Tikka Help

[Boom]

Just picked up a T3 Lite in .223 as a training rifle. I've shot Tikka rifles before but never owned or set one up. Several questions about the rifle:

1) Putting a VX III 6.5-20x40 on it from another rig. What rings do I need to work with the integral base? I've been told the factory ones are not reliable.

2) Likely will not hand load for this rifle as I am trying to concentrate on handloads for other rigs. Twist is 1:9 and I have Hdy. 75 and Fed 69 gr. factory ammo. Any suggestions on what they usually like?

3) I checked Midway and spare magazines are expensive and "Coming Soon." Any alternatives?

Thanks for any help!

 

[fieldsj66]

bump for info

 

[dyelynn]

i've used the factory rings on my tikka in 270win and had no problems with them at all... fwiw.

 

[Boom]

Follow up...

Other folks I have spoken to are about 50/50 on using the factory rings. I found out that Deadnutz and EGW both make base and ring sets that will work with Tikkas. I have a set on the way from Deadnutz (no problem with EGW I just wanted to see what Deadnutz product looks like) and will report back.
Thanks

 

[crittrgittr]

I didn't like the tikka mounts on mine so I went with a set of leupolds. just make sure your screws are in the right holes. When I mounted mine they were backwards and the bolt wouldn't close. Rooky mistake, lesson learned. I am very satisfied with them though. I think they are the same as the rem. 700 mounts. I couldn't find bases for my tikka at the time.

 

[Nikolakangrga]

Talley lightweight rings/bases (one piece).

 

[ejg]

The 223 stainless lite I have just loves Fiocchi 55gr sp, otherwise she is finicky and didn't like 75gr hornady hp.
mounted a stainless roedale rail, makes swopping scopes between rifles easier.
edi

 

[Boom]

Follow up. Received a base/ring set from DeadNutz. Looks solid, very easy to install--took maybe five minutes. The hardest part was getting the plastic filler screws out of the Tikka!

Range report - Managed to shoot a little this morning. Two shots to zero the rifle, then shot both Federal 69 BTHP and Hdy. 75 gr BTHP. The Federal may have been a little better but the groups were close enough to call it a toss up as to which cartridge worked better. Take away is: The Tikka action is very smooth, 5 shot groups at 100 yds were definitely sub MOA, the DeadNutz seems to be a good fit, the trigger is easy to adjust and very crisp. Only outstanding issue may be with the stock in that it feels pretty cheap so I may replace it one day but certainly fine for now.