Adding weight to a Tikka T3

[jdboy]

I've been debating putting a muzzle brake on my T3 for a few weeks now. It's not that the .308 is a hard recoiling round but between the general light weight of the rifle and a bum shoulder it can begin to wear on me after a 100rds or so in a weekend. The trade off is a lot of extra noise will be generated in the process. This is where I come to the subject at hand. Has anyone added weight to one of these rifles? Will the stock hold up? I'm not talking adding a lot but maybe a few pounds. The factory synthetic stock is hollow on butt end and the forend has reinforcement ribs build in. What I was thinking was to mix up a batch of lead shot and epoxy and fill the forend level with the ribs making sure that there won't be any contact with the barrel when finished. On the butt end I would probably fill to whatever is needed to balance out the rifle with the barrel and action in place. Once the epoxy is cured I would then replace the stock hard Tikka recoil pad with something like a Limbsaver or something similar. This should reduce the felt recoil dramatically without having the negative side affects of the muzzle break. I've heard of POI shifts with a brake but don't think that would come into place with the weight option either. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Before we get started I know there are several aftermarket stocks to be had that will in fact do what I'm looking to do. They are, at this point in time, not an option at i can't afford them. My only real options are the weight or a brake, with the weight being an even better value than the brake.

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Adding weight to a Tikka T3

I added over 5lbs to a friends T3 synthetic stock. It is just used for bench shooting and load development. We used lead shot and epoxy in the forend and lead/silicone in the buttstock. Took a lot of the bite out of the 338wm.

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Re: Adding weight to a Tikka T3

While one of the T3s shining features is that they are such lightweight tackdrivers, I understand your predicament. You may be on the right track with the epoxy/shot blend. It would certainly add weight and reinforce the stock as well.

That being said, looking at the issue from another perspective.

Have you considered going with a lighter grain weight projectile in a handload to reduce recoil?

Example: A Sierra 125 grain Pro-Hunter SPT with a moderate charge would give you the recoil characteristics of a .243 without monkeying with your rifle.

Food for thought.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Adding weight to a Tikka T3

Even though the T3 is uber accurate, I've never considered them target rifles in factory configuration outside the Tactical/Varmint line. As posted you can do the epoxy and lead shot, but I'd start in the butt stock first as well as add a good recoil pad like a Limbsaver. Then if you need more, go with the forearm, and if more, bite the bullet and brake it or get a tweener after market stock until you can afford your grail stock.

 

[jdboy]

Re: Adding weight to a Tikka T3

I do reload but haven't had the chance to start working on loads for this rifle yet. If I do go with a lighter bullet I'll have to find one that likes quiet a bit of "jump" as the rifle has a very long throat. I've read quiet a bit on loading light in the .308 in the last couple days but it seems there is a fine line in finding a load that actually works well. I'm a basic loader but have been reading more and more trying to make myself better.

Another thing about the epoxy/lead mix in the forend is I thought it would really aid in rigidity. At some point I really want to replace the stock but in the time being this will have to do. I just don't want to do anything that will adversely affect my accuracy until then though.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Adding weight to a Tikka T3

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2771564&gonew=1#UNREAD

Check about a quarter down the thread and you can see the gunsmith filling cavities with lead shot and epoxy.

 

[jagged77]

Re: Adding weight to a Tikka T3

I don't think you are going to harm anything by adding the epoxy and lead shot, just as long as the barrel stays free of interference and you keep away from the receiver inlet. You could just trying filling in the section immediately in front of the recoil lug as its fairly central in terms of weight distribution and see how you get on?
Mate of mine shoots the 155's out of his .308 with excellent accuracy, as far as I know he loads them standard length. Maybe worth a go.