Tikka T3/Long rang shooting
 

I was thinking of getting into long range target shooting i own i tikka t3 lite chambered in 300 win mag. what are the main differences between this version of tikka and the tactical version? and since the tikka t3 tac is a bit out of my price range would it be advisable to switch my barrel over to a heavy one and where would i even start looking for a heavier barrel for this thing?
Also if you guys wanna share your long range hunting rifle setup so i could get ideas of where i wanna go with mine that would be greatly appreciated!
thanks

The 300 winmag wouldn't be my choice for target shooting. I use a T-3 Varmint in 6.5x55 for my informal target shooting.

what's the price difference between the 2 you mentioned? customizing a rifle doesn't come cheap either; but will generally give you better results depending on your expectations, lee

I would also recommend a T3 varmint.

i use a T3 Varmint HB in .243 for all my longer range target shooting, works great for me.

I wouldn't recommend the 300WM in the lite in that barrel is real skinny and heats up very fast. My brother has the T3 lam/ss in 300WM (Same as lite/SS but with a laminate stock AFAIK), 3-4 rounds and the barrel is cooking.

Tac version is a heavy barrel, (same as varmint but park'd) and includes the muzzle brake. Big price difference comes from tactical adjustable stock and pic rail.

Functionally no different as far as I know, same action and barrel, just a different finish and stock plus the brake.

If you want a Tikka long-range rig, I would sell the 300WM lite and buy a varmint in your choice of caliber.

Tacticals are $1700-$1800, whereas the varmint can be had for $1050. Depends if you want the stock and brake.

300WM will work fine for long distance target shooting, has for many years. You should have no trouble getting to a mile or more with a good set up. I'm not real familiar with 30 cal stuff off the top of my head, or Tikka, but you may want to look at a tighter-twisted barrel to throw heavy, high BC bullets...that's what it takes to get out there...

Tikka uses 11" twist for it's .30's, plenty to get heavier.

My bigger concern is the 'lite' barrel profile. Worked fine in my .223 for 5-6 shots. But the .300 is gonna heat up real fast unless you like waiting! :sHa_shakeshout:

I have a T-3 Tactical in .223 as well, and it didn't come with a brake, although the barrel is threaded for one. The only real difference is the adjustable cheek piece, and parkerized finish on the Tactical. I only purchased the Tactical, because it was offered to me at a great price.

http://www.tikka.ca/pdf/specs/T3VarmintStainless.pdf

Tons of options for the varmint. Great rifles imo.:)

My opinion is this. If your going to use a 300 win mag it better be heavy. If its not it won't get shot enough for you to become proficient with it at long range.

forgot to mention i will be using this for hunting also, so i want take down power

Varmint can be had in 7mm RM, 300 WM, 300 WSM, etc. Take your pick!

The Tikka T3 is a great rifle. I bought the 7mm and had Dave Henry build a muzzle break for it which works wonders. I also reduced the the trigger pull.

This is why you need to be able to practice. LOTS.