Tikka T3x vs Ruger American Gen 2 Predator in 300 Win Mag???

[Dobeman887]

I have been using my neighbors older Tikka T3 with a 1:11 24" barrel with a variety of loads, and using 165/168gr Barnes TTSX and 180gr Barnes TTSX. I will be going on a number of western hunts over the upcoming years and want a rifle that is going to be accurate out to 400-500yrds if necessary. I know the Tikka has a better action, no question about that. My question is will his 15-20 yr old Tikka be more accurate at long range? For the money, I have read that these Gen 2 Ruger Americans are amazing for the money. So far, my first two shots at 100yrds with the Tikka have been awesome-holes touching, but for whatever reason the third shot consistently is about an inch up and to the right???? This has been repeated at least ten times. Possibly hot barrel, but all my shooting with that gun was done in about 50 degree temps. He was able to take an Elk at over 300 yrds a few years back using 165gr Barnes TTSX, but I don't know the load data. His guide in CO had made the round. I did see pictures of his practice shots at 300yrds and he was shooting approximately 2 inch groups. I would take 2" groups at 300 yrds. Anyway, the basic question is "Do you know if the Ruger can compare with the Tikka at long range"? Any info/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[180ls1]

If you are already that familiar with the tikka either take it or buy another one. The extra money for one (vs an American) is chump change compared to what you'll be spending on the hunts.

 

[Dioni A]

That third shot is your brain turning on realizing that a Tikka 300 win mag sucks to shoot!!!!! Buy a Tikka or a American 2 in something much smaller!

 

[Ahugemuledeer]

Anecdotal because I have never fired the ruger, or even the old 11 twist barrel, but my t3 in .300 mag is literally my favourite thing I’ve ever bough for less then 1000 bucks. If you can deal with the recoil on a light gun, the thing for me is just perfect. No frills, but dependable

 

[huntingislife]

is that tikka in stainless? The pencil thin barrels in stainless typically get a flier on the third or 4th shot because they heat up so quickly. I only hunt in the western states and I have a tikka in 7mm Rem Mag and that's all I've ever used. has worked great for pig, deer, bear, caribou out to 400 yards (my personal limit of shots I'm willing to take)

Only modification I've done to it is add a muzzle brake. Its a T3 Lite in stainless. Every time I think about switching to something else I don't. because this setup just works. At least until tikka comes out with a 300 PRC then Ill likely switch to that

 

[solarshooter]

You should buy this on this sale and spend all the rest of your money on ammo and a can. Might not ever need another gun.

Tikka T3x RoughTech Superlite 6.5 Creedmoor 20" 1:8" Bbl Roughtech Ember/Tungsten 4rd Rifle JRTXRBT382

Tikka T3x RoughTech Superlite 6.5 Creedmoor 20" 1:8" Bbl Roughtech Ember/Tungsten 4rd Rifle JRTXRBT382 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Oh and shoot this ammo and save the Lapua brass you get for free with it:

Berger Match Grade 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo 135 Grain Berger Classic Hunter

Berger Ammunition provides the most demanding hunter, competitive shooter and Mil/LE warfighter a precision-built performance product that is unequaled...

www.midwayusa.com

Edit

And this scope: https://swfa.com/collections/swfa-ss-gen-2/products/ss-3-15x42-30mm-mq-gen-2-zero-stop

And these rings: https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/um-tikka-rings/ and level https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/um-tikka-level/

Vertical grip, wide forend, cheek piece for the stock is my preference.

 

[AntelopeEater]

I have two Tikka T3x rifles as well as a Ruger American Gen II.

None of them are in 300 win mag, but if you’ve already shot the tikka in 300 win mag and like it, you know you aren’t recoil sensitive so go for the 300 win mag.

Both rifles are capable of superb accuracy.

The tikka action will be smoother, but the Ruger comes with extra features like a threaded barrel for free, and it’s generally cheaper than plain base model tikka.

If you use the Ruger a lot, eventually it’s action will get smoother.

So I’d personally get the cheaper Ruger and use the savings to buy more ammo to practice and “break-in” the gun.

 

[nobody]

That third shot is your brain turning on realizing that a Tikka 300 win mag sucks to shoot!!!!!

This. It’s not hot, it’s not throwing shots, you’re flinching and pulling shots whether you realize it or want to admit it. You’ve got a few options:

1: thread the muzzle and install a brake or a suppressor. Brake is cheaper, suppressor is a better long term tool and is better for your ears.

2: rebarrel to something lower recoil. Maybe a 6.5 PRC (then put on a suppressor or a brake), or a 6 UM.

3. Buy a new rifle in something that won’t knock your teeth out and that’s relatively easy and inexpensive to shoot. I vote a Tikka in 308 or 6.5 creed if you want a longer term rifle.

Whatever you do, put several hundred rounds down range every year and learn to shoot whatever solution you invest in. Install a quality optic, shoot large sample groups (10+ rounds per group) to establish a good zero, and learn to shoot from field positions.

Big guns don’t make up for no practice. I’d personally trust a guy who shoots one barrel out of his 243 every year more than I trust the guy who shoots the same 300 win mag barrel for 30 years. I can guarantee guy number 1 is a better marksman with superior fundamentals behind his rifle, without question.

 

[Live_weighT34]

Tikka, then get a suppressor. I’ve become a fan of small cartridges and calibers but I still love my T3 300 win mag either suppressed or with a brake.