Tikka T3 Varmint in 22-250

Going with the 243 makes good sense. I have Tikkas in all three calibers. The 223 Varmint has been the most accurate rife I have had, but my 22-250 Tikka T3 sporter is just as accurate with 3 shot groups. Both rifles are amazing. I had a Weatherby Varmint in 22-250 and it did not hold a candle to the Tikkas (even with a lot of load development).

I have not had the same success with my Tikka 243 Hunter. That aside I would not go under 24" on the barrel length. If you want to get the most out of the 243 a 24" or 26" with an 8 twist (or even 7) will give you the velocity and bullet stabilization that will let you shoot 55 to 105 grain bullets well. If your wanting a short threaded barrel I would look at the Ruger like deathwind suggested.

I just got a smoking deal on a Savage 243 11VT at Dick's and right out of the box it's a shooter. I think the Tikka Hunter maybe finding a new home.
 

Originally Posted By: deathwind IIOriginally Posted By: Phil BoylesOriginally Posted By: skidooracer_99Does anyone feel the varmint ss in .22-250 would be lacking with the 23 3/8"? barrel vs. a typical varmint 26"? I am tempted to pick up one also, the 14 twist doesnt bother me as i will probably be shooting 40 v-max's at gophers. How much speed would i be losing compared to a 26"?

Even though I started this thread, I am changing my mind on the caliber
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I am going to 243 Win for more reloading options and the ability to shoot heavier bullets. But the reason I am quoting skidooracer is I am considering cutting the barrel down to 20" to save weight and accommodate the suppressor without being a telephone pole. What's the consensus on this?

Thanks
Why not just buy a Ruger American Predator? Barrel is already threaded, and they seem to be accurate, from what I've read.

They don't make them in lefty. Primary reason.
 
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You will at the most lose a 100fps the yotes or what ever you shoot will never know I have a tikka t3 lite in 204 shoots lights out i love it
 
Originally Posted By: john pruittYou will at the most lose a 100fps the yotes or what ever you shoot will never know I have a tikka t3 lite in 204 shoots lights out i love it

Im glad that 204 is working out for you John. I would have never parted with that gun if it was a lefty, that thing was a tack driver. Hopefully you are putting it to good use.
 
I have the blued version in 22-250 and really love it. But that wasn't the case when I first bought it. I tried all kinds of different powders, bullets, primers and just couldn't get it to shoot worth a darn and almost sold it! After about 150 rounds down the barrel my groups started to get noticeably better. I've now settled on 39.8 grains of H380 and the 55 grain Berger match and groups are running right at 1/2" to 5/8". The only thing I can think of was there must have been a burr in the rifling that eventually smoothed out.
 
I've got the Tikka varmint in 204 and 22-250 and they both are scary accurate for factory guns. Beretta doesn't import the 243 varmint or I'd have one. They have already replaced my Remmys!
 
I couldn't find a lefty in the varmint. I bought a Tikka T3 lite in 243 Win. I may re-barrel it later if I'm not satisfied with it out of the box.
 
Originally Posted By: DropadoglvDon't get me wrong, tikka makes a nice weapon, but look at the Howa in 22-250...action way better and smoother...basically the same price. Jmo

I've never worked the action of a Howa but I don't know how you could get any smoother than a tikka action... those things glide!
 
Originally Posted By: Robinhood21Originally Posted By: DropadoglvDon't get me wrong, tikka makes a nice weapon, but look at the Howa in 22-250...action way better and smoother...basically the same price. Jmo

I've never worked the action of a Howa but I don't know how you could get any smoother than a tikka action... those things glide!

that is the same thing i was thinking.
 
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