New rifle, need help selecting a Tikka T3X barrel profile

[lawdogx]

Hi all, long time lurker but first post. I'm looking to pick up a new rifle for east coast deer hunting (some tree stand, some ground, some stalking). I'm looking at a Tikka T3X in either .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. I've read that, with the thinner T3X barrels, group size opens up after like three shots and that one needs to wait 15 minutes for the barrel to cool before shooting again. I like the idea of a light-ish rifle, but I don't like the idea of not being able to string shots together without waiting for the barrel to cool (how does one do load development or ammo selection without being able to do multiple, multi shot groups?).

I'm also not a "pretty stock" guy. I'm very happy to drill a few holes in a cheap but functional stock and throw on a kydex riser, so the high-end stock offerings with pretty patterns are kinda lost on me. If that's the only way to get the action and barrel I need, then OK, but I'd be content grabbing a basic T3X light if that's the way to go ...

So, Tikka has a YouTube video where they outline their profiles. Light and superlight have 16mm barrels; Roughtech and Veil have 18mm barrels; CTR and UPR have 20mm barrels; and the varmint and super varmint have 22mm barrels (If I'm remembering the video correctly). Is there some consensus on Rokslide as to which barrel profile is the most useable/general purpose? I'd like to go kinda light-ish, but not at the expense of having to spend a week of 15 minute wait times at the range to shoot a bunch of 5 shot groups. Is there a sweet spot in the line-up? Also, are any of the other things in the "upgraded" models that are worth the upgrade (like fluted bolts or fluted barrels, etc.). Thanks!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Properly stress relieved barrels don't walk all over when heated up, generally speaking (I'm sure there are some examples otherwise) tikkas don't walk / or much if they do. Many many folks are shooting alot more than 3 rounds in 15min. So buy whichever profile suits your fancy. The regular sporter is the most common but that is merely because its common.

 

[199p]

Get the standard black stock with a fluted barrel, and you will be golden.
The barrels aren't pencil thin like a Kimber for example ive shot mobs of goats shooting 10+ rounds from my 6.5cm and accuracy is fine,
Suppressor was cooking tho

 

[keystone112]

I think you would be fine with any tikka profile.

My T3x lite in 30-06 is substantially thicker than my R700 mountain rifle. The Remington MR is the one I worry about heating up and causing accuracy issues. The Tikka, I don’t worry at all.

More importantly, the Tikka is super accurate. Maybe the most accurate rifle I own.

 

[Dave Thomas]

My Tikkas normally don't start throwing shots when they heat up. Doing load development I usually shoot 3 shot groups and wait a few minutes between groups. Just don't abuse it and it will be fine.

 

[Blurry1]

I bought a tikka t3x superlite in 6.5 cm last month. Load work up no problem. Shot probably 16rounds working up pressure on two different powders in an hour. Even with changes in powder charge it held close to 2in. I did the same with sheeting depths. 5 groups of 3. No problem. I’m sure I may tweek it but I would hunt with it tomorrow.

Edit: groups didn’t improve moving out .020 off lands.

 

[flyfisher117]

If its purely a hunting rifle is walking shots while doing load development truly that much of a concern?

My T3x Lite 6.5 CM shoots fine, it doesn't throw flyers as it warms up. Ive gotten it pretty hot and still had no issues making shots on small steel at 500-600 yards. I plan on running it in a few NRL hunter 1 day matches and PRS sportsman matches.

 

[lawdogx]

Thanks for the input boys, I’ll be grabbing a T3X lite … but waiting a bit. I just listened to the Shoot2Hunt podcast #119 and they confirmed that ALL T3X rifles will be coming with threaded barrels starting in a few months. They’ll be changing the profile of the lite barrels to give enough meat at the end to thread.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

This is not something to fuss over with Tikka lite barrels at all. Shoot it and then shoot some more.

 

[keystone112]

Thanks for the input boys, I’ll be grabbing a T3X lite … but waiting a bit. I just listened to the Shoot2Hunt podcast #119 and they confirmed that ALL T3X rifles will be coming with threaded barrels starting in a few months. They’ll be changing the profile of the lite barrels to give enough meat at the end to thread.

Good decision. You won’t regret it.

 

[Happydan]

Hi all, long time lurker but first post. I'm looking to pick up a new rifle for east coast deer hunting (some tree stand, some ground, some stalking). I'm looking at a Tikka T3X in either .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. I've read that, with the thinner T3X barrels, group size opens up after like three shots and that one needs to wait 15 minutes for the barrel to cool before shooting again. I like the idea of a light-ish rifle, but I don't like the idea of not being able to string shots together without waiting for the barrel to cool (how does one do load development or ammo selection without being able to do multiple, multi shot groups?).

I'm also not a "pretty stock" guy. I'm very happy to drill a few holes in a cheap but functional stock and throw on a kydex riser, so the high-end stock offerings with pretty patterns are kinda lost on me. If that's the only way to get the action and barrel I need, then OK, but I'd be content grabbing a basic T3X light if that's the way to go ...

So, Tikka has a YouTube video where they outline their profiles. Light and superlight have 16mm barrels; Roughtech and Veil have 18mm barrels; CTR and UPR have 20mm barrels; and the varmint and super varmint have 22mm barrels (If I'm remembering the video correctly). Is there some consensus on Rokslide as to which barrel profile is the most useable/general purpose? I'd like to go kinda light-ish, but not at the expense of having to spend a week of 15 minute wait times at the range to shoot a bunch of 5 shot groups. Is there a sweet spot in the line-up? Also, are any of the other things in the "upgraded" models that are worth the upgrade (like fluted bolts or fluted barrels, etc.). Thanks!

I just picked up one of these little fans to help cool down quicker. There are more expensive options, but this is $14.99. Check Amazon and search for Playmaker Tiny Blower. I just got it and will attach a short hose that will fit in the chamber. This will really help on the range.