Opinions on different Tikka T3X models please.

[purdey24]

I have a T3xlite adjustable and like it very much. Super accurate and reliable but I would go for a 6.5x55 swede rather than .243.
I have had every common calibre and found this to be the best all rounder. It will take down anything in this country and does not do too much damage to roe. Minimal recoil as well.
The use them for elk in Sweden.

 

[ForFoxSake]

I have a T3xlite adjustable and like it very much. Super accurate and reliable but I would go for a 6.5x55 swede rather than .243.
I have had every common calibre and found this to be the best all rounder. It will take down anything in this country and does not do too much damage to roe. Minimal recoil as well.
The use them for elk in Sweden.

I’ll look up the 6.5 x 5.5 swede. Haven’t heard of that calibre before.

 

[Rob-E]

I own a 308 lite and a 243 varmint.

I prefer and shoot better with the varmint, it’s very very accurate. I’ve also carried it 15miles a day on the hill for 3 days solid and while I had a sore shoulder I don’t think it was much worse than if I carried my 308.

I’m actually looking to rebarrel my 308 now with a heavier barrel.

 

[jthyttin]

If we're now changing the chambering, I'd take a serious look at 223 since you're in Scotland.

Easier to shoot in light rifle, and if you don't shoot roe over 200m or so it's perfectly capable (longer range it might not be future proof with non-lead expanding, want to emphasize "expanding" not "fracturing"). Also better relative performance from shorter barrel (say 20") since it's longer in "calibers". You'd have to think if you need 1-8" twist or is 1-12" enough. Nothing wrong in 1-8" in any case, was only thinking about availability in Tikka since it offers both.

Of course 223 doesn't offer backup rifle for larger species, or roe south of border, should you favor that.

 

[Utectok]

Mostly first timers get a varmint barrel and regret it. I told my friend this and he still bought a varmint and regretted it. Buy a light one and restock it with a decent stock.

 

[Hales Smut]

I've got two lite's. But I noticed the Roughtech has a slightly heavier barrel. Only 1 or 2 mm, no big difference.

 

[ForFoxSake]

This is brilliant. You boys have a wealth of knowledge and I love reading it. I have to say I think I’m set on .243 for a first rifle because my FAC application is in its final stages and that is what I have applied for. (On a tangent relating to that, if you make an application for a .243 I presume you are the bound to purchasing a .243?). And also from what I know, .243 will be most suited to my intended purpose, our ground here is fairly flat, open arable land so longer ranges will be beneficial.

 

[20-250]

I've got two lite's. But I noticed the Roughtech has a slightly heavier barrel. Only 1 or 2 mm, no big difference.

Maybe the added weight is negated by the Roughtech's fluted barrel?

 

[Utectok]

This is brilliant. You boys have a wealth of knowledge and I love reading it. I have to say I think I’m set on .243 for a first rifle because my FAC application is in its final stages and that is what I have applied for. (On a tangent relating to that, if you make an application for a .243 I presume you are the bound to purchasing a .243?). And also from what I know, .243 will be most suited to my intended purpose, our ground here is fairly flat, open arable land so longer ranges will be beneficial.

First rifle 6.5 cm is pretty hard to beat and a more versatile cartridge than a .243

 

[nun_hunter]

First rifle 6.5 cm is pretty hard to beat and a more versatile cartridge than a .243

I would agree and probably now easier to get hold of in a new Tikka.

I started with a 243, and have ended up with a 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor but if I had to keep just one it'd be the Creedmoor.

 

[Mike1979]

I've got a T3X in .243 Super varmint. Lovely rifle and a load lighter then my custom 6.5 Creed so it feels nice and light I cant get on with light rifles so put up with lugging heavy ones around for miles as I can shoot much better...just personal preference I suppose.

 

[Mike1979]

Should have also said that a .243 will put pretty well everything on the deck if you put the bullet in the right place...so will a gaymoor but at least you can admit to owning a .243 without scorn

 

[nun_hunter]

Should have also said that a .243 will put pretty well everything on the deck if you put the bullet in the right place...so will a gaymoor but at least you can admit to owning a .243 without scorn

Thats fighting talk for someone using a cartridge widely designated for women and children

 

[KimE]

I’ll look up the 6.5 x 5.5 swede. Haven’t heard of that calibre before.

Its the 6,5*55 union cartridge "skarp patron m/94".

 

[GBR66]

I've been window shopping through the Tikka range as well, I have a light Merkel Helix Alpinist in .30-06 for long walks, I am looking at a heavier barrelled Tikka in 6.5CM as a range rifle and short walk/lay-up/high seat deer rifle, leaning towards the Super Varmint as the best for the range (maybe in a chassis) and put up with the weight for the short walks!

 

[Mike1979]

Thats fighting talk for someone using a cartridge widely designated for women and children

Love it

 

[Utectok]

Its strange but i think the days of implying there is something wrong with the people who shoot 6.5cm are over. Every serious shooter I know has shot or owns something with a 6.5 projectile. Its ability to buck the wind compared to the weight of the bullet is quite something to behold.

 

[Mike1979]

Its strange but i think the days of implying there is something wrong with the people who shoot 6.5cm are over. Every serious shooter I know has shot or owns something with a 6.5 projectile. Its ability to buck the wind compared to the weight of the bullet is quite something to behold.

Nope...the days are nowhere near over. I get abuse from most people I know when I admit to owning one...but its pure jealousy or ignorance so I dont care I love my gaymoor...loud and proud

 

[Utectok]

Nope...the days are nowhere near over. I get abuse from most people I know when I admit to owning one...but its pure jealousy or ignorance so I dont care I love my gaymoor...loud and proud

Its a great cartridge and absolutely nothing wrong with being gay either

 

[jthyttin]

6.5mm was considered connoisseur's choice (sp?) before Creedmoor became mainstream. Then again, I've heard nowhere as much ridicule as in SD (might be UK thing, don't follow other UK forums besides UKNV every now and then).

Ridiculers also get so upset, when I say that starting all over I'd choose Creedmoor over 260 Rem any day. It's just a wiser choice (if you dodge the small primer caveat for general use).