I bought a used Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 7mm-08. I am really loving the caliber. The recoil is very mild, similar to a 6.5/.260. I am also really excited to see the performance of the 7mm bullet on game.

Set-up:

Factory Tikka T3 Lite Stainless, barrel cut to 16.25"
SWFA 3-15x42
Tikka Performance series Picatinny rail w/ Warne rings
Omega Suppressor

These Tikka rifles really impress me. The action is amazing, it has the best factory trigger I've ever felt, and they just flat out shoot.

My first visit to the range was a little weird though. The rifle would not group within 2" at 100 yards and I started to wonder if it was me or the rifle. I did clean it before I went though. When I got home I made sure all the screws were tightened and I noticed the barrel wasn't free-floating. I took the stock off and saw what looked like barrel resting points. I sanded down the stock and it is now free-floating.

At the range today I shot that 3 shot group, first 3 shots of the day. I don't know if the free-floating helped or the barrel fouling but I am excited this thing is shooting like this! This was all with factory ammo too. I am sure good handloads or a better shooter could of made those 3 bullets touch.

This is going to be my new hunting rig for sure. I love the lightweight, low recoil, and 7mm bullet selection!

I have the same rifle, T3 stainless 7mm08. I have noticed it shoots best with a moderately fouled barrel. When clean, groups open up. Factory ammo it shoots well: Federal fusion 120gr, Barnes Vortex 120gr, and core long 140gr. Rounds it shot poorly Hornady American whitetail, Winchester power point, and hornady superperformance.

If I ever get a suppressor I will cut it don't less than 20" also.

Nice!

I haven't tried Barnes or Federal, but mine seems to shoot Hornady Whitetail and Superformance fine.

I'll start handloading 7mm-08 before to long.

Fouling, and free floating no doubt helped.


They just plain run. They cycle, they have a great trigger, they shoot small, and they eject with authority.

Enjoy the cartridge. It is one of my favorites. H-Varget is the powder you need, and a CCI 200, or Fed 210 is the primer you need.

Direct thread? Is there enough barrel meat on the lite model?

That is one of my favorite rounds and has been for 34+ years. I have owned several but the first one I bought is still my favorite, Remington 788 with a 18.5 inch barrel.

Vsrget is a good powder for it and when I first started loading for it I used IMR-4350 and that old load still shoots lights out. Switched to Varget when it came out. Performance on deer and hogs has been nothing short of Stellar. I have no doubt the Tikka in that caliber is a shooter since I have never shot one that wasn't no matter what the caliber is.

Enjoy, you got a good rifle

Thanks Fireman and Kmon for the tips!





Morgan with DSS threaded it 1/2x28 and I got a 5/8x24 adapter, worked out great!

I have the exact rifle without the can. It is the least finicky factory rifle ever made IMO...shoots darn near anything under 1". Your reloads will get you close to .5" if you do your part and the wind cooperates.