Tikka 223 or 25-06

[landtoy80]

Looking at getting a 223 Tikka Lite SS but see they have 25-06 too. I have a ton of 5.56 (from AK 223 a bit beat up) and 223 range brass and a half ton of 30-06 brass.

I have a 6.5x55 Tikka and son has 30-06 Tikka. Love the Tikka and will stay with them for my next rifle.

I mostly like plinking out to and past 1000 yrds at steel targets or rock blasting.

Might do some varmint or deer hunting but not at this time.

The 25-06 has 10" twist, 22 7/16" long barrel
The 223 has 8" twist, 22 7/16" barrel.

Any pros or cons for the barrel lengths and twist rates?

 

[M700]

Re: Tikka 223 or 25-06

The .25-06 is at it's best as a mid-range, flat-shooting, hunting rifle for deer sized game. I've taken several mule deer, coyotes and a pronghorn antelope with mine. Great hunting cartridge with mild recoil, making it very "user friendly."

It burns a lot of powder compared to a .223 though - and if you're more interested in shooting a lot of ammo downrange at targets, I'd recommend the .223 instead.

FWIW, Guy

 

[stingrayguy]

Re: Tikka 223 or 25-06

I have the t3 in 223, I really enjoy it! Can't say much about the 25-06, but with the 8 twist, I can run the 77s with ease.

 

[cb_tikka]

Re: Tikka 223 or 25-06

I've taken a stock Tikka 25-06 to a 1000 yards since it was the only the rifle I had at that time. No problem with the velocity/accuracy but it's not my first choice for plinking as the barrel heats up a lot.

 

[BravoSector1]

Re: Tikka 223 or 25-06

The 1-8 twist in the Tikka .223 is a great factory option. If you're reloading you can run the heavy rounds through it. I'm looking at the Varmint T3 now.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Tikka 223 or 25-06

This question is like asking about a new commuter vehicle. Do you want a Honda Civic or a Hummer H3? I believe you answered your own question. You have .223 components and you're "plinking", therefore the .223 is the only choice.

 

[6mech]

Re: Tikka 223 or 25-06

The 1 in 8" twist was the deciding factor for me. I got the T3 Hunter and it's been a good rifle so far. The heaviest bullet I've shot through it has been 64 grains, the lightest 55gr. and it shot them both well.