Fox control - Which .223 Tikka T3X model most suitable and which moderator ?

[75]

20” T3x lite, DPT mod. Don’t overthink it. Change the factory trigger spring if needed

223 isn’t a punchy round; you don’t need a heavy rifle if you’re walking plenty and not shooting long shot strings.

Put a cheek raiser on if you’ve got a high NV scope. Upgrade other bits later if you want.

I’ve got lites in 223 and 308. 223 is standard (with a cheek riser), stock is fine if not exciting. 308 is in a PSE (with adjustable stock) which is a step up but doubles the price of the rifle and is no more accurate in real world conditions. Both just work.

 

[ShotKam 0]

Your foxing is pretty much the same as mine, plenty of walk & stalk, shooting off quads, virtually all shots under 200 yards, most 100 - 150.
I plumped for a T3x Lite, 8 twist. It's now in an MDT Field stock. I'm shooting 60-grain V-Max homeloads and can't remember the last varmint I missed with it.
If you get a heavy barrel, you're bonkers, no need at all for what you are planning to do, and if you do a lot of walking with it @ 65 years old, I reckon you'll want to lob it in the nearest ditch pretty damb quickly.

Spot on advice. Thankyou.

 

[ShotKam 0]

20” T3x lite, DPT mod. Don’t overthink it. Change the factory trigger spring if needed

223 isn’t a punchy round; you don’t need a heavy rifle if you’re walking plenty and not shooting long shot strings.

Put a cheek raiser on if you’ve got a high NV scope. Upgrade other bits later if you want.

I’ve got lites in 223 and 308. 223 is standard (with a cheek riser), stock is fine if not exciting. 308 is in a PSE (with adjustable stock) which is a step up but doubles the price of the rifle and is no more accurate in real world conditions. Both just work.

Sound advice thankyou. This is basic pest control and I have the fieldcraft to get them where I need them - close enough. I'm getting there with the shopping list.

 

[the prowler]

I am wondering what the quietest .223 MOD is likely to be - happy to pay what is needed to get what I need ?

Jet-z are very good. But heavy. Pretty much indestructible build.

 

[Tikkat1x]

this is what you want mate T3x SV, 20" 1:8 twist, absolute tac driver with home loads.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Spot on advice. Thankyou.

One more thing, the best few quid I've spent on an upgrade is a lighter trigger spring, thanks to B E Precision's deal they did for SD members, it's transformed the trigger, I did a couple more for two pals, they appreciated it as well.
Edit: mine is equally at home spitting out 40-grainers or lobbing 69s. All clover leaf.

 

[nick.308]

Im using a Tikka T3 Super Varmint .223 1:8 twist, 20" barrel think its a 18x1 thread. Used with a T8 moderator.
deadly. Not bothered about a bit of extra weight . using 60gr vmax.
Comes with an adjustable comb riser and picatinny rail.

 

[ShotKam 0]

One more thing, the best few quid I've spent on an upgrade is a lighter trigger spring, thanks to B E Precision's deal they did for SD members, it's transformed the trigger, I did a couple more for two pals, they appreciated it as well.
Edit: mine is equally at home spitting out 40-grainers or lobbing 69s. All clover leaf.

I shall certainly bear that in mind. So standard set at minimum 2lb is too heavy ?

 

[Rake Aboot]

The one that you like the best is the one for you.
They all shoot perfectly well for foxes at any range.
What one do you like the look of and what weight are you happy with.

 

[BenBhoy]

a LOT of walking.

Not varminnt then..thats why i sold my t3x varminnt.

 

[bullet chucker]

I have the Stainless T3 223 left hand Varmint with stainless sound mod, also fitted with a KalixTecnik cheek riser, comes complete with its Optiloc Medium rings and bases. 20"barrel. 1-10 twist, V low round count, some fire formed brass to go with it.(never used reloaded ammo) Slap the scope of your choice on, I used 56mm and plenty of clearance. (Starlight Longbow) and your ready to go.

BC.

 

[Ludders]

I use a tikka t3 lite 1-12 with an ase sl5i 223 mod. Had this combo for quite a while now, and cant see my changing it as if just works. All of my foxing is done on foot, I also reload 55 gn vmax. I will comfortably take foxes out to approximately 250 yards off my viper flex quad stick, sometimes I push the distance if needs must. My stock is the tikka factory one but it has the adjustable comb.
No foxes have complained about it yet!

 

[tarponhead]

I use a tikka t3 lite 1-12 with an ase sl5i 223 mod. Had this combo for quite a while now, and cant see my changing it as if just works. All of my foxing is done on foot, I also reload 55 gn vmax. I will comfortably take foxes out to approximately 250 yards off my viper flex quad stick, sometimes I push the distance if needs must. My stock is the tikka factory one but it has the adjustable comb.
No foxes have complained about it yet!

This is the first mention of 1:12 twist - the OP’s focus is foxes, so is there any real advantage to a fast twist if heavier bullets are not used? Lots of 1:12 Tikka’s out there…On miss no mention of Freyr and Devik titanium mods for lightweight and noise reduction - Ivythorne Guns showed me one and shot it - made a 6.5 sound like a .17hmr!

 

[ShotKam 0]

This is the first mention of 1:12 twist - the OP’s focus is foxes, so is there any real advantage to a fast twist if heavier bullets are not used? Lots of 1:12 Tikka’s out there…On miss no mention of Freyr and Devik titanium mods for lightweight and noise reduction - Ivythorne Guns showed me one and shot it - made a 6.5 sound like a .17hmr!

Looking at Freyr and D mods - I guess you get what you pay for and longevity

 

[ShotKam 0]

This is the first mention of 1:12 twist - the OP’s focus is foxes, so is there any real advantage to a fast twist if heavier bullets are not used? Lots of 1:12 Tikka’s out there…On miss no mention of Freyr and Devik titanium mods for lightweight and noise reduction - Ivythorne Guns showed me one and shot it - made a 6.5 sound like a .17hmr!

I’m thinking just buy the rifle that ticks all the boxes and accept whatever twist if comes with.

 

[ShotKam 0]

The one that you like the best is the one for you.
They all shoot perfectly well for foxes at any range.
What one do you like the look of and what weight are you happy with.

Looks and weight are as you say are two of the main factors in making a choice.

I am thinking most likely the TikkaT3 Veil lite or Laminate lite. I am guessing the laminate feels a bit more solid. Probably fit a flatter recoil pad and possibly an adjustable Combe raiser if I feel these changes are worthwhile. I won’t overthink things

 

[Mike1979]

Not varminnt then..thats why i sold my t3x varminnt.

I despair at what a bunch of light weights we are...oooh the big heavy gun

I have a T3X Super Varmint, 20 inch, with a Stalon Mod in .243 with an Alpex on top. It gets carried miles and Im skinny. I just hate light rifles so put up with it but like all rifles ...I do my bit and the result is the same

 

[BenBhoy]

I despair at what a bunch of light weights we are...oooh the big heavy gun

I have a T3X Super Varmint, 20 inch, with a Stalon Mod in .243 with an Alpex on top. It gets carried miles and Im skinny. I just hate light rifles so put up with it but like all rifles ...I do my bit and the result is the same

I just hate heavy rifles + gear. I lift, chuck about & wrestle enough stupidly heavy suff 6 days a week. When i go out, to do something just for fun, last thing I want is more excessive weight to lump about.

 

[Mike1979]

View attachment 449386


I just hate heavy rifles + gear. I lift, chuck about & wrestle enough stupidly heavy suff 6 days a week. When i go out, to do something just for fun, last thing I want is more excessive weight to lump about.

I dont blame you and If you saw me you would find the T shirt idea very funny as I'm far from macho lol

Personally I wish I could get on with a light rifle as after 3 or 4 hours my skinny shoulders know about carrying a heavy rifle...but I can shoot well with heavy rifles so no real option for me lol

 

[Demetrius]

Get an M595..........better all round...

D.