[yukonal]

Looking for a rifle, and taking very seriously in consideration a Tikka T3

Since the both rifles look kind of similar  what would you choose?
Is there any technical difference? does any manipulate and operate different than other?

Thanks! best regards
Milo

Tikka Stainless Varmint.

All this nonsense about bottom metal and extra capacity is B.S.

One shot is all you'll use 99 percent of the time. Other 1 percent will be a follow up shot. 3rd shot, the animal is gone.

[yukonal]

Interesting read. He's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve.

[yukonal]

No more than 35 inch pounds on a plastic T3 or you will splay the stock.  If that happens, it will not return to its former shape and may need to be bedded.

^^^
This.

Beretta suggests torqueing the front first, then follow up with the rear. I go 25 front, 25 rear. Then I finish up with 35 front, then follow up with 35 rear.

[yukonal]

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.

[yukonal]

Can't get no better than Butch's…

[yukonal]

Very, very nice.

[yukonal]

Looks to me it should do the same job. I've been having my buddy do mine on his Giraud, but I'm getting just too much brass to do to keep carting it up to him.

[yukonal]

I like it! Think I'll get one too!

[yukonal]

The United States F Class team takes their rifles there to compete.

[yukonal]

First of all, you need to use a Stoney Point overall length gauge with a Modified Case to measure your bullet to lands measurement. No need to chop a case, and you can then load your good stuff.

I break in a barrel this way:

Shoot once and clean for 10 shots.
Shoot 3 and clean for 9 shots.
Shoot 5 and clean for 10 shots.

Top quality barrels are broken in by then.

My Super Varmint showed  considerably reduced fouling at shot #12. Kreiger on The Beast broke in at shot 19. Kreiger on Big Louie broke in at shot 22.  Most are looking good by shot #25. My latest Bartlein took FOREVER to break in…I don't know why. But it shoots crazy good now. Just gotta be patient.

I'll even start load development during break-in and fire forming. You WILL see what loads want to shoot well. Patterns will emerge.

[yukonal]

When will you be breaking in the barrel?

[yukonal]

Great build! Why the 32″ barrel?

And, may I suggest 180gr Berger Hunting VLD's for hunting? The 168's and 180's are very accurate, and brutal on game. Every animal I've shot with them have been 1 shot kills.

[yukonal]

I think you're somewhere in the $1,000 to $1,500 range depending on Sporter vs Varmint.

I really think if you offer all that, people should take advantage of it. One stop shopping, from someone who knows Tikka's. To offer all that is special. Lot's of gunsmiths will “try” to work on Tikka's, but there is a learning curve. Especially bedding…

I've perfected it, and, if I remember…shared it with you. If not, the next time we talk, I'll let you in on it.

Great idea…offering those services, Jason. Best of luck.

[yukonal]

My T3 Lite Stainless shoots as good as my Super Varmint.

And I've won 3 state championships in my division with my Super Varmint…

[yukonal]

I have one, and another on the way.

I'm very impressed with them.