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6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build **UPDATED**

BgBmBoo

BgBmBoo

Gunny Sergeant
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 8, 2008
1,229
157
Redding, CA. USA
www.radiodustcovers.com
Well this is how I spent my day...at the shop watching as my latest long range rifle was finished. I have had folks asking me what I was going to do for a target rifle and have been keeping it hush,hush as we waited for parts,etc.

First off I want to give a BIG thank you to my friend Jason Chipley of Chipley Arms for another fine build. He built my last 1000 yard rifle based on a Surgeon 591 and chambered in 6XC. Since then Jason has went from a garage builder to full blown custom shop located here in Redding,CA. Keep an eye open for more rifles by him. So far he has built 4 long range hunting rifles built on the Tikka actions for elk hunting in 7mm WSM and .300 WSM. My rifle makes #5 for the Tikka builds. I think I will have him build me a new coyote rifle very soon as well.

Ok...on to the rifle. It is based on a Tikka T3 action. Why a Tikka? Why not? They are one of the smoothest actions I have every used. Being an enclosed top action they are very strong. The triggers are very nice and with some minor tuning are even better. Jason reports that they are machined extremely well and need very little "truing" so for about half the price of a custom action you can buy a whole rifle and have a great foundation for a custom work down the road.

I know a lot of folks talk about the recoil lug setup on the Tikka's as well as the plastic mags,etc. Well in the factory stock this can be an issue with the larger calibers. But...that is where the KRG Whiskey 3 chassis comes in. And if you do not know, the Sako TRG rifles use the same type of recoil lug setup as the Tikka's.


I am VERY impressed with this chassis. This is their 2nd generation model. It is very sold and has lots of very nice features as far as adjustments,etc.

I had originally planned on making this another 6XC. But I could not find any barrels in the contour I wanted in 6mm so I decided on the 6.5X47 Lapua as the caliber. The barrel is a Kreiger med. Palma contour with a 1:8.5 twist. We ordered the reamer from PTG and it is throated for the 130gr Berger VLD's.
We finished it at 28"....yep...looonnngg. But I wanted to keep the velocity up and this rifle will only be a target rifle for some local benchrest and F-class shoots. And topped it off with a Badger FTE brake. A brake on a 6.5X47??? Yep...makes spotting your own shots VERY easy.

The scope base is a EGW 20 MOA and the scope is a NightFOrce NXS. The rings in the pictures are way to tall, but they are what I had on hand. They will be replaced with lower rings shortly.

Other items we replaced are are the bolt handle and bolt shroud. Both from Hinterland in Australia.

So...now all I have left to do is put some ammo together and shoot it!
I will post a range report soon.


Take care,Stan













 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Deffinately the best looking chassis out there IMO. Ide get one if I wasnt madly in love with my T4A. Im interested in seeing how well you find this set-up to ride a rear bag, as ALOT of chassis dont seem like they would very well.

Also, hows that cheek-piece? Does it feel like you would want more material to weld up to? Thats another fear of mine with this chassis.

Beautiful build by the way...
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

That's a good looking rig there.

Being it's a Tikka with that stock, it should do very to well to over out yonder, beyond.

Post some paper targets when you get an opportunity. I may consider going with the W-3.

I got three AICS now and it would be nice to have some difference in rigs.

The only difference I might consider from yours is maybe a can (I hate brakes).
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Looks great! I've said it before and I'll say it again. The KRG chassis is the finest built on the market.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Awesome! My W3C came today also. I used an action from a very cheap T3 in 338 Federal to save some money over a CTR or tactical. I fitted a Douglas I had left over from another project and chambered in .308. Same bolt handle and shroud as yours and topped with a Docter 8-25x50 I had on another rig.I just got a Sako brake from another Hde member and I can't wait to shoot it!
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Are these chassis too much for a SA?
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Radar86</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are these chassis too much for a SA? </div></div>

How much is "too much"?
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Right. if AICS fit .223's, certainly the W3's can too.

Good point.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnshortdraw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks great! I've said it before and I'll say it again. The KRG chassis is the finest built on the market. </div></div>

Agree 100% the KRG is the sexiest chassis, awesome rifle!
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Thanks guys. I am looking forward to doing some load development and shooting it.
Will post the results/range report.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Radar86</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are these chassis too much for a SA? </div></div>

??? Not sure what you mean/ The Tikka action is the same for all calibers (long action). The only difference is bolt face and bolt stop. This chassis will work with pretty much all short action calibers including the WSM's using Alpha mags.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ide get one if I wasnt madly in love with my T4A. Im interested in seeing how well you find this set-up to ride a rear bag, as ALOT of chassis dont seem like they would very well.</div></div>

I had a T4 on my Tikka and grew to hate it for the same reason I've avoided the RCS and now the W3. The flat bottom made elevation changes challenging. I had a terrible time getting consitent cheek pressure and the accuracy reflected it. After expressing my displeasure with this aspect of the T4, Tom custom inlet my action into a T2. It's now a 1/4 minute rifle. The T2 has an angled buttstock, so elevation changes are simple and repeatable. Move bag forward/rearward. How are you guys addressing this issue with your T4/RCS/W3?

John
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

With a flat comb...all I do is squeeze or relax to rear bag to make general elevation changes

I prefer a flat or near flat comb as it seems to induce the rifle to recoil/track flatter.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

I do not know much about the Tikka, is that a new bolt handle installed on the action and BTW Stan killer rifle, your always building something nice.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Stan, you make us Tikka fans proud. Very nice build. Can't wait to be seated next to it at the match. Now I'm motivated to pull my Tikka from the safe and start the modifications.

Darin
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Thanks Darin.
But you will not be wanting to be next to me with the brake! I am hoping Bob will be on one side and Everett on the otherwise...that should help improve my chances of winning.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Nice rifle! I'll be doing something similar soon. My plan is to use a Tikka T3 rebarrelled to 6.5 Creedmoor in an XLR stock. Same basic idea, different way of going about it. Hope yours shoots as well as it looks!
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Which model Tikka T3 action did you use? I've never messed around with the Tikka actions, but like they way your build looks!!
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

There is only one size Tikka action. From .204 to the .338 Win. mag. The only difference is the bolt face,bolt stop,and magazines.
The chassis is limited to short action cartridges though. If you really wanted a long range shooter, one of the Whiskey 3 chassis, Tikka action with magnum bolt face, Alpha WSM mags, and chamber it for 7mm WSM. Load up some 180gr. Berger VLD's and you would be gtg for 1600+ yard shooting.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Looking at a 6.5 Creedmoor build, so a Tikka T3 would work out perfect with the W-3 chassis and AICS S/A Mags?
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

I had a Tikka M595 Master Sporter and instead of rebarreling the under 100 rounds shot 308 barrel, I sold the thing. Dumbest mistake I ever made...
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Very nice, I believe the Tikka's are going to get a lot of attention in the custom market very soon.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Soooo... How does it compair to the Sako TRG you already had?

Could have kept the TRG and had GAP Rebarrel it!!! Na that would be boring.

As far as cost to build this compaired to just buying a Sako TRG whats the difference?
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

It would be much cheaper to buy a TRG for sure. But then you still have a factory rifle. While I liked my TRG-22, I owned a Tikka Tactical at the same time and it would out shoot the TRG. Not by a lot but it had the edge.
Now that was with factory ammo. I was not loading at that.

I like to play with new calibers and building a rifle for me is half the fun. Guns and shooting are one of my hobbies....and I do not mind spending money to have a one of a kind rifle.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Love the setup. I'm debating between the W3 and XLR for tikka t3 varmint in .308. Have you had a chance to get out to the range with it?
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Ok...was able to throw some loads together and get out and shoot this thing.
Kinda of a bad day to shoot for groups. Switchy 10+ mph wind. Not a very stable platform to shoot from. Cows running around the range and I had to keep chasing them out of the shooting lane. But...enough excuses. Looks like it wants to shoot anyways.

No brass prep just out of the box. Using H4350,CCI 450 primers and Berger 130 VLD's. Started out at 38.5 and went up to 42 grains. Seems to like the 42 grain charge the best. I am avg. around 3000+ FPS with the 42gr loads. No pressure signs. With 42 grains it is a FULL case. Might be able to get .5 more into it but it will be pretty compressed.

The barrel cleans up great! Almost no copper fouling. Normal carbon build up, but comes clean very easily.

So....a little more playing with seating depth and maybe +/- .2gr on either side of the 42gr. charge and I think it will be gtg.

I gotta say...this rifle is REALLY fun to shoot. Almost no felt recoil. The brake is doing its job. It cycles flawlessly from the mag.
I will get a video range report up soon.

Take care,Stan

PS...all groups at 100 yards and are five shots.



 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BgBmBoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It would be much cheaper to buy a TRG for sure.</div></div>

Interested in this comment. Not asking exact price, but if a TRG runs around $2500 give or take a little, what did this puppy run not including the optics??
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

You would need to contact Jason for a price quote. If you have a Tikka for the action already that would save you about $600.

Remember when you buy a hand built/custom rifle it will almost always cost you way more then a factory rifle.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

I know that customs usually cost more than factory rifles, but the difference between the two is less when the factory rifle is at $2500. I was just seeing if your build was well over the $2.5k mark like the way your statement made it sound.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Just bought a Whiskey chassis for my T3, have high hopes.

They mentioned a needed modification to the mag feed lips, anyone have to make mag changes to get their running smoothly?
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Got mine today, very impressed with the setup. There are MANY fasteners on this thing, I hope they loctited them all. I'll probably go back over it again just to be sure.

Mounting was relatively simple. I'm not a huge fan of Tikka'a recoil lug, but that has noting to do with the chassis and everything to do with Tikka design.

Fit and finish are great.

Lastly, the palm swell: finally someone made a palm swell for those of us with man-sized hands. I've used more than a few chassis and stocks designed for people with very small hands. ON the W3, the palm swell is generous without being too clumsy. The shape does leave the hand pretty far from the trigger, but again - big hands - that is a feature (in my opinion) and not a bug.

Justin, great product.

To the range shortly, range report to follow.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rancid Coolaid</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I'm not a huge fan of Tikka'a recoil lug, but that has noting to do with the chassis and everything to do with Tikka design.</div></div>

Hope you do not buy a Sako TRG rifle then....they use the same recoil lug setup.

Be sure to post up pics and range report.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Glad you like them so far fellas!

To me it doesn't seem like there are that many fasteners but I can also see how it would. That was a necessity for a few reasons, one being modularity, i.e. you can make your fixed stock a folder if you want, or put your fixed stock on a TRG, etc.

We do loctite all the fasteners which we feel won't be touched, we do not loctite the fasteners that set the adjustments, like the cheek fore/aft for example.

Most everyone so far has really liked the palm swell but a few with smaller hands haven't. We have an alternate grip size coming but it's a few months out still. It has been well received in its limited testing.

Thanks for your business guys!
Justin
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Update.

photo-3.jpg



First time on the range, 2 different brands of ammo, perfect weather conditions.

First and foremost, I like the adjustability. I was able to get absolutely comfortable behind the stock, which is nice.

One question for other owners: did action torque have much/any effect on accuracy? As a long-time remington shooter, I torqued mine to 65 in/lbs and the rifle shot about 2.5MOA. I have several other Tikkas (all in original stocks) and all shoot 1 MOA or better. I do recall a note from the install sheet saying spec is 35-65, I backed it down to 35 and will try again, working my way up in torque, looking for best results.

And yes, checked all optic fasteners (rings, rail, rings-to-rail.)

As this was the first range session, having to remove the cheek piece to bore sight was a mild annoyance, but not a problem.

Magazine lockup was perfect, easy in, locks securely, round cycle flawlessly, drops free. Much thanks to Justin for selling me the modded mag - perfect operation.

I'll try to get the rifle back out on Sunday to play with the torque and, hopefully, tighten the groups. If all else fails, I'll pull the action and go back to the original stock, check accuracy with that.

My guess is the action was too tight. I noted, when removing the action, that the factory torque was nowhere near 65 in/lbs, I doubt it was even 35.

Lastly, first time on the range with the Premier LT, I am impressed. I really like my 3-15 Heritage, this is every bit as good in glass and function, and significantly lighter in weight. Have the Gen 2 XR reticle, should'a gotten illuminated, but in good light, no problems with the reticle being too thin. Then again, I kept it above 6X.

More to follow.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

I am running 65 inch lbs. on my action screws. But then again I roll my own ammo so I am "tuning" to the rifle and not trying to to tune my rifle to my ammo.

I would try leaving the front action screw at 65 and start with say 20 on the rear screw. Shoot a group and torque to 25. Shoot a group move up to 30,etc.,etc.

Let us know how it turns out.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Rancid did you ever get this rig sorted? I am looking to move my
T3 Tac over to the Whiskey 3 but your 2.5 MOA scares me as in the factory stock mine is shooting around .6 MOA if I do my part.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Sorry, I should have updated this.

I went back to the range with a torque wrench and a few ammo types/makes. With the action screws at about 35 in/lbs, groups were much improved, sub-MOA. I didn't play too much with various torques, but tweaking might tighten groups.

It seems now that, with action screws at 65 in/lbs, the action was stressed in a way that significantly reduced accuracy. Adjusting the torque down resulted in much tighter groups.

And I still like the stock, very user-adjustable, very comfortable.
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

I saw Stan shoot this rifle today to win a 600yd Benchrest match in some windy and rainy conditions. He also won hi-point target and damn near won small group;) and he would have if I wasn't there!!! Lol! Nice shooting bud and really nice rig! Props to Jason also-
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Yeah....Mike....nice group! Mike left out that he won small group by .020"!!! He did a good job of shooting and came in 2nd place. Good shooting Mike.
Crappy day for a match...cold,windy, and some rain. All the other shooters were mainly shooting 6mm cartages and it was obvious that the heavier 6.5mm did much better in the wind.

Outside of that it was a fun match.


Take care,Stan
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

Actually I think it was less than .020"!!! Regardless that Tikka out shot my GAP hands down. Really nice build you have there-
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

A tikka out shot a GAP rifle!!! Whats the world coming to. LOL!!! I never did buy into the GAP cool aid. Lots of good rifle builders out there for a lot less money and less wait time. Not that GAP doesn't build good rifles, because they do!! Truth be told, it isnt hard to build an accurate rifle, and there are lots of good builders out there that do not get the credit they deserve. Just say N.. Nice rifle Stan. i love the stock!! Lee
 
Re: 6.5x47 Tikka T3 Whiskey 3 build is DONE!!! PICS

I love tikkas, if a guy went and picked up one random box of ammo for my 243, and 270, customs with all the tricks and my tikka 30-06 I put money on the tikka shooting the random ammo the best.
 
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