Which tikka t3x (223 or 308)

[kkp005]

So I have become a recent tikka fan boy and want to add another to the safe. I currently have a 308 t3x veil and it shoots EVERYTHING from. 150gr - 175gr sub MOA.

I want a truck /Utv/ walking around gun to shoot deer, hogs and coyotes with at less than 400 yards. (I’m in TX). I’ve gotten to where I shoot everything suppressed so I would want to chop it down to 16” or 18” and thread.

The 223 thread on 77gr tmk’s has really intrigued me so I have been wanting to get a nice 223 bolt gun….but I sure do love my 308s and have a stock pile of Ammo.

I have found a 223 t3x stainless and a 308 t3x stainless.. I can get the 308 for $100 less.. given my criteria what would you do ??? If I go the 308 route is it possible to thread it 5/8-24 or will I have to go 1/2-28 on the thin tikka barrels?

 

[rootacres]

308

For deer and hogs I think you'll be glad you have the 30 cal. Especially when you slow it down. A stock pile of 308 is never a bad thing too. Not sure on the laws in TX but here a .223 is illegal for deer.

 

[Gorp2007]

The only ammunition restriction in Texas is no rimfires.

 

[eric1115]

If you already have a .308 and no .223 I would add a .223 for sure before another .308.

Cheap practice, good terminal performance with the TMK, and variety are all big pluses going that route.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

So I have become a recent tikka fan boy and want to add another to the safe. I currently have a 308 t3x veil and it shoots EVERYTHING from. 150gr - 175gr sub MOA.

I want a truck /Utv/ walking around gun to shoot deer, hogs and coyotes with at less than 400 yards. (I’m in TX). I’ve gotten to where I shoot everything suppressed so I would want to chop it down to 16” or 18” and thread.

The 223 thread on 77gr tmk’s has really intrigued me so I have been wanting to get a nice 223 bolt gun….but I sure do love my 308s and have a stock pile of Ammo.

I have found a 223 t3x stainless and a 308 t3x stainless.. I can get the 308 for $100 less.. given my criteria what would you do ??? If I go the 308 route is it possible to thread it 5/8-24 or will I have to go 1/2-28 on the thin tikka barrels?

Is the twist on their 223’s fast enough to stabilize 77gr tmks?

 

[SuperDUECE22]

if you plan on selling the coyotes id recommend the .223, fur buyers like to dock pretty handsomely for big bullet holes. 223 will have no problem with deer & hogs and will be more enjoyable to shoot. IMO short barreled 308s kick like hell

 

[PNWGATOR]

223 all day everyday. You’ll have SO much more fun shooting it for purposeful practice.

You’ll need 1/2x28 for the 223. Chopping to 18” or 20” to accommodate the can of your choice is no biggie.

 

[Lawnboi]

Once you get the 223 and screw on a suppressor you won’t shoot the 308 anymore. Once you see what a 77 tmk does to a deer at 2000fps impact velocity or higher you won’t carry the 308 hunting anymore either.

You will not get 5/8x24 out of a tikka lite barrel. The one in the picture below is a 223 threaded 1/2x28 at 20”.

 

[TxxAgg]

223 for sure

 

[kkp005]

223 in route now! I’ll get it threaded 1/2-28 for my yhm resonator..
18” a good length ??

 

[Lawnboi]

223 in route now! I’ll get it threaded 1/2-28 for my yhm resonator..
18” a good length ??

I threaded mine at 20. Still able to get 2800 out of 77s.

 

[Formidilosus]

223 in route now! I’ll get it threaded 1/2-28 for my yhm resonator..
18” a good length ??

Yes indeed.

 

[B23]

Tikka T3x Lite Compact. The 223 version has an 8tw barrel and it has enough muzzle diameter to thread for a suppressor. I have one in 204.

 

[False_Cast]

Finally someone makes the right choice on a thread like this.

 

[kkp005]

Picked my 223 up last week. Put a Mtn tactical trigger spring in it, rattle canned the stock and had a buddy load up some 77gr tmk’s.. it’s shooting about .75” groups. Getting the barrel chopped to 18” and threaded next week

 

[Sandstrom]

Looks great!

 

[kkp005]

Cut it to 18.5” and threaded it. Shooting 77gr TMks about 2650fps. Just waiting to draw some blood now

 

[Bowhunter-tw]

Old forum but how do you like the 18.5” barrel? Im debating 16.5” or 18”. Will be suppressed, basically build for coyotes maybe some range plinking.

 

[kkp005]

Old forum but how do you like the 18.5” barrel? Im debating 16.5” or 18”. Will be suppressed, basically build for coyotes maybe some range plinking.

I like it. I’m not really chasing velocity and will very rarely probably ever actually shoot at an animal over 300 yard. If I was to do it again, I’d probably go 16.5”

 

[kkp005]

Shooting 77gr TMK’s and absolutely wrecking everything I shoot