Tikka T3x Varmint 223 Range Report

Too impatient to wait on a sporter contour barrel, I sold my T3 Lite and picked up a T3x varmint. Had it out to the range for the 2nd time today. Results were impressive.

Equipment:
Tikka T3x Varmint 223 1/8 twist, 24" barrel
Talley 1-piece base
SWFA low tactical rings
SWFA 16x42 mil/mil scope with mil-quad reticle

Ammo:
Hornady Match Steel 55 HP
Hornady Match Steel 75 BTHP
Hornady Match 68 BTHP

Results:
All shots today were taken off bags front and back, which I think produces better groups than a bipod on front and bag on back. Best groups came from the 75 ad 68 grain ammo. Both had multiple 3-shot and 4-shot groups in the .4"-.6" range. 55 grain ammo was closer to 1" with a couple groups in the 1.5" range.

Problems:
Had POI shifting randomly which made some groups with the 75/68 grain ammo open up to the 1"-1.25" range, so I really think I have a scope problem and I'll call SWFA about that. I would shoot 5-10 rounds nearly in the same hole it seemed and then the POI would move significantly (1" give or take a few times) and would settle in at the new location. It also doesn't seem to be tracking 100% accurately. I had another 16x42 before this one and didn't have any of these issues with it, so I feel fairly confident that the problem is scope-related.

Bottom line:
Love the gun. Scope can be dealt with. 68 grain ammo seemed to perform marginally better than the 75, which is a shame considering the 75 grain is 45 cents a round and the 68 grain is 90 cents a round.

I owe a thanks to whoever suggested in my other thread that I consider a T3x. The T3x varmint cost $300 more than the T3 Lite, but it got me a heavy barrel, vertical grip on the stock, and a cheek weld on the stock. Well worth it for my uses. The heavy barrel is much less senstive to long strings of shooting and the stock upgrades are fantastic.

Thanks to everyone on the THF for helping me with this!

Sounds like great results, congrats!

Nice review! I have a T3x 243 sporter and love it. Congratulations!

Two quick questions:

- Is a bipod inherently less accurate than shooting off bags? (I have a non-swivel Caldwell bipod)
- How do you clean the chamber? Or is it even necessary?

Tikka has had issues with heat, how was the timing on those strings?

Love first shot clean cold bore data myself

Cold bore shot wasn't close to center. But I think it was scope-related. I had to dial it back to center, which took several tries since it didn't seem to be tracking right. 2nd & 3rd shots dropped right next to cold bore shot, so I don't think the issue was rifle-related.

Timing was faster than my T3 lite, but still slower than I'd really like. Seemed like when I sped up, I did start to see the groups open up a hair. If I slowed down, it was dropping rounds on top of one another. Took about 15 shots and then took a 5-minute break, another 10 shots and another 5 minute break and pretty much took 3-5 shots and then a 1-2 minute break the rest of the time.

Check all the screws, including action?

When I shoot groups, I space each shot 30-60 seconds apart with an open bolt, and typically shoot one group and let it cool for several minutes.

Yep, that's what I had to do with the T3 Lite. Seems even the Varmint I have to slow down nearly that much, but the groups are a bit better and I don't have to slow down quite as much with it, so I'm happy. And the best part is I get to do it all with 40-cent ammo.

Yes I checked all the screws. Nothing loose at all. Wish that was all it was.

One other comment - the trigger on this model was much, much better from the factory. Approximately equal to the trigger from my T3 lite after I swapped springs. Not sure what was going on in that other rifle, but something wasn't consistent. I swapped springs in this new one just because, but it was totally unnecessary. Trigger was really good from the factory, but it a hair lighter now.

Update: SWFA did not give me any hassle about swapping out the 16x42 scope. With my new scope, I used Jason's patented 2-shot-zero method (see pictures below) and got it sighted back in. Stretched out the legs a bit after playing around on paper at 100 yards for awhile.

Summary:
- The new scope tracks 100% accurately.
- Gun still likes Hornady 68 bthp match the best (consistent .4"-.8" 3-shot groups) and 75 bthp steel match next best (.6"-1" 3-shot groups).
- Pinging steel at 300 and 400 yards was a little too easy. I was repeatedly hitting a 4" square at 300 yards with the 68 grain ammo

2-shot zero:

Sounds like a nice rifle. Good to see some fast twist .223's available in various bolt guns.

.40 cent per round CHEAP ammo..... makes me appreciate my .19 cent per round .223 load with 55gr Hornady SP

Hand loading? There is plenty of ammo available in that price range, but I just want to get the most out of my gun and it seems to shoot the heavier match grade stuff best. I'm willing to try anything though. If that's a factory load, what is it?

Sorry yes those are my hand loads 55gr Hornady SP.

If I load heavier match bullets that runs the price up to about 28 cents apiece.

Yeah I don't have reloading equipment. I have access to some, but I tried it once and didn't have great luck. I'm working with Chad and it looks like he's going to get some loaded for me that my gun likes at a lower cost than the expensive non-steel ammo.

One of these years when I have more time and money, I'll get a reloading setup. But with grad school, a wife & 2 kids, and a full time job, I just don't have the time right now even if I did have the $.