Tikka T3 .223 stainless lite review after 10000 rounds

Shain reviews his Tikka T3 Stainless lite in .223 is it time to upgrade? 10000 rounds later lets see how this rifle shoots...

[@dusandmitrovic2699]

Postovani odlicna recenzija tike, 10 koliko kosta u evrima

[@joominatore6527]

preskupo za tebe

[@southernstarreview]

Not sure about Eu. But about $1100 AU

[@SoCalCulated1999]

This is the first testament to the accuracy and quality of Tikka (Sako) barrels. 10,000rds makes sense for a CHF barrel, getting 1/2 MOA …wow. This just makes the case for longevity and accuracy.

[@southernstarreview]

Absolutely Nate. It has been severely punished. Steveo

[@hammyh1165]

When the Tikka 595 came out they originally gave a ten thousand round guarantee on the barrel , they still use the same barrels on the T3. I had a .17 rem and that fired thousands of rounds and stayed accurate till i sold it , silly decision on my part . Had my longest varmint kill ever with it at 507yds 20gn V-Max. Just bought myself a used .223 Tikka , can't wait to try it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@glennd11r]

Hi there, I have the exact same rifle, I have owned it 6-7 years and I would probably average 1000 plus pigs every 12 months with it in western nsw. Rifle has been faultless, great bit of kit. Couldn’t imagine going shooting without it. Really enjoy your vids. Cheers

[@southernstarreview]

Thanks mate! Its funny how comfortable a rifle can feel when you’ve used it that often. The reliability of the tikkas is just awesome. Happy hunting!

[@glennd11r]

@@southernstarreview couldn’t agree more , build quality for the price is unreal. 👍

[@FredHenry1850]

Nice! I just bought a Tikka T3x chambered in 7mm-08. I love it.

[@southernstarreview]

Awesome fred! What do you like to hunt?

[@FredHenry1850]

@@southernstarreview I bought the 7mm-08 for deer and hog mainly.

[@southernstarreview]

Nice! I love smashing pigs with my tikka 30/06 stainless light t3x 👍 happy hunting!

[@FredHenry1850]

@@southernstarreview great! You too.

[@J_Un1t]

You don’t get many reviews from people that have shot this much. Usually it’s 2 weeks of use and maybe 100 rounds. Thank you very much.

[@southernstarreview]

Thanks Joel. They are just an awesome rifle. I just ordered another one in .243 but went for the blued hunter just to mix it up. Cheers Shaino

[@J_Un1t]

@@southernstarreview yeah I’ve got one I did a full build off of for a comp rifle and I’m so impressed I’ve sold my hunting rifle and I think I’ll replace it with one of these in 6.5 creed.

[@dap3z322]

@@southernstarreview You'll have to do a initial review on that one if you can. Looking at getting the exact same one. Btw great vid, like others have said rare to see videos on a gun after years of use.

[@dpbierman2586]

Wow... what a testamony to Tikka👌🏻

[@southernstarreview]

It sure is mate cant wait to do an accuracy video on the .243 hunter 🤠

[@sandojr6256]

Love my tikka’s I’ve 2 t3’s one in the 30-06 and the 223 synthetic stock stainless barrels I love them. I honestly believe they are a top shelf gun!!

[@andysinn8655]

My Tikka T3 in .223 can shoot 1/2 moa on a good day with no wind.What an incredible rifle right out of the box.

[@southernstarreview]

Agreed 👍 i just bought a new hunter in .243 cant wait!

[@tripleceas]

I have a Tikka TAC A1 in 308, it’s my favorite rifle. Never disappoints. Probably going to buy the exact same rifle you have. 10,000 rounds and 1/2moa? Wow. I’m a lefty as well

[@southernstarreview]

Awesome mate id love to get a tac a1. Just bought a t3x blued hunter in 243 gonna do an accuracy test in the next day or so cheers shaino

[@johanneslaxell6641]

My T3 Stainless Varmint is from 2005, shot maybe 50 rounds and one plastic backpiece for the bolt exchanged to metal as it broke of old age in the safe. Nice to know that I don't have to buy a new gun soon 🤭😂.

[@14goldmedals]

Hi from Alberta, Canada!🇨🇦 I'm a southpaw too and own 3 LH Tikkas. T3Lite .223 1:8" SS/synth. T3 Varmint .223 heavy barrel 1:8" in a MDT Tac21 chassis. T3 Varmint 22-250 SS/synth. My main loading for the T3 Lite uses 60 grain Nosler Ballistic tips but I'll be changing it to 50 grain Barnes Varmint Grenades with regular .5" groups with Varget or Reloader 15. The .223 Varmint is a work in progress but it seems to shoot most everything well. The 22-250 shoots cheap American Eagle 50 grain HP ammo into 1" groups. With the 1:8" .223 barrels I've shot upto 77 grain bullets and they were all stabilized. Slickest actions on the market!

[@MJNader81]

My t3x lite stainless steel 223 won't shoot nothing from 50-53-55-62 under moa at 100yds, what torque are you using in your action???

[@14goldmedals]

MJNader in the factory synthetic stock I set my Wheeler Fatwrench to 65”lbs then take a regular screwdriver and go by feel just a little more snug. Not very scientific but for my 35 years of setting up rifles I never used a torquing device at all! Just be sure the space in the action stays in contact with the lug molded into the stock by snugging the action up, bang the recoil pad downward onto the floor a couple times then do the actual tightening. Is your .223 a 1:8” or the slower normal twist like 1:12” to 1:14” ?

[@pdkoegler]

have you used any other ammo successfully in the t3x varmint 223?

[@MJNader81]

@@14goldmedals 1:8

[@14goldmedals]

Paul Koegler I bought a case and a half of Federal 69 grain Gold Medal Match factory ammo. Even with the factory seating depth they do 5 shots into an inch. I’ve also loaded Nosler 69 grain BTHP bullets with Rel-15, BLC(2), Varget, IMR4064 and they were all accurate.

[@bikramjeetsidhu9749]

I have a Tikka 223 but with a heavy varmint barrel. Not shot it beyond a 100 yet but iit is reassurining to know what the barrel is capable of. I don't think l will need another barrel in my life 😊

[@southernstarreview]

Hi mate! We have a review of the tikka varmint in 223 coming soon. Its an awesome shooter also. They are such a well designed rifle you’ll have it forever! Cheers shaino

[@bigtrev761]

Another Aussie 🇦🇺👍... I’ve got a T3x stainless varmint 6.5x55se and I love it.....I have a couple of Howa 1500s in 223....brother that’s pretty good for 10000 rds..... both my Howas clover leaf at 100 yards with that Aussie outback ammo .69 grn hpbt.....Federal ammo youse to be pretty hot years ago perhaps why they spread.... Great video,good setup see you on the next on ( Sth east Qld 🇦🇺)

[@cliffleath7983]

I have the TX3 with 24” bull barrel and it is perfect.

[@zorandjekic7441]

TIKKA is perfect rifle !

[@southernstarreview]

Sure is @Zoran Djekic.

[@hkshahidi2794]

Mate, these barrels are cold hammer forged. They are like tanks. Bravo to the results. This barrel is fine. If the barrel were truly worn out you would have seen fliers all over the place.

[@southernstarreview]

They are a thing of beauty! My T3x in 30/06 is bloody awesome! Thanks for watching

[@simonmaracich6583]

Great vid mate thanks for sharing it

[@robertsalyers1351]

Great video, I'll be picking up my new Tikka t3x lite stainless in 243 very soon

[@southernstarreview]

Hi Robert. You won't be disappointed. And .243 is a great calibre. It's Steveo's favorite. Happy shooting mate. Shaino

[@robertsalyers1351]

@Southern Star Review thanks for the reply...cheers from America 🇺🇸

[@hendy4584]

I can understand the wider grouping with the federal ammo. I have a newer t3x lite in .223, also a lefty btw, and it hates the stuff.

[@southernstarreview]

Gday Steve, yeah the tikka rifles seem to love that Aussie outback ammo, Mine hates the winchester factory ammo though... How do you find yours? does it shoot well?

[@hendy4584]

@@southernstarreview would love to try it but I’m in Canada and can’t find it. As for what works for me, we’ll I’ve only put a couple of hundred rounds through it but my best 3 shot group so far is .5” @ 100 yards with Sellier & Bellot 55gr. I’m cheap so don’t like to spend much but picked up a box of S&B for the hell of it. The next best at .7” was cheap Barnaul steel cased.

[@MJNader81]

My t3x lite 223 stainless steel won't shoot anything under moa

[@coreylandrie9377]

Pretty awesome for a light barreled rifle

[@southernstarreview]

A true testimate to accuracy and durability Corey.

[@yahatinda]

DATS GOOD RIFLE, SAVE IT FOR SERIOUS WORK

[@seanosullivan8214]

great stuff guys

[@blazerbarrel2]

Tikka T3 rifles are great .

[@Trinity10iloveyall]

Just chanced on your video, I tried winchester ammo when first got my tikka and wasn't impressed. Might have to give that outback a try, if I can get over here, I use Norma which have seen me right.

[@southernstarreview]

Gday mate. If you cant get the aussie outback ammo then either tikka or sako shoots great 👍

[@whiskeytango9769]

I don't think that rifle needs anything done to it, I have exactly the same rifle, a little newer than yours, and the RH model. I love Tikka, I think it's the best brand out there for the money.

[@adamperre4852]

Wow I can't wait to get my Tikka T3 stainless laminated in 30 .06 hope it last me that many rounds I'm going buy word of mouth but I heard bang for buck they are great rifles the pigs ain't gonna like it

[@southernstarreview]

Hi Adam. I will let Shain reply when he is available. He also has a Tikka T3 in 30 06. You won't be disappointed, I have shot it a few times, and it's awesome. Steveo

[@Robin-t9h]

There is nothing wrong no matter how much you have shoot it .don't fixes if it no broken. Great job YOU ARE AGREAT Shooting.

[@primozdobravec5156]

Somewhere down in the comments was mentioned 200-300 rounds per night...250 rounds saturday afternoon...that, my down under friends is round every three minutes for 12 hours...do you have like bench in the bush lol, shooting at every sound and move, have time to aim? A lot of Jack...true

[@southernstarreview]

Gday, When kangaroos are in plague proportions in outback Australia it is common to shoot thousands of them per week. We have to keep exact records when mitigation shooting as is required by the government. I guess its difficult to understand these quantities if you have never seen a kangaroo plague yourself. I once went out with a hundred rounds and shot 98 kangaroos, one i shot twice and one i missed altogether. Didnt get more than a kilometre from the house and came back 45mins later for more ammo… do the math on that one lol 😂

[@southernstarreview]

2-300 rounds per night may even be underestimated. I assure you. Cheers for your comment though, most normal Australians are dumbfounded as even they do not see, nor realise the numbers that roos, and feral pigs, dogs and cats can get to. Steveo

[@primozdobravec5156]

@@southernstarreview khmm...but the thing is...I don't buy that..math would now say you are shooting two rounds per min for 45 min and have 97% kill....watching you shoot that powerful .223 from the rest, blinking your eyes every time...nope So you shot 97 roos in 45 min( were they handcuffed...arent they hopping around?)..what proof do you have to bring to your government...animals heart? Number on a paper? What do you do with the meat? Is there a plan on sex and age structure? What do you do with little ones? A lot of questions comes to mind after 97 kills and going home for some more ammo...

[@hammyh1165]

​@@southernstarreviewi heard you had 3 million feral camels too 😮

[@southernstarreview]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5fakH-Xa9OAZ7c

[@stephenladino8247]

I have two carbon steel , 8 twist T3 HV .223's, many rounds on each but nowhere near 10000 , At 100 yds they shoot great but accuracy falls off at 200 , 300 etc. I bought these rifles new therefore the round count is correct.

[@southernstarreview]

Nice mate! The consistency is definitely lower it depends on the ammo and how hot the rounds are, but were not shooting hundreds of rounds anight at long range anymore otherwise id probably update it. At the moment this rifle has the thermal scope on pretty much all the time. Only shoot to about 120yds max so all good 👍

[@stephenladino8247]

I see, Curently looking for a new Barrel or possibly swapping my .473 bolt put of my 06 and maybe opting for a 6mm of some sort.

[@adelarsen9776]

Q : Are you reading the vernier scale correctly ? Are you using the scale from zero or the side of the caliper as a reference ? I looked carefully and the observation didn't match the narration.

[@craighyatt6734]

Metric vernier, narrated in approximate imperial equivalent

[@adelarsen9776]

@@craighyatt6734 LOL That'll do. hehe

[@justme.9711]

Did you mention the distance?

[@southernstarreview]

Target is at 100 metres.

[@bartfenech8495]

Hey bud, I have the same rifle except with a fluted barrel. Great kit. Q - Why don't you load three rounds to mag rather than breech load?

[@southernstarreview]

Hi bart, good question mate! Mostly just to do with safety. I like to hand feed a round and shoot it one at a time especially when your going out to the target regularly. Both ways are safe. I love that rifle its been mega reliable. I bought a stainless lite in 30/06 as well.

[@Smoothy38]

@@southernstarreview I have a T3x Lite Stainless in 30-06, have yet to put a round through it though!

[@achiles13]

Great video and good to see you are very happy with it! Is that the t3x lite or the varmint you made an earlier video about? Happy shooting!

[@parabelllum8733]

Take a look at the Lithgow L1A2. Just as good , Australian Made and much more affordable . I have owned both the Tikka and Lithgow . The Lithgow was $800 cheaper and to be honest , I cant see the difference .

[@southernstarreview]

Ive not had any experience with lithgow rifles but always happy to support australian made products. Will look into it cheers shaino

[@parabelllum8733]

Lithgow make all the rifles for the Australian Army and produce a world class product . They have been doing it since WW1 . Put them next to expensive European rifles and they compare very well .

[@stephenladino8247]

Is the Lithgow an 8 twist too?

[@parabelllum8733]

@@stephenladino8247 yes

[@aaronunterseher1627]

I've had a few .223 rifles and I have never had Winchester ammo or federal ammo shoot well from them... But in my .308 rifles it's the opposite and I almost exclusively use those 2 brands... Funny thing is Seirra game king and Sierra match king are my best bullet in both calibers...

[@jeffhermann0075]

AR2208 powder 25 gr and 55gr hot core projectile SPR length 2.200 fkn mint

[@southernstarreview]

Hi Jeff. Thanks for the comment mate. I'll make some and give them a test. Cheers, Steveo

[@jeffhermann0075]

@@southernstarreview no worries mate give it a crack it’s a great reload cheers 👍

[@simonetofani6357]

Very good groups, interesting video. What’s the twist rate of that barrel?

[@karenshakh9619]

Hello. Thank you for the video. Tell me: if there are problems with the supply of cartridges from the magazine?

[@southernstarreview]

Hi karen. Sorry for the late reply we are away on a hunting trip. Both my tikkas feed no issues ever, but steves .223 has issues feeding the 3rd round out of the magazine…

[@karenshakh9619]

@@southernstarreview 🤝

[@peterschmidt2849]

I’ve been trying for years to Burn up a Tikka barrel never have killed one yet.

[@southernstarreview]

Gday peter! Yeah the punishment this rifle has taken is crazy but it never lets me down! Whats your favourite calibre and what do you shoot with it?

[@Детальныйподход]

Ничего не понятно, но очень интересно! 👍

[@georgesmith8113]

👍👊😎

[@michaelthompson7570]

No need to rebarrel,,give it a good cleaning and copper remover treatment

[@southernstarreview]

Yeah cant complain with that sort of accuracy! Got a stainless lite in 3006 also shoots amazing 🤩

[@12vibaba]

nah leave the copper. you'll kill the accuracy.

[@jeff0nyschuk670]

You guys use something bigger than 223rem for pigs don't you??? I always thought maybe 7mm-08..😮

[@southernstarreview]

Hi mate yes i love the 30/06 for pigs and steve smashes them with the .243

[@DrBreezeAir]

Nice! What's the twist rate on that barrel?

[@southernstarreview]

Thanks mate! it's a 1 in 8inch twist, i went for that so i could stabilize the heavier projectiles like the winchester razorbacks.

[@Woodyt]

What's the difference between t3 lite and t3x lite?

[@southernstarreview]

Gday woody! Theres quite a few differences between the two but generally the feel very similar to shoot. Both are awesome rifles. Ive included a link that list all the changes for you. www.berettaaustralia.com.au/faqs

[@Woodyt]

Thanks so much appreciate that info.

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

What do you hunt with the .223 in Australia?

[@southernstarreview]

Hi mate, we shoot pigs, wild dogs and kangaroos with the .223 would recommend a larger caliber for bigger pigs though. Cheers shaino

[@mark3028]

Any other manufacturers do you suggest for a lefty ?

[@southernstarreview]

Hi mark! I believe ruger still do left handed, sako too but they expensive rifles! Are you based in australia?

[@mark3028]

Yeah mate vic the greatest state

[@nigelbase1196]

Nothing special with "Steve's loads"...did he just pick a load out of a book and copy it?....should be shooting well inside 1/2"..

[@southernstarreview]

Gday nigel. As mentioned in the video this rifle has shot over 10 thousand rounds. Steve’s reloads were developed for his CZ rifle solely for the purpose of kangaroo shooting out to 300 yards. Great load in my experience. Cheers shaino

[@magnus9165]

You expect us to believe that you have shot that Tikka 10,000 times? I have some Oceanside property in AZ you might be interested in. You been spending too much time alone with Jack Daniels.

[@southernstarreview]

G'day Magnus, Thank you for your comment. In Queensland (Australia) for the last ten years or so, Kangaroos have been in plague proportions. This has caused massive damage to the land and financial losses for the landowners. To Mitigate this landowners have been able to apply for Cull permits from the local governments. When doing mitigation shooting under permit from the government you have to keep strict records as to how many animals have been culled. We do this using a mobile counter app. When i was trying to work out how many rounds have been through the Tikka, i tallied up the number of animals taken, plus a fudge factor for additional shots and other types of game. In the height of the plague it was common to shoot 200-300 rounds a night. We are not about inflating figures or trying to look good, We just want to offer our honest opinions good or bad and hopefully be a help to you guys out there. I was as surprised as you about the groupings, just goes to show the quality of the tikka rifles. Also your never alone when you've got Jack with you lol.

[@aaronunterseher1627]

You haven't been to the Midwest with a prairie dog problem... 250 rounds on a Saturday afternoon nearly every other weekend isn't unheard of... 4000 rounds over a summer wouldn't be unheard of considering you can hand load premium rounds for 20-30 cents a round... Also shooting them is the only way to get rid of them with out killing off all your owls, coyotes, hawks, snakes, badgers, minks, ferrets which you want a few of to manage prairie dogs in the future...

[@johnwhitehead9986]

I had a sako 75 in .223 completely shot out at 18..20000 rounds in 8 years....goat culler

[@12vibaba]

@@southernstarreview you guys must be millionaires shooting that many rounds. Or do you get some compensation for the work you do?