Tikka T3x Super Varmint

[calicojack]

Not the best pic and I changed a few things. I went with a one piece 20moa mount from Larue. I had a setup with a 20moa riser and Seekins rings but liked the cleaner look of the one-piece. I also sold the Razor and got a 2 PST Gen IIs in 5-25.
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Nice looking man cave there. My work places look like a sh*t hole. I am going to do some re-organization this Summer.

Looks like a very ergonomic rig you got there. Nice glass.

 

[Bountied]

Mine's a mess right now too. My wife put together a deck chair and there is crap everywhere. I asked her why she can't put the tools back where they go and she said I'm OCD. I said no, I just like to be able to find my tools when I need them.

I built the bench when wood was cheaper about 8 years ago, it's pretty solid. Built a few ARs on it.

 

[Brent]

I have a very plain Tikka T3X with a Boyds "Varmint Thumbhole" stock and a 20" barrel, and a Nikon Monarch 3-12X scope. Nice action and trigger. I did not use pillars to bed the stock which was a big mistake. I have since got a set of pillars and it's on my to-do list to dremel out the old bedding, drill new holes and re-bed the stock. This Boyds stock has a nice finish that provides sure grip. I don't really want a 24" barrel 223 Rem rifle. I suppose though if you want a long-range varminter you need all the velocity you can get. This gun shoots well but will perform better with pillar bedding.

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I don't really care for a spiral bolt. That Super Varmint though does have a nice looking stock and a two-stage trigger is a big plus. I like these Tikka T3x Compact Tactical rifles; a 20" 308 or a 24" 6.5 Creedmoor.

Choose your own Tikka rifle from a variety of innovative models

Tikka is able to meet the requirements of modern hunters by combining traditional gunsmith know-how with advanced technology. Choose your own Tikka rifle now!

choose.tikka.fi

Choose your own Tikka rifle from a variety of innovative models

Tikka is able to meet the requirements of modern hunters by combining traditional gunsmith know-how with advanced technology. Choose your own Tikka rifle now!

choose.tikka.fi

I have a very plain Tikka T3X with a Boyds "Varmint Thumbhole" stock and a 20" barrel, and a Nikon Monarch 3-12X scope. Nice action and trigger. I did not use pillars to bed the stock which was a big mistake. I have since got a set of pillars and it's on my to-do list to dremel out the old bedding, drill new holes and re-bed the stock. This Boyds stock has a nice finish that provides sure grip. I don't really want a 24" barrel 223 Rem rifle. I suppose though if you want a long-range varminter you need all the velocity you can get. This gun shoots well but will perform better with pillar bedding.

View attachment 414241

I don't really care for a spiral bolt. That Super Varmint though does have a nice looking stock and a two-stage trigger is a big plus. I like these Tikka T3x Compact Tactical rifles; a 20" 308 or a 24" 6.5 Creedmoor.

Choose your own Tikka rifle from a variety of innovative models

Tikka is able to meet the requirements of modern hunters by combining traditional gunsmith know-how with advanced technology. Choose your own Tikka rifle now!

choose.tikka.fi

Choose your own Tikka rifle from a variety of innovative models

Tikka is able to meet the requirements of modern hunters by combining traditional gunsmith know-how with advanced technology. Choose your own Tikka rifle now!

choose.tikka.fi

I totally get stock fiddling! This one I believe is pillared from the get go. The bolt is a nonissue to me. I don’t care for flare, but as long as it smooth I’m happy . That extra bbl length gets me another 200fps, though longer. That equals as you mentioned, a little more reach. It also adds a little more to the terminal ballistics of the round on game, too.

Normally for something like this I would go .30cal, however, I have an old Gemtech G5 I bought back in 2014 that I’d love use for a bolt gun in said caliber.

- Brent


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[calicojack]

This one I believe is pillared from the get go.

The factory Tikka stock yes. A Boyds stock does not have pillars unless you order them as an add-on. Any center-fire rifle IMHO should have them and Boyds ought to offer those (on stocks where it makes sense) by default.

[EDIT] Actually, I checked my original Tikka stock and it does not have any metal pillars. Also, on this click on "show more features" and see the photo near the bottom of this page that shows the recoil lug. You can see the hole for the bolt to the receiver does not have a pillar.

Although if it shoots well, than who cares.

On a wooden Boyds stock, the receiver screws can compress the stock and this can impact accuracy. Not so much on a synthetic stock.

 

[Brent]

Well the Sharps went for what I wanted it to. As soon as the check comes in the mail, out to a new home she goes.

Picked up some ammo while I was on my way home…

Just testing weight and speed. Try to get a feel for what it will like.


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[Brent]

Alright well, Tikka T3x SuperV in .223 headed my way. So next week hopefully! I changed gears on optics. Know a fella out in CO who does a lot of NRA Match shooting with his .223 rifles…any way, he steered me over to the Arken EP5. Pretty impressed from him and others after digging in. They have a nice kit add on for your gadgets and a discount donation deal. Any ways I went ahead and selected medium height rings. I’m not ditching the ARC’s. This is more a, hey let’s see what this height gives me on the rifle sort of deal. Awesome value for just a little extra money the 34Mm bundle.

So that’s the story. I’ll pick up the thread adapter and QD device shortly.

Ammo on hand, lots of nice weather available. Just gotta get it all here, together, and the day planned! Pics and such to come.

- Brent


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[Brent]

Seems like a nice optic if feel is a judge. Glass is clear and bright! Wednesday, tomorrow the 14JUN seems to be D-Day. Rifle is set to arrive at the shop, glass and accessories are here, flash hider and thread adapter will be arriving as well. There’s a potential for a set up tomorrow, Thursday may more be like it. Looking like my Saturday coming could be range day!


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[Brent]

Rifle arrived and set up went swimmingly. Rifle rises to my eye perfectly. No searching for the eye box, no alteration of head angle. Just raise up and look. Stock is very comfortable and the easy adjust comb worked like a charm.

Cell phone grab for now. There may be a time in the future I change out for low rings. I have a thread converter coming to turn the threads down to 1/2x28 set to arrive tomorrow. Then can attach the flash hider / QD for my can. Set to sight in this Saturday and try a couple flavors of food through it. It is without a doubt, the finest trigger I have ever encountered on a factory bolt rifle. Hands down.


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[calicojack]

Oh yeah!! That is sweet!

 

[Brent]

Oh yeah!! That is sweet!

C’mon Saturday! It’s a good day when you’re leaving the firing line and spy your rifle box on your way out of the range. I’ll be back for more pistol fun Friday, but Saturday is a date with the Tikka at the rifle range.


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[teratos]

That’s a beautiful set-up.

 

[Brent]

That’s a beautiful set-up.

Thanks, Doc! Honestly, I was a bit on the edge with the green stock, but as that was all the rifle came in, figured I’d be ok. It looks really good in person. A little more subdued than that cell phone picture let’s on. I was more interested in the performance I was reading about!


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[Brent]

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[Brent]

Got her to the range today. Of all the ammo I took, it was liking Federal the best. The 69gr SMK best itself at 1/3” in three at 100y while the 77 grainers plugged 1/2” twice in a row and will put the bullet right where you want it. I took a zero on the 77’s but do want to buy more of each and do a head to head on them. But for factory ammo in a factory gun, with a scope I didn’t have to break the bank on? Happy camper over here. Once I truly decide on 77 vs 69, then I’ll load develop from there!



Oh did I mention?? It’s pretty darn quiet!

- Brent


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[Brent]

Shooting was 100y, breezy swirling wind in the clearing of the swamp forest where the range is. Beautiful Sunny, hot humid low 90’s. Front on a book bag and rear bag power at 20x.

Factory ammo in a factory gun. Testing 69 vs 77 gr SMK. Rolling with 77. Very pleased.


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[Brent]

ALCO Precision .224 in 77 Grain RBT ULD Machined Metal Tip – Box of 50 | ALCO Bullets

www.alcobullets.com

Anyone know about Alco projectiles? The SMK’s are great on paper but not game. These seem to talk a big game!


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[4g64loser]

ALCO Precision .224 in 77 Grain RBT ULD Machined Metal Tip – Box of 50 | ALCO Bullets

www.alcobullets.com

Anyone know about Alco projectiles? The SMK’s are great on paper but not game. These seem to talk a big game!


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Never used alcos but I suggest you ditch the sierras and switch to Nosler. I can personally attest to their terminal performance. Jackets are thinner and softer than sierras. Shoot one of each into wet pack or water can if you doubt it.

If you want a dedicated hunting bullet, I he Nosler 64bsb has an ass BC but performs like a champ on tissue as well as most commonly encountered media like windshield glass, car body panels, and domestic residential construction. The 70 gr accubond is rated well by a guy I trust but I haven't used it personally.

The sierra 65 gamekings have done well at 22-250ai speeds. Never shot anything of consequence with them in a 223 though.

 

[Brent]

Never used alcos but I suggest you ditch the sierras and switch to Nosler. I can personally attest to their terminal performance. Jackets are thinner and softer than sierras. Shoot one of each into wet pack or water can if you doubt it.

If you want a dedicated hunting bullet, I he Nosler 64bsb has an ass BC but performs like a champ on tissue as well as most commonly encountered media like windshield glass, car body panels, and domestic residential construction. The 70 gr accubond is rated well by a guy I trust but I haven't used it personally.

The sierra 65 gamekings have done well at 22-250ai speeds. Never shot anything of consequence with them in a 223 though.

Thanks for your reply. I’ve got plenty to research in that response alone. Thank you!


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[4g64loser]

Thanks for your reply. I’ve got plenty to research in that response alone. Thank you!


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The Nosler 77 custom competition bullets are pretty frangible at high velocities (I've tested impact velocities down to 22-2300 out of purposely down-loaded ammo in a carbine). Social disagreement distances the wounds are usually pretty significant. In water bags/jugs the first couple are absolutely shredded. The front portion of the bullet, sometimes all the way to the lower bearing surface area, comes apart. You find pieces of lead about the size of coarse Black Beauty abrasive and jacket frag that is even smaller. What remains as a singular mass usually yaws by the second jug due to this upset and trajectory becomes unpredictable. This is usually around 14-18" in water (which is the best case scenario, tissues are usually less impressive but still significant).

If you want to use them in deer size animals, keep away from the shoulders unless you are talking about longer ranges than I'd probably be shooting a deer with a 233. Neck shots and straight broadsides should do fine.

 

[Brent]

The Nosler 77 custom competition bullets are pretty frangible at high velocities (I've tested impact velocities down to 22-2300 out of purposely down-loaded ammo in a carbine). Social disagreement distances the wounds are usually pretty significant. In water bags/jugs the first couple are absolutely shredded. The front portion of the bullet, sometimes all the way to the lower bearing surface area, comes apart. You find pieces of lead about the size of coarse Black Beauty abrasive and jacket frag that is even smaller. What remains as a singular mass usually yaws by the second jug due to this upset and trajectory becomes unpredictable. This is usually around 14-18" in water (which is the best case scenario, tissues are usually less impressive but still significant).

If you want to use them in deer size animals, keep away from the shoulders unless you are talking about longer ranges than I'd probably be shooting a deer with a 233. Neck shots and straight broadsides should do fine.

Thank you so much that again, I am always a high shoulder shot, but typically am pushing a 30 cal or larger through the animal. I wouldn’t be above a SC sized deer with it at all. Good to know to treat it like a bow so to say. Avoid the breaking of bones and destroy tissue. Thank you.


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