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T3 Varmint Questions
Considering a purchase here and can get a new one with the 1 in 8 twist so this one is high on my list. My concerns are weather the barrel is truly free floated and if the stock has any pillar bedding or such. My goal is to target shoot this out to about 600 yards….anything more is bonus. If the factory stock keeps it stable enough then that's great….as long as it fits and feels right. I'm hoping the raised comb piece provides the comfort in mounting a scope, etc.
My other choice has a 1 in 7 twist barrel and comes with a pillar bedded wood laminate stock. I like the looks of the wood laminate….but I don't like it for other reasons….not a deal breaker but I prefer synthetic and a fairly easy way to change it to a B&C or something else.
So does the factory stock have any bedding and is the barrel free floating? Is it capable out of the box for consistent 600 yard shots with proper load development and the right person behind the gun?
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17 Replies
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T3 Varmint Questions
updated 8 years, 3 months ago
7Members
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17
Replies
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Caliber?
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.223
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You won't need to do much…On my 223 Varmint I sanded the sides of the barrel channel to be able to slide paper down to about 1″ from the receiver…it was just slightly pinched as you neared the receiver.
If you have any pinch points on the stock touching the barrel thats really the only thing you need to remove.Everything else on mine is the same as when i bought it. The cheek riser is a joke, not very comfortable at all, I've replaced that with a browning neoprene riser and that works for my setup. I don't think any bedding I would do on the rifle will make it shoot better. I've shot 12″ x 12″ targets at 1000yrds repeatedly with a 75gr Amax load and NO wind …500-600yrds is a chip shot with any custom load pushing a 75-90gr bullet.
My gun is a consistent 1/4-1/2 MOA gun everyday i shoot it with custom loads. You will need to reload to get this accuracy though. -
Nice!! That's the information I was looking for. I reload so finding the right recipe is part of the fun.
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80.5gr Fullbore Bergers & Varget is a very accurate combo!
Somewhere in the 24-25gr range of Varget…2800-2900fps75gr Hornady Amax is capable of better velocities (2900fps +++) without pressure signs but the tips have been an issue from lot to lot…some lots are not centric, huge accuracy problems. I've since switched to Berger bullets for most long range 223 shooting because of this issue.
You will love the T3 Varmint , don't second guess buying it if you are looking for a heavy barrel 223.
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Tikka T3 Varmint .223 heavy barrel 1 in 8″ twist INCOMING! ! Order placed!!
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If it's ordered from the factory with that twist you could “if nothing's changed ” be in for a long wait
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Nah….no factory order. 😉
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80.5gr Fullbore Bergers & Varget is a very accurate combo!
Somewhere in the 24-25gr range of Varget…2800-2900fps75gr Hornady Amax is capable of better velocities (2900fps +++) without pressure signs but the tips have been an issue from lot to lot…some lots are not centric, huge accuracy problems. I've since switched to Berger bullets for most long range 223 shooting because of this issue.
You will love the T3 Varmint , don't second guess buying it if you are looking for a heavy barrel 223.
Varget seems to be like Unobtainium since I started reloading again. I've been loading some .223 with CFE223 and will probably try to work some loads up with the Bergers using this. CFE223 meters great! I Also keep IMR 4064 and 4895 on hand, but I expect the CFE to do well.
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Pillar bed it, sand the bumps out of the stock, put a Mountain Tactical lug in it, and it'll shoot with the right load.
I've won 3 consecutive 600 yard F-Class state championships with mine. It's a Super Varmint…but, the same rifle.
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Reloder 15 is an excellent powder option for your application.
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The new IMR 4166 might have a role to play. I haven't finished my testing but at the lower vel node it is very nice with 75gr A-max. I plan to test the Berger 80.5 soon with the powder.
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What Eric said…if you can get IMR 4166 it will give you pretty similar results as Varget and is probably the closet substitute right now from personal testing. Slightly lower velocity but we are only talking 100fps difference with most loads. Reloader 15 is popular but not the best choice for a stable load if you have Varget or 4166 available to you.
CFE is really good for velocity and accuracy but its not temp stable, I only use it for target shooting in the summer months shooting 55-60gr bullets. But love loading it.
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I can get the IMR 4166 no problem and might have a line for some Varget. I will know later today.
I appreciate everyone's input. It really helps me out and keeps me on the right track!!
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Got her today and very impressed with fit and finish. Bolt action is super smooth as advertised. Waiting on my scope base and I'll get this baby out to see how she shoots.
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