[Sir Ville]

Yesterday I started researching for a new rifle in 260. I came across so many threads of how well these Tikka rifles shoot. I came across this forum and joined today. I am wanting to buy either a T3x CTR, Tac, or varmint. I have found the muzzle dia. of the Tac is 22mm. What is the muzzle dia. of the CTR and the varmint? I have spent all morning trying to find a measurement, but have failed to do so. I have been wanting to get a 6.5 cal rifle, and now that I am free for the next couple of months, how better than to get a new rifle and do some shooting.
Thanks

The Varmint and Supervarmint has the 22 mm MD. So , i´m pretty sure , is the case with the CTR as well.

[Sir Ville]

Hi over here in England we have to have an appropriate safe fitted to a solid wall or floor, the police come around and check it before we even get a firearms license, and the key has to be only available for me to use , the police can come around anytime to check that all the conditions of my license as being followed

The same here ! It has to be the approved kind too.

[Sir Ville]

Since i´ve been using moderators for all my rifles for a number of years now i can contribute with some info here. Like already said any and all attachments onto the barrel will change its harmonics. A moderator acts like a barrel weight/tuner and so the POI Changes some. The heavier the barrel the less effect but the effect will Always be there, nevertheless.
In most cases a mod actually (a well made one ) makes a rifle shoot tighter Groups since it lessens the felt recoil and the turbulence behind the bullet when it exits the mod is all but eliminated.
A badly made mod OR barrel threading can/will make the bullet clip the baffles on its way out and that will mess with the accuracy – big time.

There´s nothing wrong with the OP´s mod. My wild quess is it´s a std/”spaghetti” barreled model so the POI moves downwards quite a lot. Perfectly normal 😉
Several manufacturers in Europe have “lightweight” model mods too. Those will have less “drooping” effect.
http://www.a-tec.no/carbon

[Sir Ville]

This is how i´ve seen it from the get-go :
The “X” is a T3 (why mess with the success ??) with a modular stock (doesn´t matter to me since i Always use GRS stocks on all my guns), steel rec lug (which every owner changed to anyway – preferably for Stainless steel which the oem lug is not), a modified load handle (that still isn´t as comfy as many aftermarket handles) , an aluminium bolt shroud (that looks like the plastic one and i´d change it anyway since i don´t like the look of the oem) and a weakened action due the enlargened load port.

The reason i didn´t take my Super Varmint as an “X” is: I can´t see any reason, at all, that makes the X a better buy for me. Quite the opposite.

However : Those who have their Tikka in its OEM stock the “X” is a no brainer though. In Europe they cost the same as the “old” T3 so for those guys it´s a better choice.

[Sir Ville]

Once my rifle arrives what is a good bullet (s) to try for 100-300yrds?  I know I'll have to go with a heavy round when I eventually get out over 500yrds but not sure what I should start with for zeroing scope and just practicing on paper that won't break the bank

If you go for factory loaded ammo then most marquee 55gr ammo will do well at least upto 200 meters /219 yards.
If you´re talking about BR accuracy , i go for Lapua Scenar 69 gr. The best , of course , would be the re-load option and like Eric just described seeking for the optimal load/bullet etc – for your gun – is essential.
I will start to reload ammo myself and since i´m a noob on that field i´ll soon bother the in-the-know crowd here 😉

[Sir Ville]

Ordered a t3 varmint in .223 with Berserk stock last night and having the barrel threaded.  Can't wait!!!

Great stuff. A superb rifle and a fun round too 🙂

[Sir Ville]

BTW – do you guys have an access to Delta line of sights over there ? Japanese made ( Light Optical Works ), Polish branded scopes. Tremendous scopes and for the money – unbeatable!

http://www.badtotheboneoutdoors.com/2014-top-scope-challenge-and-product-reviews.html

[Sir Ville]

I tried some cheap bulk ammo ( Fiocchi 55gr. ) as well while at it. It did surprisingly well at that same 200m. Nothing for BR Comp's but more than adequate for LR hunting or casual range shooting. A 10 shot group.. The target patch is 44 mm/1.73″ in diam.

[Sir Ville]

Still kicking myself for that drawn shot though ..
Well – next time 😉

[Sir Ville]

Thanks! Without that drawn shot it would've been nice. The gun has real promise. The bedded GRS Berserk is a great stock. Next time i'll use a proper front rest and rear bag ( Bipod today ) and bolt on a T36 scope. I'll be damned if i can't get 5 shots within 12mm/1/2″ when the conditions are calmer 🙂
And if you guys over there have an access to Lapua Scenar 69gr or Norma Match 77gr – try it ! Superb stuff !

[Sir Ville]

Did some 200meter shooting today. Shot two equal sized groups with 69gr Lapua Scenar. This group would've been great wasn't it for the last damn shot i managed to pull right and out of the cluster:(

[Sir Ville]

The customer care is first class. I got a small mishap sorted rightaway. No fuzz, no postage. And i live in Sweden. Truly excellent service.

[Sir Ville]

In Europe you can choose , each and every cal , whether with a threaded or unthreaded and on most cases you can choose the barrel length too. Weird if not in US .. 🙁

[Sir Ville]

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.

[Sir Ville]

And so you will. With a mod, with a mizzle brake and without any attachments 😉