Tikka T3x "Ranahan" Review

[HighUintas]

I’m forming it from ADG 270 WSM brass using Redding 25-300WSM dies (I’ve got Redding 270 WSM bushing dies I may switch to after they’ve been fired). Preferred Barrels has the reamer for 25-300, and they throated mine for seating 134gr ELDMs and 133gr Berger EHs long.

View attachment 875866
View attachment 875867

That seems like a fairly easy wildcat to put together. I hadn't realized that adg makes 270wsm. That ought to make the necking process pretty easy.

I was wondering about a 6 wsm yesterday and why not just go that route over a 6UM. I guess if the support for 25cal continues to provide good bullet options and availability, and PB has a reamer.... 25 is a good way to go.

You'll have to put some results up when you get to shooting!

 

[cal30_sniper]

That seems like a fairly easy wildcat to put together. I hadn't realized that adg makes 270wsm. That ought to make the necking process pretty easy.

I was wondering about a 6 wsm yesterday and why not just go that route over a 6UM. I guess if the support for 25cal continues to provide good bullet options and availability, and PB has a reamer.... 25 is a good way to go.

You'll have to put some results up when you get to shooting!

I definitely will. I also looked at 6 WSM and 6.5 WSM, but quarter bore is just odd enough for my taste. The case capacity of the WSM is basically identical to a 7 PRC in a shorter package. I originally picked the 25-300 over the 25-7 PRC since I wanted to build a short action Rem 700. Then I decided I was going to do a Tikka instead, so now it doesn't really matter. Preferred also has the reamers for the 25-7, but the die situation is not nearly as straightforward for that cartridge. The fact that Redding dies were available for the 25-300 made it a no brainer for me.

I'll definitely post up results! Next step is to get the barrel screwed into the 6.5PRC donor and decide if I'm going to have to cannibalize the Rokstok off my Ranahan or if my new Rokstok is going to make it in the remaining 18 days of the promised 90 day delivery window.

 

[rclouse79]

Well gosh darn it. I had the gun in shopping cart one click away from a purchase yesterday and deleted it. Today I couldn't resist. Hoping it is a shooter.
I called and they said it was 5/8 x 24 pattern. I hope that is right but will buy an adapter if not.

 

[cal30_sniper]

Well gosh darn it. I had the gun in shopping cart one click away from a purchase yesterday and deleted it. Today I couldn't resist. Hoping it is a shooter.
I called and they said it was 5/8 x 24 pattern. I hope that is right but will buy an adapter if not.

The Ranahan is a 1/2-28, the Drover is an M15x1. If it's a new 2025 model, they may have switched to 5/8-24 like the rest of them.

 

[rclouse79]

I was wondering if anyone had any updates on the screw size for the open sights? I saw some people packed the holes with a black crayon and called it good.

 

[cal30_sniper]

I was wondering if anyone had any updates on the screw size for the open sights? I saw some people packed the holes with a black crayon and called it good.

I’ve just left mine open. Nothing that can’t be cleaned out with brake cleaner later on if I want to put the screws back in.

I’m fairly positive the thread is M4x0.5mm based on measuring the screws that came out. I haven’t found a plug screw in that size.

I’m working on a globe sight adapter design that will work on a 20” barrel, and I plan to use the existing holes on the Ranahan/Drover barrel for vertical alignment rather than shooting/leveling to get it clamped straight. I also plan to design the adapter as a shoulder for a muzzle device. On the 1/2-28 Ranahan barrel, there’s enough shoulder for a device. In the M15x1 Drover barrel, there isn’t enough shoulder to square up a muzzle device for a suppressor properly.

As part of that process, I will eventually be trying a M4x0.5 screw to see if I’m right:

 

[rclouse79]

I’ve just left mine open. Nothing that can’t be cleaned out with brake cleaner later on if I want to put the screws back in.

I’m fairly positive the thread is M4x0.5mm based on measuring the screws that came out. I haven’t found a plug screw in that size.

I’m working on a globe sight adapter design that will work on a 20” barrel, and I plan to use the existing holes on the Ranahan/Drover barrel for vertical alignment rather than shooting/leveling to get it clamped straight. I also plan to design the adapter as a shoulder for a muzzle device. On the 1/2-28 Ranahan barrel, there’s enough shoulder for a device. In the M15x1 Drover barrel, there isn’t enough shoulder to square up a muzzle device for a suppressor properly.

As part of that process, I will eventually be trying a M4x0.5 screw to see if I’m right:
View attachment 877065

Thanks for the info. I was thinking you could buy the correct screws, cut the head off, put a slot in it with a dremel and screw it in flush.

 

[cal30_sniper]

Did some hunter drills with the new Rokstok today. Overall very happy with the fit and feel, groups tightened as I got more used to it, but nothing outside 6MOA all day. I still think I’d benefit from a Medium or High ring swap.

 

[rclouse79]

Got mine delivered today and I am pretty impressed with it. The open sights look so cool, I want to shoot with them before I put a scope on it. It looks like the scope would still fit with the open sights left on the gun. I am thinking about just leaving them on.

 

[cal30_sniper]

Got mine delivered today and I am pretty impressed with it. The open sights look so cool, I want to shoot with them before I put a scope on it. It looks like the scope would still fit with the open sights left on the gun. I am thinking about just leaving them on.

Mine wanted to occupy where the rear sight was with the objective, but I agree, they were fun to shoot.

 

[rclouse79]

I am very happy I stumbled on this thread and am officially in love. This gun is awesome.