Thread: Tikka T3/284

I was about to drop my rifle off at Gunworks today for a re-barrel. It’s a Tikka T3 280AI and the barrel has seen better days, and the plan was simply to replace it with another 280 AI barrel but then it got me thinking, is there a better option out there?

What I want is a 162g ELDM at 2800 + fps and this time around I want to run suppressor as I’m sick of the bitching and moaning from mates about how loud it is braked, and the dog doesn’t like it much either.

It got me thinking about the 284 win – could I realistically get 2800 fps with ADI powders from a 22-inch tube to make up for the extra length the suppressor will add – then I assume there would be advantages in not being limited to the mag length seating like the 280AI is in a Tikka LA mag.

So what does the brains trust here say, I hate thinking about these things too much and no doubt others have been down this road – what was your experience?

7-6.5 PRCW all.day

Probably yes... max load of 2209 should see you around 2800 with 162gr class.
Unicorn powder (rl26) does the same but in 20inch.

Apparently superformance goes well to and is more commonly available.

T3 is the perfect action to get reliable feeding and sufficient seating room to maximize case capacity.

That said 7-6.5PRC makes sense as prc brass is plentiful...

This is my .284, pushing 168gr Berger Classic Hunter weight 3.5kg.....1000 fps energy at 650m

I guess it depends what distance ya shooting....I used AR2208

Hamish

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284 goes very nicely in a Tikka. My old one was 17" and ran 162 ELD-M at 2600 fps with AR2209. Add 5" and I'd say you should be able to get 2750fps plus at a guess.

Originally Posted by Hayden C

I was about to drop my rifle off at Gunworks today for a re-barrel. It’s a Tikka T3 280AI and the barrel has seen better days, and the plan was simply to replace it with another 280 AI barrel but then it got me thinking, is there a better option out there?

What I want is a 162g ELDM at 2800 + fps and this time around I want to run suppressor as I’m sick of the bitching and moaning from mates about how loud it is braked, and the dog doesn’t like it much either.

It got me thinking about the 284 win – could I realistically get 2800 fps with ADI powders from a 22-inch tube to make up for the extra length the suppressor will add – then I assume there would be advantages in not being limited to the mag length seating like the 280AI is in a Tikka LA mag.

So what does the brains trust here say, I hate thinking about these things too much and no doubt others have been down this road – what was your experience?

You'll be pushing it very high pressure to hit 2800fps with 162gr and adi powders.
Ive just worked up loads for a mates 284 21.5". 162gr eldm @3.150" coal 2790fps using Superformance. It was 2740fps w ar2209 max charge.

Btw at those velocities you'll still have 1800fps killing expansion @ 850m. Which is silly far.

Originally Posted by Hayden C

I was about to drop my rifle off at Gunworks today for a re-barrel. It’s a Tikka T3 280AI and the barrel has seen better days, and the plan was simply to replace it with another 280 AI barrel but then it got me thinking, is there a better option out there?

What I want is a 162g ELDM at 2800 + fps and this time around I want to run suppressor as I’m sick of the bitching and moaning from mates about how loud it is braked, and the dog doesn’t like it much either.

It got me thinking about the 284 win – could I realistically get 2800 fps with ADI powders from a 22-inch tube to make up for the extra length the suppressor will add – then I assume there would be advantages in not being limited to the mag length seating like the 280AI is in a Tikka LA mag.

So what does the brains trust here say, I hate thinking about these things too much and no doubt others have been down this road – what was your experience?

19" 284 tikka with a full load of 2209 saw me pushing 162s @ 2770 from memory so 20-22" should see 2800 atleast although id use superformance as its gos very well in 284

Your plan is good - and 284 works on std bolt face vs PRC options. It’s a perfect match for Tikka action and mag length. I’d go 20inch with the suppressor plan and just be happy with 2700+ which will suit the 162 ELDM perfectly.

Hayden, I was in your situation some years ago where I was using a .280 Rem but wanted something different, I ended up with a .284 Win which has been outstanding however unlike others I’ve been running mine with 140 gr BT’s shooting out to 550 mtrs but ideally I prefer 400 - 450 mtrs

You don’t always have to go to the heavier 162 gr projectiles, some great projectiles in the 140 and 150 weights.

Mine is a Tikka with a 20” barrel, as for powders, I’m running RE17 which I still have a few bottles of but failing that my second choice in powder is Superformance and third choice AR2209

The tikka is a great platform and as you already have one it’s just a matter of just switching over to another barrel as you already have the longer magazine and longer bolt stop.

If you are contemplating a switch, you should also look at the 6.5/284 which is basically a 6.5 PRC but without having to open up the bolt face, if you went 6.5 PRC or 7-6.5 PRC then you will.

From what limited reading I’ve done on the 7-6.5PRC it does look quite good.

As above, RL17 & Superformance are your best bet, ahead of 2209

Thanks team - it looks like the 284 is worth a go.

I can’t be bothered shagging around with magnum cases or modifying the bolt face so that rules out any of these new PRC variants.

Why make it so hard to hit your goal? 7mm rem mag or prc makes way more sense even though you mention you want to rebarrel existing setup?

Be cheaper and far easier to buy a new tikka 7rm or prc than a rebarrel and then youre not at the limit of pressure and safety trying to hit 2800+ with 162? And you can run a 20” or even 18” barrel

Appreciate there are other options out there – but I’ve used this rifle for the last 14 odd years, and I like it.

I tried a Remington 7 SAUM which ticked all the numbers in the ‘ballistics box’ but it wasn’t for me. If I have to give up a few fps with the 284 then so be it – also, a new barrel is a lot cheaper than a new rifle....

Would a std .280 or 7x64 not hit 2800 (just) with a 160 using a 22” inch tube?


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Originally Posted by Dicko

Would a std .280 or 7x64 not hit 2800 (just) with a 160 using a 22” inch tube?


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Essentially the same case capacity as the 284w but limited by the medium length tikka action to utilise case capacity with high BC 7mm heavies. 280rem et al best in a true LA. I have a 280rem in a R700 LA and replicates my Tikka 284w (have a too many 7mm's!!)