Tikka T3x Lite SS Shortened vs Tikka T3x Superlite
- Thread starter mr_steve
- Start date
If you’ve ever tried hiking through a mile of alders with a rifle on your pack you’d understand a shorter barrel. I’ve heard lots of good reports from a shorter barrel. You lose some velocity at further distances but beyond yardages I would shoot at. I may be missing something so please feel free to make me aware.
Yeah I’ve heard an ounce per inch is average. After spending all day researching rifles and comparisons I’m leaning towards the 7mm-08 and cutting it down to 20” as well as threading it. Not necessarily for weight savings but I want a shorter length so it’s easy to pack through brush. The 7-08 vs 6.5 comparison seems to be that the 6.5 can be better for long range shooting but 7-08 has better versatility for game and knockdown with still minimal recoil like the 6.5. Either should work well for what I need so I choose hunting versatility over long range plinking.I have heard rumors that the 6.5 Creedmoor might be a better killer than the 300 RUM
To the OP - I have a 6.5 CM Superlite. Mine is the left hand version with the shorter 22.4” barrel. Since the barrel is already skinny, I find it hard to believe that the flutes make the Superlite 4/10 of a pound lighter than the Lite. BTW - I saw a post on another thread that indicated that a 4” section cut from the end of a Tikka weighed 4 oz.
I’m not even close to being an expert but these are my observations from what I’ve been told and what I’ve read on several different forums. If it’s on the internet it’s got to be true, right?
Brian in Montana
Well-known member
I doubt you'll be in any way disappointed with a 7mm-08, especially if you handload. (I missed it if you said.).
And it might just be me, but I really don't find a 22.4" barrel awkward in the brush. My 7-08 is a Rem 700 with a 24" barrel, and although it's generally not my first choice on a mountain pack-in, I really don't find it too bad either. I have a strap on my pack that holds a rifle in place under my right arm, so it's not really sticking way up to get caught in branches anyway.
And it might just be me, but I really don't find a 22.4" barrel awkward in the brush. My 7-08 is a Rem 700 with a 24" barrel, and although it's generally not my first choice on a mountain pack-in, I really don't find it too bad either. I have a strap on my pack that holds a rifle in place under my right arm, so it's not really sticking way up to get caught in branches anyway.
Big Ed
New member
or do like i did. i bought a brace of tikka t3x sl's in 7mm-08 rem and 7mm rem mag. i like the 7mm bullet and is prolly my fav diameter bullet with 6.5's,260 rem,coming in on a very close 2nd. i'm strictly a whitetail deer hunter but bought the 7mm rem mag just in case i ever got the chance to elk hunt. the 7mm-08 rem will do all i need round here in MS but ya never know when i might hunt a big green field and need the extra umph of the mag.
good luck,
Big Ed
good luck,
Big Ed
EastTNHunter
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2018
- Messages
- 1,782
Due to the Tikkas all being long actions, there is no advantage to a short action cartridge in one unless you are just going for lower recoil. In that case you can always load a long action caliber down for lower recoil.
I vote for the .270. You’d come out cheaper (no gunsmithing) and get more horsepower if needed.
Not much practical difference in .3mm (.13”) of bullet diameter, but some people go gaga over BC. I can’t shoot well enough over that long of a distance to gain an ounce of advantage from the small difference in BC between the two.
I vote for the .270. You’d come out cheaper (no gunsmithing) and get more horsepower if needed.
Not much practical difference in .3mm (.13”) of bullet diameter, but some people go gaga over BC. I can’t shoot well enough over that long of a distance to gain an ounce of advantage from the small difference in BC between the two.
Quit making sense. mtmuley
D
Deleted member 16014
Guest
I’m not the first or even the 100th but I’ve said it many times...pick a bullet you want to deliver, pick a speed you want to deliver it at to be effective, buy or build the rifle in a chambering to do that.
In the end, all of the thought that went into this will be largely meaningless in terms of killing animals. Anyone that thinks there is any significant difference between shooting animals with a 6.5 and a .270 is delusional.
Last edited by a moderator:
D
Deleted member 16014
Guest
As far as the original question, I’d say get the lite and chop it. Something a little different, and it seems like you’d appreciate a shorter set up.
Brian in Montana
Well-known member
Only about 300-400fps and a bigger bullet. LOL
But I get what you're saying. A guy that is practiced and familiar, and knows what he's doing with a his rifle is deadly regardless. At least I guess that's what you're saying. Or maybe a .308 and a .338 RUM are the same and a zebra is a horse and a noun is an adverb.
VikingsGuy
Well-known member
And before you buy/build, make sure you are comfortable with the amount of recoil those choices entail.
Right. 0.013” is a whopping difference. I’ll say it again. Anyone that thinks 0.013” and 300 FPS difference will make a significant difference in killing animals is delusional.
Brian in Montana
Well-known member
My only questions is: how significant of a difference is needed before we're not delusional?
D
Deleted member 16014
Guest
And yet somehow less recoil and more COAL to work with are this crazy new idea...
Well I bought the Tikka T3x Superlite in 7mm-08. Almost went .270 but deciding factor was recoil. I'm going to explore cutting it down and then threading it but I did just get a report that one gentleman has had issues since cutting down the same rifle so we will see. I enjoyed everyone's input!
On a side note Tikka has the Superlite on sale because they are discontinuing this model for a new one although I am not sure what it will be.
On a side note Tikka has the Superlite on sale because they are discontinuing this model for a new one although I am not sure what it will be.
Brian in Montana
Well-known member
Tikka's discontinuing the Superlite? WTH? Maybe coming out with a T4X or some such thing? The Superlite line is awesome. For all you can get for the $ I really don't think there is a better deal out there.
Good choice, btw. I doubt you'll be disappointed in either the cartridge you chose or the rifle. Good luck afield.
Good choice, btw. I doubt you'll be disappointed in either the cartridge you chose or the rifle. Good luck afield.
AggieOutlaw
Active member
- Joined
- May 22, 2016
- Messages
- 534
You'll be happy with the 7-08. It's a better choice for hunting than 6.5cm. I love 6.5cm for long range plinking. I'd use it on deer. But in short action, 7-08 is the best option for general hunting applications. I'm a 270 man myself. Love my T3x SS lite in 270. Wish it was the Superlite but I got it for a steal @ $499. Saving a couple oz wasn't worth the extra couple hundo.
PS.
Don't cut it.
PS.
Don't cut it.
Roughwater
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2015
- Messages
- 246
I know this is an old post and the OP has probably long since made his choice. This info is for someone that is also looking for a shorter barrel Tikka in 6.5 Creedmoor. Just a couple days ago my buddy had bought a Tikka 6.5 in the 20" model (Tactical?) and invited me to come down to the local range. I'm assuming his rifle was the tactical model since it has a threaded barrel and the barrel is 20".
I'm not that easily impressed but that sucker using 140 gn Hornedy ELD Match ammo shot awesome! This was a brand new rifle and the rounds he shot with me that afternoon were the first rounds he had put through it. After breaking the barrel in with some cheaper ammo (cleaning frequently), he fired for accuracy using the Hornady match ammo. The first 3 shots were in one slightly enlarged hole which impressed me but he then shot 2 more rounds with no cleaning in between the 5 rounds. His 5 shot group was one slightly enlarged hole at 100 yards! If I hadn't seen it myself I wouldn't have believed it. He shot the first round basically cold bore too as he had cleaned the gun well prior to shooting the last 5 rounds. It was in the afternoon and warm and sunny here in NC. Aside from the rifle being a real shooter the 20" barrel ought to go through the bush just fine and be relatively light as well. I know from experience that everything has to be just right to shoot a group like that, the scope, the rings, the mount, the stock, the ammo and of course the shooter as well. I've personally never seen accuracy like that before from a new factory rifle.
