmint or CTR, with or without aftermarket chassis.

 

[Malxwal]

There's a Target Ace 308 for sale on here now.
A friend recently purchased a Target Ace in 6.5, and it was sighted in and hitting a 1000yd plate within one box of Hornady Match.

 

[palo]

The ace target and supervarmint have a 22mm diameter barrel where the CTR has a 20mm diameter one so I'd be inclined to go for the heavier barrel.
The ace target is probably the best value as it comes with a chassis.

 

[Danny Treacy]

Thanks for the replies. I saw someone on a thread mention the Anschutz 1782 APR as a good choice. ​

​

Looks great, double the price though, but looks great.... ​

 

[Demetrius]

That'd be my choice, in 6mm Creedmore, even if I had to save up for a year......and I'd reload for it using Tubb 115 grain HBN'd DTAC's.

D.

 

[JamesH]

I’ve got the Ace Target, only done some ammo testing so far but very happy with it for target use. I wouldn’t want to lug it around stalking, it’s heavy with the 26” barrel and large scope on it.

 

[Too Deer]

Buy a cheap donor action second hand and have a custom barrel added.

You get to pick your calibre and an appropriate twist rate.

You can then pick an aftermarket stock from the likes of KRG, MDT, Competition Machine, etc.

You'll pay the same amount (or less) than a a factory rifle but you get exactly what you want.

I have one with several different barrels, all in different calibres and it's exceptional!

That said, the factory rifles absolutely serve a purpose; my stalking rifles both have the factory barrels on them and are still going strong after thousands of rounds.

 

[JTO]

Unless you will be shooting FTR, where only 223 and 308 are allowed, have a think about 7mm-08.

 

[Tarquin]

Unless you are going to be shooting on an MOD range the 6.5 cm will be fine. Or circumvent that by going 260rem!

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

Unless you are going to be shooting on an MOD range the 6.5 cm will be fine. Or circumvent that by going 260rem!

Tbh the restriction isn't even that limiting.

Its only on ranges that are restricted to 7.62 because of the range danger area restrictions (retained energy/potential overshoot supposedly). Besides I would think the restriction will be dropped at some point with the recent adoption of 6.5 creedmoor and knowing more about its capabilities etc.

Anywhere cleared for above that is absolutely fine.

 

[Demetrius]

What Too Deer said.........I have three "semi-custom" rifles based on Tikka M595 actions, 2x223, and a 6.5x47.
One 223 started out as a TR with aperture sights etc, (almost as new for £1250), one was purchased as a donor .243 with a shot out barrel (£250) and the other 223 was a used action (also £250) which I had re-barreled. All have CG universal 2-stage triggers, and will shoot sub 0.5 MOA groups. I've re-stocked two of them using early Anschutz and Walther stocks.
For me, the fettling of the rifles, and reloading, all add to the fun.....

D.

 

[MarinePMI]

Hi All,

I've been looking at the Tikka T3 range for target shooting, this will primarily be 300 - 1000 yards, and potentially PRS later down the line.

I am thinking of getting .308, due to the current restrictions on shooting 6.5CM in the UK.

It seems like the options are the new ACE Target model, the Super varmint and the CTR. (I am fine with putting the Super Varmint/CTR in an aftermarket chassis).

Does anyone have any suggestions on which one may be the best to go for, my head hurts from too much inter-webbing and not enough first hand knowledge.

Thanks!

Best,
Danny.

If your intent is target, and past 700 yds, a wise person would get a 6.5CM. A 308 will seriously handicap you at longer ranges, especially in wind. There's no way in the world I would ever consider a .308 for LR target shooting these days. It's venerable and well known cartridge, but has been supplanted in the LR community by the 6.5CM for good reason.

 

[angusb1]

A T3 Supervarmint in 7-08, 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag would also do well past 700

 

[MarinePMI]

A T3 Supervarmint in 7-08, 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag would also do well past 700

True, but two of those cartridges are at a distinct disadvantage for PRS style competitions (7RM and 300WM). Excessive recoil will not allow a shooter to see their own bullet splash, which is key in a dynamic shooting environment. The 7-08 would work, but with a lower BC bullet for it's weight. That and most 7-08 rifles (AFAIK) do not come with a fast enough twist barrel, suitable for using high BC 7mm bullets.

 

[Danny Treacy]

So that leaves 6.5CM as the only option?

I would be happy to go for that calibre, but for now I won’t be able to use it as the ranges I have access to are MOD.

This is why I was leaning towards .308.

It’s been about a year since they banned 6.5CM has it it, any ideas how long it might be before it is allowed again?

 

[jthyttin]

308 has substantially better barrel life than many other choices. Also the competition rules I was referring previously, might make it a viable option. While it might not be as pleasant to shoot in longer ranges (harder to shoot and lower hit rate), it will give you same challenge at shorter (wind reading etc, while you're practicing or shooting for your own pleasure).

And if there's "308 only" division you can enter, you're no underdog equipment-wise in competition either. Better yet, if you can also enter "factory class" and so on (this might be with different barrel, but otherwise keep the costs down and concentrate on buying ammo and actually practice the shooting).

So it's essential to go on and read the rules. IPRF rules are kind of permissive, and I've understood some of the UK competitions follow those. PRS less so, haven't read the NRL Hunter thoroughly. Of course this only applies if PRS style hunting really takes off, and there are other than Open division available in matches.

Regarding the barrel life, you do realize that if barrel life is, say 2000rds, and rebarrel costs upwards from £1000 in UK -> each shot costs you 50 pence in barrel replacement cost only?

 

[palo]

I would go with the T3 ace target in 308.
It is available with a 26in barrel which will be better for the longer range targets.
Barrel life is excellent. My last barrel shot over 4k rounds will very little signs of wear.
If things change later you could always rebarrel to a 6.5 creedmoor if you want.

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

So that leaves 6.5CM as the only option?

I would be happy to go for that calibre, but for now I won’t be able to use it as the ranges I have access to are MOD.

This is why I was leaning towards .308.

It’s been about a year since they banned 6.5CM has it it, any ideas how long it might be before it is allowed again?

As i said before, Its not banned. Just cant use it on a range thats rated for 7.62 only.

There's lots of mod ranges where you can use it still.

Im guessing they will lift the limitation at somepoint as 6.5 has been adopted as a military round recently

 

[Ronin]

CTR 260 Rem