Tikka setup questions

[Ian Davis]

I have a T1x and a T3x in 223 on the way. Both 16”. What are the best options for rings? Will be using 77tmk for game, but I want to put in a lot of practice. Is any 55 or 62 fmj okay for practice or do I need to find something that replicates the tmk closer? Lastly, is there anything on these Tikkas that needs to be upgraded out of the box? Like bottom metal, vertical grip, etc… what would you do if you were setting them up?
Thanks

 

[Ian Davis]

Forgot to mention, I have two Athlon btr 2-12s that will be going on them.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Getting the same thing,just waiting on it to get here.
Good ?s

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I have a T1x and a T3x in 223 on the way. Both 16”. What are the best options for rings? Will be using 77tmk for game, but I want to put in a lot of practice. Is any 55 or 62 fmj okay for practice or do I need to find something that replicates the tmk closer? Lastly, is there anything on these Tikkas that needs to be upgraded out of the box? Like bottom metal, vertical grip, etc… what would you do if you were setting them up?
Thanks

I like a DIP rail and Leupold PRW2 rings for the T1X. I like the UM low rings for the T3X.

I use Frontier 62-grain 5.56 for my cheapest practice ammo. That was the cheapest ammo that shot well. My “nicer” practice ammo is the ADI 55- and 69-grain.

Nothing needs to be upgraded, but it’s probably worth trying out the $20 vertical grip. If I were you, that would be something to try right away.

If you want to go full RokSlide, then look into getting a RokStok. I personally like the wooden RokStoks, but they are pricy. Some people don’t recommend going full RokSlide.

For bottom metal, I like the PR Precision stainless steel, but there are tons of good, affordable options out there.

 

[peterk123]

I own two t3x rifles. 223 and 308. Limbsaver recoil pad, vertical grip and salmon river combo rail. The 223 gets a kydex adjustable cheek riser because I also use a thermal on it which sits fairly high. I use a pic rail so I can swap sights easily.

I also have a T1x. It is setup the same as the 223 because the thermal will go on that as well.

I think the stock improvements make for a very comfortable and versatile setup. Allows me to use a tripod or bipod without needing to change a thing. A custom stock without the custom price.

 

[grfox92]

Is the frontier 62 gr you are referring to the one that comes in a brownish cardboard box of 20?

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Is the frontier 62 gr you are referring to the one that comes in a brownish cardboard box of 20?

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

It does come in 20-round boxes as well.

 

[WBT]

I have a Tikka 223 trainer (8 twist) and like the UM rings. I have a 3-9 SWFA on mine in lows. As far as ammo goes, I’ve tried the 75 grain Frontier ammo and I was getting a lot of pierced primers. And it wasn’t very accurate. I’m much happier with the AAC Sabre Blade in 75 grain. That’s for cheap practice ammo, but it would probably work fine for hunting as well. I also suggest picking up some Mamba mags if you can find them. They hold 10 rounds and seem to feed well.

 

[skipper907]

Get um tikka rings for the t3. Extra mag. And maybe a recoil pad but not really needed with those two calibers

 

[nuffgun]

Sportsmatch rings to84 I believe, tikka vertical grip, limbsaver butt pad probably won’t matter much on a .223, whatever diy cheek riser you want. Might want to open up the barrel channel a bit as well.

 

[wesfromky]

The vertical grips are a nice addition.

 

[skipper907]

Ya definitely open up the barrel channel on the stock. My 223 shot like crap untill I did that

 

[Kyguy]

I have a Tikka 223 trainer (8 twist) and like the UM rings. I have a 3-9 SWFA on mine in lows. As far as ammo goes, I’ve tried the 75 grain Frontier ammo and I was getting a lot of pierced primers. And it wasn’t very accurate. I’m much happier with the AAC Sabre Blade in 75 grain. That’s for cheap practice ammo, but it would probably work fine for hunting as well. I also suggest picking up some Mamba mags if you can find them. They hold 10 rounds and seem to feed well.

Any idea which Hornady bullet that actually is? Is it a V-Max or a is it SST? It appeals based on cost.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Vertical grip is definitely not needed. I bought one to try cause of all the reviews on here. I hated and returned it. The regular grip is so much more natural feeling to me.

 

[mtnbound]

I have a T1x and a T3x in 223 on the way. Both 16”. What are the best options for rings? Will be using 77tmk for game, but I want to put in a lot of practice. Is any 55 or 62 fmj okay for practice or do I need to find something that replicates the tmk closer? Lastly, is there anything on these Tikkas that needs to be upgraded out of the box? Like bottom metal, vertical grip, etc… what would you do if you were setting them up?
Thanks

UM or Hawkins rings. I prefer medium height rings, but a lot of guys like lows.
What twist is your barrel? Do you reload?
The factory stock is flexy but use it till you find one you like better. The vertical grip might be helpful for you.
I would not worry about the factory's bottom plastic at this point. There are many options for BM once the time comes.
Buy some magazines and realize that some factory ones are good, while others are not. Mamba mags and NDR have been good for me,

 

[glock233]

Ammo for practice:

1. Get the cheapest crap you can to practice trigger control and form. Practice at relatively close range to avoid the downsides of crap ammo. I like to suggest a 4-6” steel target at 200 yards as a starting point, then just keep moving it back.

2. Get the cheapest 77 grain ammo on ammo seek to practice long range, if you are trying to save $ but have realistic shooting.

3. Bone frog is like $1.10 a round delivered with no tax. It’s not that terrible to practice with.

 

[Ian Davis]

Thanks for the info so far.
It’s a 1 in 8 twist and I don’t reload.
Anyone have a good tutorial on opening up the barrel channel?
Thanks

 

[Speaks]

I like the vertical grip and UM rings. I also use the UM level.

Limbsaver pad is great for heavier calibers but could just as well pass for 22lr and 223.

I always shot the 77 black sabres but went to place an order last night and they are out of stock, given AACs powder issues I expect they are out for some time.

Another weight is likely fine though, they were enough slower than my BH TMKs that while having the same zero at 100 yards their drop at further ranges needed its own dope anyway.

 

[BLJ]

Anyone have a good tutorial on opening up the barrel channel?

Sandpaper around a deep well socket.
Go until the stock doesn’t flex into the barrel when you squeeze it with your hand.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Thanks for the info so far.
It’s a 1 in 8 twist and I don’t reload.
Anyone have a good tutorial on opening up the barrel channel?
Thanks

I just used a Dremel with a sanding wheel to take out the pressure point. Pretty easy.