I have been debating with myself for quite some time now. The choice of caliber I'm aiming at is .300 WSM because I feel it is effecient and proper for my type of hunting. My decision was the Tikka T3 at first after researching with little questions asked, if any at all, but I also kept the Kimber 8400 in mind too. I cannot decide which one to choose and my money is starting to hate that awful leather smell in my back pocket. I hear that the T3 are "bang for the buck" accurate right out of the box, but then again 8400 were made specifically for the short magnum family. The stock shouldn't even be questioned to see which one is better. What exactly is controlled round feeding? Are T3s bedded? Does anyone here know?

What I am most concerned about is which one, and price is definitely an issue, can shoot more accuratley at 200+ yards? I havn't heard much from Kimber's side when it comes to shooting distant shots except for the fine claro walnut/synthetic, match grade barrel/chamber/trigger, its lightweight, and its reputation. Maybe I am not looking in the right place, but the information I find about the T3 are unbelievable only when it comes to shots under 100 yards.

Should I save the extra $300 on a scope or do you think it'll be worth it? If I can have the accuracy I desire out to 250-400 yards I am definitely willing to pay extra for a little more *umpfh, but if the T3 can do the same thing as an 8400 but costs less due to stock, name, features, etc. I'll be more than happy to pay less for similar performances. I am trying to grab a centerfire rifle for eliminating those pesky creatures at a few farms this march. With a tripod stand nothing can go wrong :D

Either one I grab I'm planning on mounting Leupold's 4.5-14x40mm VX-III long range with Boone & Crockett's reticle. If not it'll have to be a 6-18x40mm VX-II wide duplex because there is a significant difference in their prices :(

Any suggestions, comments, or objections are welcomed. Thanks all!

Just my opinion of course but I'll offer it for your consideration. I will say that Tikka is on par with Kimber as far as accuracy goes. I own 5 Tikkas and the level of accuracy they offer is amazing for an out-of-the-box rifle. In my experience with kimber, they are accurate and very well finished but I would say Tikka is a better value, the question of specific likes, dislikes and fit is an individual matter. I would never tell anyone not to buy a Kimber but if price and utility are the biggest concerns then Tikka is a good bet.

The Tikka is not "bedded" other than the action is very well mated to the factory milled stock. BTW, Tikka free floats all their barrels. Tikka has a very clean and adjustable trigger and a smooth operating bolt. It's just hard to find much to pick on about Tikka. In the area of classic beauty, Kimber would win my vote but at additional cost.

I would certainly agree with your choice of scope brands. I've spent all the money I'm ever gonna spend on cheap scopes and high end imports. I'm not knocking either but Leopold offers everything I want in a scope in a price range I can live with.

I don't know about your area but Tikkas are hard to find in my part of the world. They don't import enough and they sell quickly when they hit the rack.

One last thing that may or may not affect your decision, Tikka got some bad press on a "couple" of barrel failures. Tikka had a recall on certain models with stainless steel barrels. At any rate, hope I have helped you.

One last thing that may or may not affect your decision, Tikka got some bad press on a "couple" of barrel failures. Tikka had a recall on certain models with stainless steel barrels. At any rate, hope I have helped you.

Thanks for taking your time to share your opinion. I really do appreciate this because I've never had any experience with neither rifles and want people who have actually touched these things to bring out their opinions. The more I know the more I understand and am not tossing money around like it was paper. The Tikka I'm looking at is the Hunter Model which is blued barrel. Should the "barrel failure" on particular stainless steel models concern me :confused:

BTW Tikkas are easy to find from where I am located. Just a crazy suggestion but if you ever need any Tikkas contact me for a retail phone number. I'll be more than happy.

You are most welcome and thanks for your offer also.

The Chrome Moly (blued) barrels were not a concern. The recall was for stainless steel barrels that were tracked to a specific run of barrels. Beretta owns Sako/Tikka and many were upset about the lack of details that were made public about the recall. On the flip side, with all the liability issues and lawsuits, it's no wonder companies play it safe. The T3 Hunter models in blued steel were never at question.

I really think you would be pleased with a Tikka/Leupold combination. It's hard to by one Tikka and not be so impressed that you want another....and another....kinda how I ended up with five. If I had to sum up my opinion of Tikka it would be this: A rifle that covers all the bases, accurate, classic clean lines, well balanced and all at a reasonable price. (they are getting more expensive though)

I missed it earlier but you asked about controlled round feeding. A simple desription- the round is somewhat captured by the bolt as it feeds into the chamber. Many feel this makes the rifle less likely to jam or misfeed.

I haven't tried a Tikka, but they certainly do have a fine reputation. About the only thing I can think of that I didn't like was the fact they all have the same length action, and they simply use a plastic spacer in the magazine to accommodate different cartridge lengths.

I do have some experience with Kimber rifles, and all I've tried have been excellent. A friend of mine has one, and it's a fine rifle. I have a Kimber 84M Varmint in 22-250, and it's a fine rifle too.

I have a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14x50mm scope with illuminated reticle on my Kimber. I also have a Leupold VX-III 4.5x14x50mm LR with Boone & Crocket reticle on my Winchester M70 Coyote in 243 WSSM. A buddy of mine has the Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40mm LR on his Bushmaster Varminter. These are some really nice optics, particularly if you're doing some long range shooting, or where you won't be jumping something up at varying distances and need a really quick shot. The magnification is low enough on the low end that you shouldn't have a problem quickly finding your target, even if you don't have the focus set for that specific distance. They also have enough magnification on the top end that you can precisely pick your target at extended ranges. I think if you go for much more magnification than 4x or 4.5x on the low end, you'll really slow yourself down, unless you're only going to be shooting at really long ranges.

I have Leupold 3.5-10x40mm Vari-X III's on both my Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker in 270 WSM and Winchester M70 Featherweight in 300 WSM. These are both really good general purpose scopes where you may be shooting at either closer or extended ranges. I like these for most open country hunting.

For brushy or hilly country, or where most of your shots may be up close or fast, one of the 1.75-6x or 2-7x scopes might be the best choice. I have a Leupold VX-III 1.75-6x32mm on a .308, and this would be my first choice for an all around, general purpose rifle.

Whatever you choose, you'll have a nice rifle.

That's a nice family of Leupold. I bet you're having a fun time with your 4.5-14x40mm LR Boone & Crockett. BTW how much did you pick it up for? The cheapest I've found online and around town is $655.46 total. Of course, Ebay is always cheaper ($599.00) but I've had my bad experiences with frauds and think that something worth as much as this scope should be purchased elsewhere.

One more thing: Is there a difference in the VX models and Vari-X models? Correct me if I'm wrong, but VX models are the newer series to the line Leupold?

3ex117,
I went through the same dilema. I settled on a win 70 featherweight in 300wsm and a 3x10 grandslam weaver. I have shot 3 moose with it so far and this year I tried the barnes triple shock . It was under 1 moa and broke one shoulder going in and a rib going out and dropped like a rock. I just purchased a new kimber in .325 wsm with a burris short mag scope in 2x7 and it seems sweet, shoots well and the recoil isn't bad but have yet to hunt with it. This is the montana model. I'm hoping to get out this week sometime on a deer hunt and break it in. The tikka seems like a good choice also but I can't speak with first hand knowledge.
Goldbelt

Should the "barrel failure" on particular stainless steel models concern me :confused:

I had my T3 Laminated replaced. It was a certain range of guns from a certain batch of steel from Sako. Recall issued...gun replaced. Only on stainless, tho.

Great shooter (.270) w/a Leupold 3-9x.

Getting more expensive, so get them while they're still affordable.


Good luck,

jonas

BTW how much did you pick it up for?


Is there a difference in the VX models and Vari-X models? Correct me if I'm wrong, but VX models are the newer series to the line Leupold?


I think it was over $600, but I don't remember exactly. With a good scope you only remember how it performs, not what it costs.

The VX-III is the newer version of the older Vari-X III. I think the VX series has different coatings & maybe some other internal chages. Probably the biggest noticeable difference, at least on the adjustable objective models, is that they have a side focus knob instead of having to turn the front end of the scope's barrel. This makes it much easier to focus on the distance you're shooting.

Alright. Thanks again for sharing your opinions and answers.

These are both fine rifles and you couldn't go wrong with either one. I have a tikka T3 Hunter in 7mm magnum and couldn't be happier with it's performance. These guns are nicely finished, have extremely smooth actions and possibly the best trigger on the market. These triggers are adjustable from 2 to 4 lb's. Mine came from the factory set at 2 1/2 pounds and there is no creeep or overtravel either. Another nice feature of these rifles is the 70 degree bolt lift and the inclusion of scope rings with the rifle.

Hey. I made up my decision and Im going with a Tikka T3. I was just wondering which caliber is the most accurate from 200+ yards for deer/mule hunting. Any help'd be great. Im going to try and grab it sometimes this week. Thanks for everything!

-.308 Win.

-.300 WSM

-.300 Win mag.

-.338 Win.

-6.5x55 Swed.

Congrat's, hope you like your new Tikka! These calibers are all capable of fine accuracy, however unless you like recoil, I would skip the 338! And besides, it is more gun than you really need for deer hunting. My T3 hunter in 7mm rem mag will put 5 shots under an inch at 100 yards and that isn't with premium ammo or handloads either, just basic Remington 140 grain core-lokts. With the exception of the .338 the calibers that you have listed would all be great for deer, although you should also consider the 7mm mag. It's got all the range you'll ever need, is extremely accurate and in this particular rifle, thanks to the great stock design doesn't recoil much more than a 30/06.

Hey. I made up my decision and Im going with a Tikka T3. I was just wondering which caliber is the most accurate from 200+ yards for deer/mule hunting. Any help'd be great. Im going to try and grab it sometimes this week. Thanks for everything!

-.308 Win.

-.300 WSM

-.300 Win mag.

-.338 Win.

-6.5x55 Swed.

200 yard deer hunting, Humm.
The two 300 mags, both short and long seem like overkill to me.
The 308, ought to do the job just fine.
Don't let Kdub know that you are considering the 6.5X55. It is his personel favorite and he knows exactly what it will do. It would be a good choice, and has a little more "mystic" to it than the others.

While we can argue calibers for deer at 200 yards, your choice of the Tikka seems like a good one. I had one of the first Kimbers in 7mm-08 and the only thing negative about it was that it was so pretty, I treated it like my first date in high school. I changed my hunting habits while using it.

After 50 years of this seasonal foolishness with the whitetail in my area, I have settled on the Leupold scopes handsdown.
A 4.5x14 VX11 with the A.O. is on my Weatherby 270 Win Untralight and my 7mm-08 Weatherby Predator Master.

A 4-12x VX11 A.O. is on my Sako 243 Win. They are all clear 100% and work very well in low light conditions.

We have a 10 point minimum where we hunt and those scopes come in very handy to really check a buck out at 200 yards to find out if he is really as big as he looks or not.

Sounds like you are ready to spend some dinero.

Good luck

I've minimized my options down to three calibers after further researching and listening to you all.

- .308

- .300WSM

- 6.5x55 Swed.

Im still not convinced about either of the three because of all their positive feedbacks but I'm creeping closer to an answer.

I've minimized my options down to three calibers after further researching and listening to you all.

- .308

- .300WSM

- 6.5x55 Swed.

Im still not convinced about either of the three because of all their positive feedbacks but I'm creeping closer to an answer.
The .308 Winchester is a 600 yard cartridge if you can do your part. Being a military cartridge has its advantages. Ammo is state of the art. Surplus ammo is way cheaper than commercial stuff. You could put ten thousand rounds through a .308 and still have excellent hunting accuracy. A .300WSM barrel would not last that long. The recoil of the .300WSM is quite stiff in the light Tikka rifle. The .308 is all you need for moose, let alone deer. I have shot both with the .308. The .308 Winchester is accurate.
In my opinion, the .308 Winchester is the only choice.
The .308 is

Hi,

Just wondering if you have ever considered the Remington 700 in comparison with the Tikka T3???

By the way, I would pick the 308 Win due to its versatility

I've minimized my options down to three calibers after further researching and listening to you all.

- .308

- .300WSM

- 6.5x55 Swed.

Im still not convinced about either of the three because of all their positive feedbacks but I'm creeping closer to an answer.

if you like short cartridges, take a good look at the 7mm-08 before you buy, hate to confuse the issue but it's worth a look.

if you like short cartridges, take a good look at the 7mm-08 before you buy, hate to confuse the issue but it's worth a look.

Yeah, I've already done that. I've looked into all 7mm calibers from 7mm RUM to 7mm-08 to 7mm rem. mag. etc. The thing is my step-father and my uncles are 7mm fans and have nothing but 7mm calibers on all their deer rifles. I wanted to try something....... different :confused:

Although not very experienced I believe I can get somewhere with a cartridge that doesn't have a 7 involved. Something like the .308 Win. (*7.62) would definitely be exceptional.

Thanks for the offer but I think I'm more interested in Winchester's line of .3 cartridges.


Hi,

Just wondering if you have ever considered the Remington 700 in comparison with the Tikka T3???

By the way, I would pick the 308 Win due to its versatility

At one point, which was about 30 seconds, but then quickly reconsidered. I've heard multiple stories where its accuracy doesn't even rival with Savage's. I have shot none, but I believe it won't be as satisfying to me as a Tikka or Weatherby. Thanks.

are there any articles around the net about .308 Win and 6.5x55??

are there any articles around the net about .308 Win and 6.5x55??

Just google 6.5x55 and that will get it.
I shot a coyote last week-end with one of Kdub's 6.5's.
It is a great little caliber. I shot the 129 grain bullet, but my history with it is slim at best.
I know how family is, if you shoot a big deer with your new .308, it will throw them all into a tailspin.
Good Luck

are there any articles around the net about .308 Win and 6.5x55??


Apart for the volume of posts here, check:

www.chuckhawks.com
http://www.chuckhawks.com/optimum_30_rifle_cartridge.htm


He's got write-ups on most rifle cartridges. Even comparisons. But you have to have a membership to access them all. Some great info there tho.

Good luck.

jonas

Anybody ever shot the 7mm STW? Just a thought.

7mm STW is an excellent hunting round for long range deer/elk. Out of your current choices, the 308 and 6.5 aren't that flat shooting for the amount of power in return; the 300 WSM is pricey to shoot, and is generally for elk sized game and up. I myself would look into 7mm cartridges, because they are cheaper to shoot than the 300WSM, and are probably more suited for deer than a 30 caliber magnum, or either of the other cartridges at ranges 200+ yards in different scenarios. If you are going to keep it under 500 yards tops, go with the 308, but if you are going farther, get a 7mm Remington Magnum, or 7mm STW(I'd go for 7mm rem mag). If under 400 tops, 6.5 is good.

Have you looked at the Remington Light Tactical Rifle in .308? It is one sweet little rig. Pick one up. It balances beautifully in the hand. Not too light or heavy - juuuuuuust right. For big game hunting at reasonable ranges, the 20 inch bull barrel provides plently of velocity and accuracy. I like the extra sling swivel stud up front for a bipod.