Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Tikka T3X CTR 6.5 creedmoor

Strongly been looking at one of these as a long range trainer/LR deer/antelope gun. (Although I don't know how much hunting it will have in it as I really love my 280 AI) But even if its just a lr steel banger, I am still intrigued. Anything good or bad to say about this rifle? Would you buy the 20 or 24" barreled version? I don't own a can and don't really plan to buy one, but I would guess there shouldn't be too much performance difference between the two? If I do this, I think I am going to take an opportunity to really try out a FFP scope and probably top it with a 3-9x42 SS.

Check out the long range section, there have been a few threads about them. Almost all positive comments.

I have a T3X CTR in 6.5 creed with a SWFA 3-9x42 and it is extremely accurate. Mine has the 20" barrel and does 2665 fps with Copper Creek 130 gr VLD load. Hammers deer and is tons of fun to shoot.

Any specs on total weight of that set up?

Buy one they are great, the t3x with a 20 inch for me

Nothing but good things to say about mt CTR. When you get it, adjust the trigger to your liking, tighten all the screws to spec, and get your booger hook on the bang switch

I started shooting a 6.5x308 wildcat back before Rem brought out the 260 Rem. I give you this info because the 260Rem & the 6.5CM are so similar. I have take many elk over the years with this round using the Barnes original 120gr "X" bullet & now the 120gr TSX @ 3004FPS from a 22" Bbl. My reloads. . Have never lost an elk with it & have never recovered a bullet. All have passed completely thru. Now with the 6.5CM if I had to chose between a 20" or 24" Bbl. it would be the 24". I base this on years of in the field experience in my hunting area, SW Colorado. If you know all your shooting would be 200yds or less then the 20" Bbl should serve you. I might note that Hornady sells a factory 6.5CM loaded with their 120gr GMX which they state is rated for game up to 1500Lbs.Well above elk size game. The 6.5 has been a considerably underestimated round . Light recoil & flat shooting. Consider the 120gr bullet at 3000FPS. Sighted +1.5" at 100yds will put you dead on at 200yds & about -6.4" at 300. Another point if you were to buy the 24" Bbl. version & later decided you wanted shorter it is a simple matter to remove a couple inches. Hope this has been helpful.

9 lbs 4 oz with a rail and large six screw rings. Could lose a few oz with talley's probably

I am going to pull the trigger on a stainless 24" barrel version once they are back in stock at whittakers - price is ridiculously good. Having second thoughts on the SS 3-9X42 just because of the reports of bad bullet ejection due to the large windage knob....Maybe another 3-10 SHV will be in order.

The SS 3-9 doesn’t have nearly the issue that the Fixed version does. The knob on the end of the turrets on the Fixed series is much more pronounced.

The CTR is the best rifle for the money I’ve ever spent. The 20” version is the only way to go.

I agree with that. I have setup and broken in 4 of the 24” stainless 6.5 CTR (first one being my own and the next 3 we’re friends rifles they bought after shooting line). All of them are sub 1/2” with 143 eldx when I am done breaking them in.

I have one. easily my favorite shooter. mine is 308, and handloads are 10 shots in 0.4'. tikka is the best for the money

10 rounds from mine at 104 yards, .465" group. They shoot ok for a sub $1K rifle.




Although not very "factory" anymore.

Tikka CTR 1 by X Ring, on Flickr

Why the stubby can?

Nice rifle.

Thanks. It meters the same, or better, than many full size cans. In this configuration its only 6" long and 12oz. To my ear, it sounds about the same as my 9" can and 1/2 the weight.

Wow, that's some fantastic shooting. Congrats!

I can't say enough good things about the 6.5 CTR i have right now.. It is the stainless with 20" barrel. Shoots factory hornady 140 match less than 1/2 moa. Does the same with 143 ELD-X precision hunter which has performed excellent on whitetail. Just sent the bolt off to LRI for the wrought iron design and when it gets back plan to have my local smith cerakote it.. Trying to figure out if they will go into a B&C sporter stock with minimal effort or not.. I know the CTR BM is a little different and the barrel channel will have to be opened up a little. Sports a Silencerco can which does a very good job for the price.

Can you share your load?.......I have the same rifle. Thanks

That was actually 10 rounds of all different charge weights.

I was using Lapua brass, 140 Berger Hybrids, and H4350. 10 rounds loaded in 1/10gr increments from 42.5-43.4.

43.3gr was the sweet spot and what I've since settled on. Still shoots under 1/2 MOA for 10 rounds.

Thanks