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New member here. Wondering about a 223
Posted by Lakehouse on May 8, 2016 at 5:04 pmFirst post here and new to rifle shooting. I've heard really good things about Tikka and thought I'd join and say hi.
Im definitely thinking a 223 is the choice for me as I'm not looking to go over 500yrds (although I know they are plenty capable).
I see a few different 223 model Tikka available and am wondering what a good choice would be. I've read that the super varmint is incredible but extremely hard to get here in the U.S. (I'm in Arizona). Can someone tell me the difference between the T3 varmint and the T3 tactical?
How is the stock on the varmint? Do most upgrade?
Also, what barrel length is recommended for reaching out to 300-500yrds and what twist?
Thanks for your time
Ericbc7 replied 8 years, 7 months ago 7 Members · 54 Replies -
54 Replies
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Welcome Lakehouse!
Great choice of caliber and rifle. I am not very familiar with the differences between the tactical and varmint series other than the bottom metal and magazines are different (the Tac having a larger metal magazine).
By most accounts the varmint and Tac both have good and usable stocks which require very little modification (if any) to free float. The Varmint comes with a 23 3/4 barrel and the Tac comes with a 20″. Perhaps someone else will chime in with more detailed information.For shooting at 500+ yards the heavier bullets in the 69-80+ grain range are the norm, so 1:8 twist is the way to go. You can still shoot lighter bullets (I have a load using a 53gr bthp that does well in my Sporter 1:8), but for reaching out, heavier bullets spinning fast are what I like!
Check out Mountain Tactical's store (on this site) to see what rifles are available right now and consider some of the accessories available –
+20 moa Picatinny rail for those long shots
Shroud and recoil lug and you will be good to go!
I also like the MT bottom metal (for the varmint).Good luck and have fun researching the options (that is a large part of the fun for me)!
-Eric -
I bought a Tikka T3 Lite and a Stainless Steel Varminter, both in 223 with 8″ twist, to compete in two different factory-rifle classes in groundhog shoots (paper targets, 100-300 yds). Both have been winners, right out of the box.
You really can't go wrong with a T3 223, as long as 223 is big enough for what you want to do. The 8″ twist will allow you to stabilize bullets as heavy as the 80.5 Berger.
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A Great brand and a fun caliber. I myself have a fairly new. 223 Super Varmint with 600mm ( or 24″ ) barrel in 1/8″ twist and it shoots ridiculously well with ammo ranging from 55gr to 77gr. Haven't tried lighter nor heavier ammo yet.
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Thanks guys for the great info! Definitely sounds like an 8″ twist is the way to go.
Is the varmint worth the extra money over the lite if I were to put on one of the berserk stocks?
Here's what I'm thinking:
Tikka T3 with a long barrel 8″ twist and threaded for possible suppressor down the road in a 223
Berserk stock
Swfa ss 10x fixed scope moa/moa
20 moa performance series gen2 picatinny base (not sure if this is best for my scope)
Harris 6-9″ swivel bi-pod
Rings?
SS recoil lug
Mountain tactical performance bolt shroudMissing anything? Thoughts?
Any idea what tika performance shop will charge to install the stock prior to shipping? -
Hi imo only go for the thin barrel if you're hunting and carrying it , otherwise go for the varmint as it will let you get more bullets down range quicker
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I have a SWFA ss 10x like you are contemplating and it is an excellent value (it's on my T3 30-06 at moment). It would not be my first choice for long range (although it offers plenty of elevation adjustment) mainly because it is easier for me so read wind/mirage with higher power at long range and I like to really zoom in on those little targets. I have a 6-24 vortex on my Sporter and a Sightron 8-32 on my light (I swap my scopes around so have the same picatinny rails on all my T3's). My next scope will probably be a Sightron STAC 4-20 which I don't have a lot of feedback on yet, but the price is right.
Btw, the SWFA ss-Tac mounts are also a great value, I lapped mine and the wear pattern was 90% almost immediately – much better fit than my DNZ freedom reaper mount (not saying one is better than the other just that even pricey mounts can need lapping).
Anyway it sounds like your on the right track!
Enjoy the journey friend
-Eric -
Thanks for the insight Eric.
That Sightron STAC 4-20 looks great and the glass seems really nice for the price. Might have to rethink the ss 10x.
I've also used the swfa rings and they were great. I didn't lap them but will on this build. What base will you be using? 20MOA?
Tim
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Probably stay in the 300-500 range like the 2 listed above (swfs ss and STAC 4-20)
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I use the +20 moa rails on all my tikka's so when i swap scopes, I don't have to do a lot of adjustment. I set my turrets to read zero at their lowest setting so that i can use the turret's scale like a vernier and record the zero setting for each rifle. The rings stay with the scope and let me get back on target with 1 or 2 shots (usually).
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Anyone know if the varmint barrel is threaded for muzzle break or suppressor?
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Hi mine was straight out of the box 18 x 1 if my memory serves me right
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