Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

[jmonkey]

I plan to purchase a T3 Super Varmint in .308 for target shooting and I'm very excited about it!

I have one last decision to make about the barrel and I am hoping that the forum can help. The factory barrel comes in 24" and 20.5". The 20.5" barrel is threaded and I would add a muzzle break. Can anyone offer experience/advice about which barrel length to order?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[hamstur]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

24" will let you wring out more velocity but the T3 in OEM stock is lightweight & I really like the balance of the heavy barrel in 20". I've loaded tested my 20" Scout side-by-side with my 20" TRG and wring out ~2750 fps with 155 and easily push ~2650 with 175.

I might say 24" if you don't handload and going for maximum precision. If you want a rifle you could just as easily take hunting or field-drag, 20" all the way.

Just can't decide? Get the 24" and if you don't like it, get it cut to 20" & threaded later.

 

[Hellbender]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

If it makes a difference, the 24" (unless they have recently changed) is actually about 23 1/4" long.

 

[jmonkey]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hellbender</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it makes a difference, the 24" (unless they have recently changed) is actually about 23 1/4" long. </div></div>

Good point. The barrel lengths are metric so actual dimensions are below.

510mm = 20.08"
600mm = 23.62"

Both barrels come with a 1:11 twist for .308.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hamstur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">24" will let you wring out more velocity but the T3 in OEM stock is lightweight & I really like the balance of the heavy barrel in 20". I've loaded tested my 20" Scout side-by-side with my 20" TRG and wring out ~2750 fps with 155 and easily push ~2650 with 175.

I might say 24" if you don't handload and going for maximum precision. If you want a rifle you could just as easily take hunting or field-drag, 20" all the way.

Just can't decide? Get the 24" and if you don't like it, get it cut to 20" & threaded later. </div></div>

I will be taking this rifle to the range. I'd been thinking that the longer barrel was probably the way to go....i'm just on the fence about having a muzzle break installed out of the box. Also, per the article that was recently posted in a separate thread, it got me wondering if the longer barrel was too long for some reason.

 

[117D-RTO]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

I love my T3, super accurate out of the box and a decent aftermarket parts supply.

What range are you going to be shooting at predominantly? If it is over 800 I would go with the 24". I was able to develop a load for my 20" that would get to 1000yds but it is on the borderline and pretty hot. I ended up going back to lighter loads because I rarely shoot past 300.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

I have a 20" T3 Tactical in .308 and I have never wished for more barrel length.

 

[sniperaviator]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

BTW is a Tikka T3 in 308 short action or long action?

 

[117D-RTO]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

All T3s are long action.

 

[branson1369]

Re: Tikka T3 Barrel Length - 24" or 20.5"??

I have a Tikka T3 Tactical with over 2500 rounds down it and it is still shooting sub 1/2 moa as long as I do my part. It is 24" and what I recommend. Several of my friends have the 20" and wish they had the 24". ALso the Manners T4 and CDI bottom metal are great upgrades to consider