Accuracy differece between tikka t3 lite and tikka t3 varmint in .223 caliber

[chalbe2001]

Accuracy difference between tikka t3 lite and tikka t3 varmint in .223 caliber

NOT taking into consideration rifle weight, rifle's intended use or any other such variable, which model is more accurate. I am only talking about accuracy from cold barrel, like three shot groups. If a t3 lite and a t3 varmint (not super varmint) are side by side in a prone position using same ammo, shot by the same shooter, with same trigger poundage, same barrel twist rate, same day, same time and everything else you can imagine being exactly the same, which one will be more accurate or they are equally accurate or you can barely tell the difference.


I regret buying a heavy barrel savage fcp-sr .308 when my sporter barrel remington 700 adl .308 with a limb saver barrel De-resonator shoots exactly the same group size as the heavy barrel savage. They both always average to 0.75" groups at 100 yards.

I am trying to avoid repeating the same mistake with my .223 with tikka. Trying to come to a conclusion if I can install a De-resonator or a muzzle brake on t3 lite and get the exact same accuracy as the varmint version, why get the heavier gun.

Please comment only on accuracy aspect with everything else being irrelevant. Thanks in advance.

 

[M1key]

No experience with the Varmint barrel, but here are some T3 Lite random targets with three shot groups and heavy bullets. I usually get 1/2 MOA fairly consistently with 52-55 gr HP or Vmax bullets. Hope this helps.

M

 

[C-grunt]

Had a T3 lite in 270 a few years ago. I can't imagine a heavy barreled version of the same rifle being much more accurate than that T3 lite. It was way more accurate than a hunting rifle needs to be.

 

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

I suspect the variance will be de minimus. But the physics of such a comparison should favor the shorter barreled Tikka. The reason is that longer barreled rifles tend to generate wave forms of greater amplitude (when compared to shorter barreled rifles) when the round is fired, producing greater variance in the exiting projectile direction.
So why do people buy guns with longer barrels if shorter barrels are more accurate? Because the longer barrel allows the powder to completely burn thus generating more velocity.
So, the moral of the story is that if you want maximum range, buy a long barrel. If you want maximum accuracy, buy a shorter barrel.
I should add that, practically speaking, the differences are very subtle.
B

 

[ZGunner]

I have a T3 Lite in 270 and would venture to say it is just as accurate as my T3 Tactical in 308 (for the first ~10 shots even). I know they are different calibers, but if you're only worried about cold bore shots I would go T3 Lite all day.

 

[X-Rap]

You'll probably find as much difference between individual guns than what you are asking for/about. Take 10 of each and 5 of each will probably shoot better than the rest.
The heavy barrel should shoot better and probably will given time spent tuning but the same could probably be done with lite given your 3 shot expectations.

 

[rbernie]

My Varmint is more accurate across different factory loads than my Lites. All are sub-MOA.

 

[d2wing]

I have a Tikka lite that is 1/2 MOA in 7-08. Don't have a varmint version. Rbernie has actual experience. I don't know that you can say longer or shorter is more accurate just because of length. Sometimes a longer barrel gives more consistent powder burns and velocity.

 

[SCgman]

As a recovering rifleaholic, I've made great strides in the last year or so as my only gun purchases have been limited to concealable weapons. One of my most proud accomplishments on this road to recovery was being able to say "no" to the "T3 Lite in any standard caliber for $469" during a father's day event at Sportsmans Whse that ran for 3 weeks. These stories of .5 MOA are not helping me feel as good as I could.

 

[CB900F]

Chalbe;

The difference would then lie in the individual barrels. If you are not interested in shooting long strings, ie., competition or varminting, then the heavy barrel would be of no practical use to you. The reason for the extra mass in the barrel is to provide a heat sink, which keeps the barrel's accuracy stable over a longer number of shots. If that's not needed, the only other reason to get one would be a personal preference, or "looks".

900F

 

[Jim Watson]

On an individual rifle, "exactly equal" accuracy is a wild goose chase. The light barrel might be not as good, nearly as good, "exactly equal", or better than the heavy barrel in short strings. Tikka quality being what it is, I would not worry over the difference.

What I do applaud is you being willing to buy a reasonable size rifle.
I fear many of these people buying a varmint, target, or tackytickle rifle and planning on humping it in the woods to go hunting as well as target shooting are in for a disappointment.

 

[Rudedog]

This may be extreme in the sense of the cartridge, but I bought a T3 Lite in .300 WM. Shot 2 boxes of Federal 180s out of it, best group 1 inch. The stock and recoil pad stunk for that cartridge.
Changed the stock to a Bell and Carlson Sporter Medalist, did my own hand loads and it now shoots 1/2 inch. Recoil is very tolerable and it is a light weight rifle.