I have a Tikka T3 Compact Tactical Rifle with a 20" tube, and a Tikka T3 Superlight with a 23" tube.

Is it possible to make a hunting and long range load that will work well in both?

155 AMAX or Secnar? Or???

I have lots of TAC and lots of Varget. Suggested loads?

From someone who knows:


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/5355968/Searchpage/1/Main/392038/Words/Varget/Search/true/Re:_Best_.308_Loads_155_Grain_#Post5355968

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/5160766/Searchpage/1/Main/379803/Words/Varget/Search/true/Re:_Varget_and_155_Sierra_in_a#Post5160766

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/4255244/Searchpage/1/Main/322003/Words/Varget/Search/true/Re:_308W_going_long...#Post4255244

(I messed up making the links live.)

Work up to 46gr of TAC with a 155gr Berger Hunting VLD or 155gr Lapua Scenar. You should find good accuracy in there and be in the 2900fps range from the 23" tube. The VLD will likely be more fragile, the Scenar dig deeper. Personally I like the VLDs a little better on critters, but both shoot really well. You didn't mention it, but if you have any R15, somewhere around 45gr will do the same thing. I use LCNM and Lapua brass and my rifles have a pretty short freebore. If you're using Winchester or similar capacity, you may need to up the charge a little to accomplish the same.

John

I think MontanaMarine was having some excellent success with the 208 AMax in the .308. That might be another option.

If you aren't too fussy about accuracy, probably.
What I've found with factory chambers is that they vary enough to make using the same brass "difficult". If you can full lenth size them and be happy, you should no problems.
I've also noticed that heavy barreled rifles are usually less fussy than light barreled ones. So, in your situation, I'd find what the Superlight likes and then try it in the Tac rifle.
What I did was keep the brass I used separate and marked for each rifle. E

I'm having good luck with 155 Scenars, 155 A Max's and 168 A Max's. The Scenars (in Lapua brass, Varget and CCI BR primers)are the most accurate but only by a small margin. Most any .308 tends to shoot the 168 A Max's and they are easy to get.

I use 168 TTSX's also and they are great but too pricey for plinking. Varget works well under all of these bullets.

How are the A Max on game?

Nothing like premium bullets for plinking.

I wouldn't look much further than 155 Skinners...

Tanner

This^^^

45.5gr Varget and a 155...

175 SMK
43.5 Varget
F210M
Black Hills or Win brass

2.800" - 2.810" depending on the barrel.

Works well in every 308 I've ever tried it.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...:_Best_.308_Loads_155_Grain_#Post5355968

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...:_Varget_and_155_Sierra_in_a#Post5160766

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth.../true/Re:_308W_going_long...#Post4255244

Absolutely! 46.5gr Varget and the 155 Scenar get me 2900 fps from a 22 inch Rock barrel on my 308 GAP.

168 amax
42.0 gr. IMR4895
LC MATCH
CCI BR
2.83"

Who has the best price on 1,000 155 Secnars?

1,000 Hornady 155 AMAX?

If my google-fu is strong, the Secnar is 20% - 30% more than the AMAX on price.

Is the difference as a hunting bullet great enough to justify the price differential?

what ever Scenarshooter seems to work great. a 155 and............?

If you want a bullet that will come apart at close range (high velocity) the A-MAX will do fine.

Son-in-law shot an antelope with a 165 or 168g A-MAX. It followed the spine a ways and pretty much destroyed a haunch. Got the job done, though.