Author Topic: Browning A-Bolt or Tikka T-3? (Read 1532 times)

338-06shooter · « **on:** March 12, 2004, 12:21:29 PM »

I'm looking for your opinions on Browning's A-Bolt Hunter model...are they a good choice? What about the Tikka T3? I have fondled both but haven't taken either out for a test drive.
Thanks!

C.J · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2004, 02:50:23 PM »

i owned a browning a-bolt stainless stalker in 338 cal it was a nice rifle but i didnt care for the 26 inch barrel i dinged it off everything and the 338 cal was a bit much for me so i decided to trade it in on a 300 win mag with 24 inch barrel and i ended up getting the tikka t3 i personally really like the t3 cause it fits me a lot better than the browning did the bolt seems to be a little smoother and the gun weighs about 1 pound less which at first i though the recoil would be bad it weighs 7 pounds with scope and all but its actually not im also really happy with the accuracy but like i said the browning was a really nice gun to though so i think the biggest thing is you should buy the gun that fits you and feels right

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2004, 05:34:11 AM »

If you can wait a couple of weeks, I have a T3 in .300WSM on order. As soon as I'll shoot it, I'll give a detailed report.

Other than that, I own Browning A-Bolts and Tikka Whitetail Hunters. The T3 is very similar to the WH, and I think that the WH is a better rifle than the Stainless Stalkers that I own.

Zachary

Muddyboots · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2004, 12:27:52 PM »

I'd go with the Browning vs. the T-3 only on the basis that if you intend to reload, the Browning 300 WSM chamber is 2.860 vs. the Tikka 300 WSM at approximately 3.060. I was at range yesterday with the Tikka to prove a point with myself and it was confirmed. I loaded 40 rounds of 165's and 180's (165 BT's, 165 Part, 1800 Accubond and 180 Part) with rounds at 0.010 off lands with OAL varying between 3.050 and 3.070. I also loaded rounds at 2.870 (maximum OAL I could get into the magazine). The velocity difference was on average 50 fps for Partitions and 75 fps for Accubonds/Ballistic Tips. This may not sound like a lot but in a 23" barrel, it drops the performance down to 06 level even at max loads. The 180 Accubond 0.010 off lands at 3.070 OAL was cruising at 2925 which isn't too bad. When OAL is 2.870, the velocity dropped to 2850 fps. This correlates to having an elongated throat which according to one poster helps throat errosion. This may be so but it is at expense of performance which I cannot accept. So anyway, I am probably going to buy A-Bolt and am selling my T-3 300 WSM. Accuracy and quality is not an issue but if I can't get a rifle up to max performance, then it is history. I've got 06's that will be close to the T-3 when loaded at 2.870 OAL, so what's the point of having a 300 WSM?
Muddyboots

tominboise · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2004, 04:00:46 AM »

Muddy boots,

I'm no expert, but it might less of a financial bath to have a gunsmith set the barrel back one thread and rechamber to exactly what you want. You could match the throat to your magazine length.

Just a suggestion,

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2004, 07:04:39 AM »

I have a T3 in .300WSM on order (actually, I think it already arrived>)

Anyway, after reading muddyboots' posts, I'm not too thrilled with the info - meaning that I am not happy with loosing over 100 fps.

I never quite thought about it, but I guess that setting the barrel back to original specs (meaning regular industry specs - not Tikka WSM specs) should fix the problem, but then again will it?

So I guess there are a series of questions:

1) If I use factory loads, which I will, will there be a significant loss in velocity? (Significant meaning over 100 fps or so).

2) If there is a significant loss, then how much will it cost to set the barrel back? and

3) Will setting the barrel back really bring up the velocity?

I'm kinda worried that I may spend money and, if anything, it may be worse. Any suggestions?

Zachary

Muddyboots · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2004, 10:58:56 AM »

Zachary,
Long time ago in one of my ranting and ravings over the throat issue, I am pretty sure I posted up some good news if you shoot factory stuff. If you shoot 180's, I chronographed it at around 2900 fps which is about you expect out of this barrel. The problem is when you try to load for lighter bullets. That is when you really come up against the throat issue. Factory loads tend to be hotter in the WSM's due to proprietary powders etc.. If you going to shoot 180's, I wouldn't worry at all. It will be OK. As a reloader, I want to be able to max performance to any rifle. That doesn't necessarily mean max loads but overall performance. The T-3 takes away this from me which as any anal reloader cannot accept. I was able to duplicate factory fps with reloads but only after setting bullet 0.010 off the lands. Unfortunately, this won't fit in the magazine since the magazine has a max AOL of 2.880. When I pull back the OAL, the lost fps really put a burrdock in my shorts. I just don't have it in me to shoot factory either so the T-3 will be traded or sold as soon as I can come up with a deal. It was accurate enough with factory that I shot and it was Winchester 180 PSP so I think you will be pleased with it. I am more twisted over the lack of response from BerretaUSA, Tikka and now Sako. It is a shame that a decent rifle like the T-3 was given more thought toward the reloader. I have to wonder if the in-house legal beagles put their 0.02 in on design to insure pressures could never be a product safety problem. I don't believe I would waste any money on setting a barrel back on a T-3. Not worth the effort. I'd rather have a WSM with correct chamber and work off that. The Tikka isn't anything special other they shoot well for the money. So does a Savage. Anyway, I am convinced factory 180's is OK.
Muddyboots

Zachary · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2004, 10:28:51 PM »

Muddyboots,

Actually, I think that I will only be shooting 180s. There seems to be a growing availabilty of factory ammo in the .300WSM - especially from Federal. I'm gonna try the 180 Nosler Partitions, 180 Barnes TSX, and 180 Accubonds.

Like you said, if these factory loads come in at 2900 fps or more, then I'll just keep the T3 as it is.

Zachary

SHW · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2004, 06:59:13 PM »

A-BOLT

I like Tikka's, but not impressed with the T3.

Ruttinbuck · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2004, 03:24:31 AM »

I have a Tikka T3 hunter in 300 winmag.My clip accepts 3.34" cartridges {no more}which is industry spec for length from what I can gather.After reading muddyboots posts on throat length issues I went and match blackened a dummy round and went to find the distance bewteen the lands and bullet at 3.34".I am not an expert gun nut by any means but the difference between the cartridge length and the lands start is less than 1/2 the width of the cannular ring on a hornady BTSP.The throat length issue will not affect the 300winmags I guess.
I hope this makes sense, regards Ruttinbuck

gerry@fundy.net · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2004, 09:28:20 AM »

I am generally happy with my T3 in 22-250 with the exception of the safety. Just a very light touch and the safety jumps ahead to the off position. I had the dealer call Stoeger Canada (Canadian distributer) and they said they can't do anything about it, it is not adjustable. I intend to make a few more calls.

schunter1128 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2004, 10:23:46 AM »

Do not own either but saw this thread on another board. May be of interest. http://forums.huntingfirearms.com/showthread.php3?s=656bebb9b9a1cf6da9ac9a70592d7988&threadid=4311