Author Topic: New T3- which caliber? (Read 3752 times)

Huntsman1 · « **on:** October 26, 2010, 05:50:20 PM »

So I broke down and decided to finally get myself a new Tikka T3 Lite.......the caliber I settled on was the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser. I also like the .270 Win caliber.
Which one would you get?

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2010, 06:06:48 PM »

Well you might find that the t3 in 6.5 is no longer imported .
What kind of hunting do you do @ what expected distance 's At what game .
I am a eastern woods Hunter , shoot Deer / Moose and bear for which the 338 F and o6 T3's are well suited

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2010, 07:03:59 PM »

The store I shop at has 3 on the rack (2x Syn blue & 1x Syn SS). This rifle will be mainly for deer, 'yotes and maybe the odd pig or bruin.

deerandduck · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2010, 04:22:27 PM »

Just my opinion, between the two calibers listed, I would go with the 6.5. Don't have one of those, but do have a 270. Both great calibers, but I've always seen good things about the 6.5 and how it was used so well overseas. Been wanting one, but just never got around to it. Just my 2 cents worth.... The 270, as good as it is, is just..... boring. Kinda like the 30-06, just boring, cause it does it's job so well. ( I've got 2 30-06s btw.)
Best of luck,
Deerandduck

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2010, 05:37:33 PM »

Quote from: Huntsman1 on October 26, 2010, 07:03:59 PM

The store I shop at has 3 on the rack (2x Syn blue & 1x Syn SS). This rifle will be mainly for deer, 'yotes and maybe the odd pig or bruin.

Well the 6.5 x55 is a sweet cartridge and bucks the wind well . I had the calipier for many years in a Husquaria .It was an excellent deer cartridge , and because of the light recoil served as a trainer for new shooters .
Since the rifle in 6.5 is no longer being inported , I would grab one off the rack quick . Were I live the 6.5 x55 T3 "New" is not to be found .Those who have one tend to keep them .

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2010, 05:56:00 PM »

6.5x55 it is

Thanx Guys

45-70.gov · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2010, 05:59:08 PM »

i would get the one in stainless steal

mine is 25-06

one action length;;[long].....so no short or 308 lengths for me in a t3

wareagleguy · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2010, 04:44:57 PM »

I would love to know the name and a phone number to this dealer cause I would love to have a t3 in 6.5.

chutesnreloads · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2010, 05:07:20 PM »

was looking at some on gunbroker.com couple months ago.They all gone now.

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2010, 05:38:05 PM »

Quote from: wareagleguy on October 28, 2010, 04:44:57 PM

I would love to know the name and a phone number to this dealer cause I would love to have a t3 in 6.5.

Well you might get Wholesalesports.com export one out of Canada , otherwise look for a used

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 29, 2010, 06:54:21 PM »

Quote from: Harry Snippe on October 28, 2010, 05:38:05 PM

Quote from: wareagleguy on October 28, 2010, 04:44:57 PM
I would love to know the name and a phone number to this dealer cause I would love to have a t3 in 6.5.
Well you might get Wholesalesports.com export one out of Canada , otherwise look for a used

It is Wholesale Sports

The one outta Edmonton to be exact;)

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #11 on:** October 30, 2010, 03:37:07 PM »

Quote from: Huntsman1 on October 29, 2010, 06:54:21 PM

Quote from: Harry Snippe on October 28, 2010, 05:38:05 PM
Quote from: wareagleguy on October 28, 2010, 04:44:57 PM
I would love to know the name and a phone number to this dealer cause I would love to have a t3 in 6.5.
Well you might get Wholesalesports.com export one out of Canada , otherwise look for a used

It is Wholesale Sports The one outta Edmonton to be exact;)

www.wholesalesports.com
Then look At page 45 of the catalog,
Think they have that calipier in Sako too.
I know Our dealer here in Ontario has exported guns to the US . But it is like pulling hens teeth for us to try to get a rifle shipped North to us .Good Luck

woodyed · « **Reply #12 on:** October 31, 2010, 04:22:55 AM »

To anyone interested in a Tikka 6.5x55 please PM me. I might be able to help.

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 31, 2010, 04:41:25 AM »

I'd get the .270.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #14 on:** October 31, 2010, 12:56:50 PM »

One thing I will say is 6.5x55 is VERY hard to find. 270 all day long. If you reload the 6.5 is the way to go !!!

Luckyducker · « **Reply #15 on:** October 31, 2010, 02:01:27 PM »

I don't remember for certain the twist rate of the Tikka rifles chambered in 6.5mm, but it seems like they sport a slower rate of twist which is not what I like in any 6.5/.264" barreled rifle. If it didn't have a 1/7" or 1/8" twist I would certainly opt for the 270 hands down every time. That is unless you are wanting to shoot light for caliber bullets in it. JMHO

woodyed · « **Reply #16 on:** October 31, 2010, 04:08:30 PM »

Wareagleguy------Sent you a reply but don't know if it got through. Let me know. Thanks.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #17 on:** October 31, 2010, 04:13:47 PM »

Twist Rate is 8.

Luckyducker · « **Reply #18 on:** November 01, 2010, 04:55:21 PM »

Wareagle, that is good that it has a faster rate of twist. I must have been thinking of another brand of rifle. I know some of the Savage Edge rifles have uncommon rates of twist and you have to be careful when buying. I think you are good to go with the 6.5Swede.

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2011, 05:37:20 PM »

Well finally after coming accross a super deal I picked up a slightly used T3 in 6.5 Swede with lesst han 120 rounds down the spout.
It came with RCBS dies, 105 pieces asst'd brass, Barnes 130gr TSX bullets and 50 loaded 120grs Barnes TSX bullets, Leupold scope base & rings and a sparre 5 round mag. I mounted a Leupold VXI 3-9x40 scope on her and I'll post some range pics once it warms up.
In the mean time I'll make up some loads with some 129gr Hornady A-Max bullets and IMR4831

usherj · « **Reply #20 on:** March 07, 2011, 02:57:25 PM »

Good choice! I have the same rifle and use 140s (Partitions and SMKs) for everything with RL22 and CCI BR-2s and Fed 210Ms. I had some pressure problems with the 130 TSXs and H4350, so I've kept away from them. You should be set with the replacement rings.

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:39:34 PM »

Quote from: Huntsman1 on March 06, 2011, 05:37:20 PM

Well finally after coming accross a super deal I picked up a slightly used T3 in 6.5 Swede with lesst han 120 rounds down the spout.
It came with RCBS dies, 105 pieces asst'd brass, Barnes 130gr TSX bullets and 50 loaded 120grs Barnes TSX bullets, Leupold scope base & rings and a sparre 5 round mag. I mounted a Leupold VXI 3-9x40 scope on her and I'll post some range pics once it warms up.
In the mean time I'll make up some loads with some 129gr Hornady A-Max bullets and IMR4831

Must be the way they come . Got one too with Brass , brass and rings and base's
Told it likes the Hornady sst bullets . Going to be some time before It is shot since we got close to four feet of snow , so lets hear how yours shoot !!

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 19, 2011, 08:53:32 AM »

we just got another 3" of snow but still I am determined to head to the range tomorrow. I'll be shooting th 129gr SST's. I'll post pics of the groups. its too bad Nosler does'nt make a 140gr BT

I did howver get great groups with Speer's......just have'nt seen much of them around these days.
"Question": I'm pretty sure when I 1st brought it home that the barrel was touching the foreend, after i took it all apart to clean and put it back together the barrel is absolutely floating now??? Maybe the previuos owner "reefed" the screws real tight?
As well, i had someone offer me a T3 Lite in 300WSM....are these puppies an absolute "shoulder Kicker"?

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #23 on:** March 22, 2011, 09:32:02 PM »

Quote from: Huntsman1 on March 19, 2011, 08:53:32 AM

we just got another 3" of snow but still I am determined to head to the range tomorrow. I'll be shooting th 129gr SST's. I'll post pics of the groups. its too bad Nosler does'nt make a 140gr BT
I did howver get great groups with Speer's......just have'nt seen much of them around these days.
"Question": I'm pretty sure when I 1st brought it home that the barrel was touching the foreend, after i took it all apart to clean and put it back together the barrel is absolutely floating now??? Maybe the previuos owner "reefed" the screws real tight?
As well, i had someone offer me a T3 Lite in 300WSM....are these puppies an absolute "shoulder Kicker"?

The shoulder kicker can be solved by investing in a limbsaver pad.

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 23, 2011, 07:38:38 AM »

Still no word back from 300WSm guy, But yes, the Limbsaver recoil pads work wonders. No range time yet..too cold and lottsa snow.........

strut64 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 25, 2011, 12:16:10 PM »

[img][/imgLlast fall I bought a T3 Lite in 223 for a walk about varmint gun. I am really impressed. So I ended up needing another larger bore for deer. I selected another Tikka T3 but a hunter model in 30-06. On the first range session I ended up with ammo I had built for an older 30-06 that I got rid of (165 Gr Nosler BT with some loads 4064 and some with 4350). The wind was blowing hard from my left quarter and the temperature was only about 38 Deg F. Shivering and tearry eyed I still shot an honest 1" group. Come better weather, I will be doing my tune up and an interesting experiment. I can swap the synththetic and wood stocks between the rifles. I wonder if there will be a significant difference? The reason for a 30-06 - A 30-06 is never a mistake.

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 25, 2011, 03:47:00 PM »

Sounds like you got yourself a couple of nice shooters Strut64. That 300WSM offer is "kaput", buddy has'nt replied back, oh well. I found a Tikka 595 in .308 for a reasonable price, just waiting to see some pics b4 I make my decision. On the other hand, I picked up some Hornady 140gr SST's to try out with IMR 4831.
I tried H380 with success, anyone here have a favoured powder for the 6.5 Swede?

p5200 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 28, 2011, 12:25:40 PM »

I've got a T3 Lite in 25-06 I use for Whitetail that's a real tack driver. I reload my own ammo since it's not real easy to find in my location or, at very decent prices plus I shoot from the bench also. But I like my pet loads accuracy much better anyway.

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #28 on:** April 07, 2011, 02:06:20 PM »

Well I got out to the range last weekend and the best group I got with the 129gr SST's was 1" at 100. I'm sure I can shrink that down to sub moa.
I've yet to load up any 140grs but spring has only just started so there will be lots of time to hit the range!!

Dinny · « **Reply #29 on:** April 10, 2011, 09:37:12 PM »

Huntsman,
That sure is a fine rifle you have. I just fondled a new Tikka T3 Stainless fluted 30-06 today in Wasilla, AK at the Sportsman's Warehouse. It's weight is listed on the sales tag, 5lbs 8 oz.

If it were a 6.5x55, I would own it right now.

Keep those range reports coming, I understand that those rifles are capable of extreme accuracy.

Thanks, Dinny