I actually own one of each- a stainless T3 light in .270, a RAR stainless carbine in .308, and a Vanguard S2 youth carbine in .243.
The Tikka shoots 3 shots under 1" with almost any load. Spare magazines are expensive, and the stock is hollow and noisy in the woods. Great trigger, can adjust pull weight without removing the action from the stock. Inline magazine feeds slick as can be. Comes with rings, but the ring screws are not the best. Lightweight, but has I notice recoil even in .270.
The RAR .308 shot OK as received, but got even better after floating the barrel generously. It has done a 3-shot group around 1/2" at 100 yards. Nice trigger as issued. I'm not crazy about the rotary magazine. As light as it is, full power .308 loads are comfortable to shoot.
The Wby youth carbine has an incredible trigger. I loaded up some 85 gr Sierra hollow points to use this as a lightweight varminter. I did a 3-shot 1/4" group at 100 yards. Full size Vanguards can be on the heavy side.
So, it depends on what you'd like in a hunting rifle.
