We just received permission to presale these rifles and I'm giving you guys first shot! They'll be a hot commodity and I don't expect them to last long. We've preloaded 40 stainless models and 10 blued models into our system. I can't guarantee we will get any more this year. No left hand models on the preorder -- my apologies.

Several of you know how the site works. Click on the link below, then click on the "send price to me" box. Place your email in the box and hit send. You'll receive a reply shortly. Once you've received the email, you'll need to add the gun to the cart from the email. You can pay it off in full or put it on layaway -- it's totally up to you. Be forewarned, we won't ship the rifle to your (chosen) FFL until the rifle has been paid and full and we have all the necessary information. Eric or Cody will contact you if there is an issue or we need more information, money, etc...

I can't and won't list the price on here. You'll need to get the price through the email. The only way to get in on the preorder is through our website. We can't process the order from any store computer and sending me a PM or email won't secure the rifle. If we allowed multiple points of sale, confusion may occur and we could possibly oversell the rifles. I can't take that chance knowing we may not get more for a period of time.

Another note.... there are actually only 38 stainless models left. Dober got the first one and I grabbed the second! Mark has been waiting on me for months and I'm finally getting him his rifle!

The rifles will arrive late September/early October.

Here you go:

Stainless Steel -- https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/1707201610258

Blued -- https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/1707201612167

If you run into problems, shoot one of us an email.

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

My Kimber open coutry shold arrive from you guys tomorrow, I'm all set for now!!!

Thanks for all you and your staff do!

nice. wish there'd been a left handed in the litter somewheres. maybe next time, sooner or later.

I knew it!!

Throw a SWFA on top and this thing will be badass.

They're coming. I just didn't feel comfortable enough about the deliver date to do a preorder.

This one is screaming your name Bobby. You won't even need to think about handloading with all the good factory ammo available.

Want so bad...... On the other hand, I should probably just use that money to feed the Creedmoors I already have. Maybe I'll get one out of the next shipment. Load development should be easy, 143gr ELDx + 42.5 gr H4350 or RL16 = done.

Darrik,

I will take the first SS lefty you get. I will pay now or whenever you want it. Shoot me a email or give me a call, I dont care when it arrives:-)

Is RL16 meant to be a one-for-one replacement for H4350?

Of course these would come so soon after the 22-250 8 twist. Hopefully I can get one later

Tikka JRTXB382 T3x 6.5 Creed Stainless Steel **PRE-ORDER**



Price: $649.99

Nope, but my RPR loves 42.5 gr of H4350 under Nosler CC's and my Montana does well with with 42.5gr of either under 143gr ELDx and 140gr Accubonds. I worked these loads up separately, so it seems to be a trend. Slight preference for speed to the RL16 and to the 143 for accuracy. Work up your own loads and all that jazz, but if/when I get one, that's the load I'll be working up to first.

For the record though, I've had good luck with RL16 in .30-06, 6.5 CM and .270... All places that H4350 looks good too, they are pretty similar in utility.

Tag.

Darrick.... will the "Grand " code work for 10% off Don't need another , but could be tempted

These won't last long...

Between my fast twist 22-250 and the Remington AWR 300 win mag on layaway my madmoney is now allocated for my New Mexico Mule deer hunt.

These aren't here, so the discount code doesn't apply. The code works on existing inventory only. Sorry!

thanks for the update. the 6.5 creed would be usable, as well as a 308 or 7mm-08.

Darrik,
Just put one of the SS models on layaway.
Can't wait for them to come in this fall.
Now, I get to ponder what glass to put on it.
Many thanks for getting Tikka to do this and then giving us a crack at the first bunch.

StarchedCover

I have preorder one.... could someone explain "Integral Optilock Rail / Drilled & Tapped for Scope Base" for me? Looking to mount a 2x8 Leupold ..... What are my options?

They all have a machined continuous dovetail that works with the factory rings. The top of the receiver is D&T'ed for scope bases or a picatinny rail. Additionally there is a recoil lug hole drilled into the top of the action. These features are why I personally like the Warne rings made for Tikkas. They attach via the factory dovetails but the front ring has a recoil lug which fits into the receiver hole guaranteeing no slippage. Very clean without needing scope bases or a rail and strong as hell.

Talley lightweights work, too - and Whittakers has them in stock!

Thank you. Do the Talley rings mount directly to the built in rail as well?

Darrick- I put one away as well. Thanks for offering. Bruce

No. They attach with screws.

So does that mean the rail comes off?

donsm70

The dovetail rail is integral. Talleys mount directly to it via traditional screws, but they don't clamp to it.

SAS, will a T3X Hunter with the stainless fluted barrel be available in 6.5 CM?

The Tikka dovetail rail is an integral part of the receiver, milled directly into it. This is the best pic of the top rail I could find in a quick search of the net. It gives several options for mounting a scope. If the base/rings clamp over the dovetail you can use that and if they have recoil pins those fit into the corresponding holes. Other scope mounts screw directly into the mounting holes the same as they would for any receiver. You can attach a picatinny rail using those scope mount holes and then use whatever picatinny type bases you want.




Here is a set of Talleys on my T3x Hunter showing how they sit on top of the rail. They overhang it by .070" on either side but unless you get out a magnifying glass you'd never notice. 16bore here used to offer Talleys milled out so they sit down lower on the rail but those are all gone AFAIK. But even with the bases on top of the receiver those Talley lows position the scope lower than the Tikka factory rings that clamp into the dovetail.

I pre ordered a stainless one also

Thanks for the rail information guys. I have one on pre-order.

donsm70

Mine is on pre-order also. The Tikka scope mounting system is one of the many things I like about them. So much better than that awful Sako system. They also are accurate, feed well, balance well and after seeing my daughter push one muzzle first on a stalk and fill it completely full of Namibian sand, I have decided they are reliable also.

I don't know yet? I'm sure it'll be introduced in a couple of models, then more will follow. It's a popular round!

Thanks for the pictures Jim... Does this T3x ship with factory rings?

No. Assuming it's the same as other T3x that is.

That's correct, the T3x doesn't come with rings

Well paid off the 300 WM and had a couple bucks leftover and put one of these bad boys on layaway. Was surprised they were not all gone, cool!

I picked up my fast twist 22-250 tikka today from my FFL Now Im laying away one of these 6.5 creedmoors. not sure whether to say thanks or damn you Darrik!

Any Idea on the magazines OAL on these?

Not a clue. I'm betting it's longer.

Darrick
Just wanted to thank you for fixing my UPS problem! After a bunch of years I now get the drivers to actually ring the door bell and wait longer than a nanosecond. There is more, but the use of UPS almost seems like it will work now!

Ten by ten on the last deliveries. Funny, a quick peek at my books show Whittiker is delivering over 80% of the guns I have gotten lately and I do not have to wonder why!
Thank you!
art

Any word on which magazine the T3X 6.5 Creedmoor will use ?
I'm thinking it will be the 308/7-08/260/243 magazine; if so I'm going to pick up a few beforehand.

StarchedCover

The magazines that came with my 1-8 22-250 appear to be exactly the same as my 7-08 Tikka magazine.

I loaded a factory 6.5 Creed round, a 140 grain Hornady hpbt, in one and the tip of the bullet barely had room to clear. I'm hoping the Creed magazines do have a bit longer OAL.

By the way, a 22-250 round in those magazines has a lot of extra room for longer bullets!

I've never had a 6.5 Creedmoor, but I do have a T3 in .30-06 that I like.
Would you guys anticipate the 6.5 Creedmoor to cycle without problems in the T3x action?

Thanks...

Hope so.

Yes. I have a 6.5 Creedmoor CTR and every round has cycled flawlessly.

I don't have any idea about the mag changes yet, but I know it was reworked. I'm expecting it to be longer....

Some suggest it needs to be modified because of the lack of taper and I've not seen that issue. I've experimented with them in the standard T3x and they feed just fine.

Although one of the design features of the Creedmoor was to function in SA mag boxes, most handloaders realized long ago that didn't always work. If your chasing the lands with Bergers or some of the other high BC bullets, they're simply isn't enough room in a 2.80" mag box.

That'd be cool if they'd rework that magazine. The 7-08 could use a tad more OAL too.

Got a blued preordered, thanks guys. I've been hoping for a Tikka hunting rifle in Creedmoor ever since the CTR was released in that caliber. I sold my 20" 308 for a 24" 6.5 and love it.

I know you said you had 10 to preorder, am I safe in assuming since it said "In Stock" that I got in on the preorder?

SAS,
I ordered one in SS. Any idea what the twist will be? Barrel length?
Thanks...

Twist will be 1 in 8". The barrel (I assume based on their description) will be the standard 22 7/16" -- same as all the other T3x Lite's.

What's it going to take to get them to make a 6mm Creed?

+1

Are the 6.5 CMs here yet? : )

Bringing this back up may not get the 6.5s in any sooner but worth a try.

I was informed it would be early October before we see them.

Derrick,

You should get with 16 bore and see if you could get the perfected Tikka Talley Ring proprietary franchise.

Any good machinists in your area with a cnc mill?

As many as sold here, with your marketing, you could
move alot, and it would give you all something else distinctive.

There you go…thread will not get them here any sooner but at least we are talking about them again!

I've got Pop's drawing if you want it. Tikka seems smart enough that if enough guys fuss about the rings, they might be OEM.

Don't know crap about how Talley makes rings. But if there were enough requests, I bet they could
build them like you all did, for next to nothing extra. Unless they don't machine the bottom at all.

Any idea when these rifles will be in and shipping?

We should be getting close.

StarchedCover

Threaded barrels on these? 16 bore, care to share the prints for the ring mods?
Thanks, chaz

If threaded, that is the first I have heard of it.

Talley Mods

Plan to chop and thread the one I ordered.

I have a local gunsmith that's 99% sure he's going to do these for the shop. Any issues with us doing it??

And FYI -- we're being told mid to late October on the 6.5's.

Live long and prosper my brother. If he runs into any issues and would like to talk shop, with Pop, I'll arrange it.

I can spell "mill", that's about it. If it turns into a multimillion dollar operation, you can send me a Tikka for Christmas.

Darrik,
Assume you mean the Talley mod? If it's the threading, count me in....

No threading, just the mods - sorry.

So you have the go ahead (Thanks 16 Bore) on the modified rings.... will they be ready to ship when the Tikkas are? I haven't bought a new rifle in a few years now... I'm way past due breaking in a new rig

I want some for the Creed if this works. I have a set of 16Bore Talleys on my T3x 7mm with a Tract Toric 2-10 x 42 and they are perfect. Everything is really close but with sufficient clearance.

Back to the top from someone getting an itchy Tikka trigger finger.

Just got back from Newfoundland and used my Tikka T3 stainless .300 Win Mag. Was searching the sites for info on a Tikka my 14 year old son could handle in Africa. I've been to Whittakers a few times in the past. Thanks for the early order opportunity. Took a stainless model. Thinking a Leupold vx 5 3-15 44mm firedot. What rings will get me closest to the barrel? Also what factory cartridges do you suggest for general plains game up to eastern kudu? Again thank you for the opportunity.

Darrik, please count me in for a set of rings if your guy modifies them. I just pre-ordered the last stainless 6.5. Thanks!

A friend of mine just ordered a blued one this AM because all the stainless guns were spoken fore.... That left only 2 of the blued guns available.... Just an FYI for anyone that has been on the fence about ordering one.....

Sure is tempting......love them Tikkas.

OK, so I click on the link to the blued version, fill in my email info, go to email and click "add to cart", get redirected back to Whittaker's site but nothing is in the cart, with no option on that page to add it to cart. It just goes back to the original link where you have to send them your email.

What am I doing wrong?
thanks.

I still have a set of Warne rings for a Tikka taking up space in my reloading room if anyone is interested. Make offer.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...warn-maxima-qd-1-rings-tika#Post11483558

We should be getting close to these showing up.
It's like waiting for Christmas morning to arrive.

StarchedCover

Darrik,
Is it too late to get in on this?

Much obliged!

Joe

I'm not Darrik, but if you go to the first page of this thread and click on the blued version of the pre-order it says one is left. I believe all the stainless were spoken for. D. will be here to respond, I'm sure, if something different is the case. Good luck, Bruce

We have more on order, but we're not sure if they'll come with the first shipment. Let me do some checking tomorrow and I'll post a reply.

I would jump on one of these in stainless too.

Having the first batch all "pre sold" should help move this version up in the factory production line.... I have a set of Redding dies and 100 new cases prepped.... Pretty sure this is the first time I have ever been set to reload before I got my hands on a new rifle.....

what about us lefty's?..........

Yeah, what about us lefties?

You're not forgotten. They'll ship, but I'm not sure if any will come in the first batch to hit the states. That's why I didn't do a pre-orders on them. My Tikka rep will be here Friday and we'll get some answers.

10 blued rifles just hit the door! Stainless in about a week. I’ve been told all of you with the blued rifles have been contacted.....

And for those of you with inquiring minds...

The only change I see to the mag is additional mag box space. The new magbox (the one I measured) measures 2.98". The older Tikka T3 (and X) mag measures 2.84". The new mag is designated as "M+", the old mag is just "M". This is perfect n my opinion. The new mag fits old rifles and the old mags fit the new rifle. The bolt stop appears to be in the same location as well.

The original mags should have been what the new one is...

Wonder if they'll shoot? LOFL!!!!

sir;

give me the first lefty ss when available. eddief doesnt deserve it as much as me

Thank you. I hope you know that I was just having a bit of fun, although I will commit to a purchase when they become available.

The .260 CTRs run a 2.95” magazine.... and use the long action zero stop. The T3 .260 use the original 2.8+” magazine and the short action bolt stop.

How’d they add .2” to the mag.... and leave the SA stop in the same place?

I’d post pics, but I hadn’t figured out the new system. If you look at the top of the mag with the bolt open, there’s enough space between the bolt face and the mag spacer where it could have been longer all along.

Something I missed — the barrel on these rifles is 24.5”.

The 24.5" barrel will balance nicely. I have a 7mm Rem in a T3x and like the longer barrel better than the shorter Tikkas.

What’s the weight on these since they have the 24” barrel?

Any change of putting together something for the Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 Creed?

Lay off the booze Bobby:-)

If someone who pre-ordered, or put one on layaway and winds up not wanting it, please let me know. The Whittaker's site wouldn't let me order one of the last one's for whatever reason. Thanks.

I have one waiting for you per our PM. It's on my desk. Shoot me an email and we'll go from there. [email protected]

Thank you sir

I now know why you guys are sold on Darrik and Whittakers. Thank you Darrik.

I just helped my friend Dave set up and reload for his brand new blued Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor. Dave is not a brand new shooter but it had been 30 or so years ago when he had the time and location to do so. He retired and moved down to the Mountains of NC about a year ago.

His 1st "retirement rifle" was a .223 Savage Axis with the scope package "deal". That package had multiple issues. It has been shipped back to Savage for repair. He shot some of my better quality rifles and discovered how much more fun it is to shoot accurate guns with well tuned triggers....

After he became motivated to spend more than Savage Axis money and started talking about an interest in longer range shooting I told him about the deposit I had put down on a 6.5 Creedmore (close to 3 Months ago). I checked and all the stainless guns had been spoken for but there were 2 of the blued Tikkas left. Dave places his order, I think 8 days ago and we get to start shooting it this afternoon....

OK I admit I'm a tad envious of his MUCH shorter wait time... but I get to see the enthusiasm of a novice shooter getting great results right out of the box. Dave had never reloaded ammo before so I walked him though the steps and the 3rd load he put together shot 0.560" @ 100 yards.... We ran out of daylight but he plans to be back in the morning to continue load development.

So, the stainless guns are going to start shipping any day now... right? I'm starting to feel like a little kid staring up the chimney looking for Santa

Thank you John for a great day yesterday shooting my new blued Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor. I am glad to now be apart of this forum and look forward to participating on it.
What a beautiful gun and extremely accurate right out of the box. I thoroughly enjoyed reloading my own rounds yesterday to begin the hone in process for accuracy..... as you said after the 3rd round of reloading we are getting close with a 0.560 group at a 100 yards. I was having so much fun I was ready to install lights on the range for night shooting! LOL
I am looking forward to continued shooting today and trying the next 5 loads that I prepared last night with your instructions. I will be sure to share the results here after the range shooting today of what we have shot so far and the results.

I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Eric, Darrick and Cody @ Whittaker Guns. They have been so helpful with the purchase of my new blued Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor. They were spot on with the recommendations for a good scope, rings and rail. I was so impressed that when they said they were going to do something they did it. From the sale and their recommendations, to the correct rings and rail for the my Vortex scope, and the shipping and arrival of the gun as they stated has made me a big fan of Whittaker Guns. So very nice to see this kind of customer service!

Dave

Starsplitter, welcome aboard sir! I will be watching for your thread on load development. Looks like I will be getting the same rifle you have. Good luck and good shooting.

Seconds on welcoming you to the Fire, Star. Sounds like you made a wise choice in rifle and friend. What bullet and powder are you working with? You must be very particular to state you are "getting close" with a .560 group. I would be ecstatic! Trying to be patient, Bruce

Starspliiter has another hobby involving optics:

http://www.blueridge-observatory.net/

I knew he would soon be upgrading from the "package deal" scope he started with.... I think it took less than a Month

Thank you for the welcome!

Hi Bruce (Leadminer)....Yesterday was day #2 shooting the my new blued Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor. I have readied and shot ~9 different load combinations so far and here is the load I managed to get a 0.400 grouping yesterday for my best so far and multiple groups under 0.596.
Note: this was in 20 mph left to right cross wind yesterday and cold! So much for the sunny 55 deg forecast. Cloudy and very windy with 42 deg is what we got!

Seems like so far the gun really likes the following which produced the 0.400 groupings....

New Brass
140gr Sierra bullet
40.5gr IMR4350
overall length ~2.825 with the 140gr bullet NOTE: My chamber measures MAX 2.842.

We experimented with Reloader 17 and a 120gr bullet but not as good results.
Next on the agenda is to try more of the IMR4350 with a 129 match grade bullet and also Reloader 17 with the 140 gr Sierra bullet now that we found some data for it to reload.

I will be out of town until Sunday night at a Star Party in Tennessee since I am into Astrophotography as well but I will be back it on Monday morning for sure to keep the testing going. There are many more combinations to try and I will let you all know how it goes.

Thank you to John (2ndwind) for all the support and knowledge getting me going in the right direction and teaching me reloading. He has created a monster now!!
I hope his Stainless version come in next week....I am unfortunately making my friend John feel real bad since he has not got his gun yet. But he is getting some quick fixes shooting mine until his comes in! LOL

Dave (Starsplitter)

Nice! John isn't the only one waiting for the SS model. Keep shooting for the stars.

"Thank you to John (2ndwind) for all the support and knowledge getting me going in the right direction and teaching me reloading. He has created a monster now!!"


Dave's wife is going to stop speaking to me..... after only the 2nd range session, Dave announces he is going to buy a more advanced rangefinder than my old one.... Maybe she will not see next Month's credit card statement....

It does look like this rifle is going to be a shooter

Starsplitter/2ndwind.......what ring and base setup did you go with?

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...riflescope-dead-hold-bdc-reticle/reticle

6.5x20 Vortex Viper with

DEAD-HOLD BDC RETICLE

Vortex rings on a Picatinny rail base

"Dave's wife is going to stop speaking to me..... after only the 2nd range session, Dave announces he is going to buy a more advanced rangefinder than my old one.... Maybe she will not see next Month's credit card statement...."

Yes, I have a small secret stash of gun hobby $$ to help fund the ranger finder, ammo, powder, brass, new case, better cleaning kit, and more misc things I need to get!!
Then I can spend a little on the credit card statement! LOL...Addicting hobby for sure.

Sent my Savage Axis 223 back to the factory yesterday. Will not see that for 1 month. They are going to replace the entire bolt assembly and re serial it to the gun. So unnerving having it not fire every other round and sometimes many in a row did not fire.
I must admit the 223 is fun to shoot too and it is very accurate! Got lucky and got a really good barrel on my Savage. Should have got a better scope though!

John, maybe we will need to upgrade that scope a little on my Savage too! Instead of one click equaling a random amount .....get a new scope that 1 click equal 1/4 " !!! Imagine that.

SWFA in 30mm Modified Talley Lows



Leupold M8 6x42 in 1" Modified Talley Mediums



Leupold M8 6x42 in 1" Modified Talley Lows

Ah yes, the " small secret stash of gun hobby $$ " planning stage already... Welcome into the fold grasshopper.

Just remember, it goes full circle pretty quick.

Anybody else shot their's yet?

Hello, everyone. Figured I should join and contribute to the 6.5 support group.

I purchased the last pre-order blued rifle. I have ammunition, a DNZ mount, a new VX3, and a five round magazine waiting.

Would be really nice to get my new rifle before deer season.

Welcome to the Fire, Keeptrying. Hope the rifle turns out to be all that you dreamed.

Welcome Keeptrying, "The 6.5 support group"... I like it! I thought all 10 of the blued gun had arrived??? If you have not gotten "the call" yet I'd double check that Whittakers has your correct contact number....

Thanks for the welcome.


It was explained to me that initially there were ten blued rifles in the pre-order, but they have an additional five blued rifles they added to that which should arrive shortly.

My order and the author of this thread pulling a rifle for JGRaider coincided almost perfectly, which made me really nervous, but Whittaker's has assured me that the additional rifles should arrive shortly. If this were to be a six month episode, I would prefer a different rifle.

Don't sweat dealing with Whittakers......

Nah, got plenty of other stuff to worry about, and a reasonable wait isn't a big deal. I have other rifles I could use, but I feel a lot like that kid in A Christmas Story.

I bought a dyna-tek bore coat kit. It says there is enough to coat 5 long guns..... Hopefully when the Tikka gets here it will be no big deal to get the bore down to bare steel.... The barrels on rifles I had thought were "pretty clean" already were not.... Kind of embarrassing how muck more crud has kept coming out.

I have a Browning Low Wall .260 that is ready to coat. I thought I was going to be shooting it today. I had not realized that you need the correct sized bore mop to apply the bore coating. I payed 19.95 extra for overnight shipping to get one here by tomorrow. I almost NEVER do something like that but I am so ready to start getting deer season rifles dialed in I took the plunge...

If you pre-ordered a SS, I have just sent an update via email to everyone. I think you are going to like the news... If you have any questions please feel free to respond to the email I just sent, (eric@whittakerguns, or [email protected]) or give us a call. 270-229-0140, then choose option #1. The wait is just about over!

Thanks for the e-mail update.
Outstanding news.

StarchedCover

Yea! Are the modified Talley rings available to ship with the rifles?

Nope. Not yet.

Exciting news. I have Tikkas with both 22" and 24" barrels. I am excited that these are the longer length in that it balances a little better for me. Team one of these with a Tikka 7mm or .300 and some milled Talleys and you wouldn't need much else.

Thanks Eric! This is gonna be expensive, but I think I'll pick mine up in person....
Marty

A picture is worth a 1000 words! This is the new mag that ships with the 6.5's (left). The mag on the right is the mag for the 308 family. The new mag works in older T3's -- I tried it. Same OD, just more internal mag space.

That's a factory 143 ELD-X in both.

We can't get a definite answer from Tikka when they're going to be available for purchase, but we're working on that.

Somembody commented earlier about the bolt stop. It's the same in both rifles. See the little circle hole in the back of the mag? When the bolt is all the back, the bolt face splits the hole in half. There was room all along. They just hadn't previously maximized mag space. The new mags are designated "M+". The old mags are "M". (stamped at the rear of the mag -- see the pic above) The M doesn't have anything to do with the item number. I just wanted to point that out for any of you shopping local in the future. I'd imagine the M+ mags will be tough to come by for a while. Snag them when they're available! They should be nice for the 7-08 and 308 as well.

Heard but have not seen the Sportsmans has T3x fluted stainless in 6.5 Creedmoor.

I just wish I’d jumped on the Whittakers deal in time to get one of the blued 6.5s

We have more stainless rifles coming with this shipment....

I received my Creed from Whittakers today. Great service. I've had several Tikkas, this is my first T3x. I'm impressed with the changes, especially the mag box shown by Darrik. I put the Dyna Tek Bore Coat treatment to it today, hopefully shoot it a little tomorrow., the factory 143 ELDX's shown.

That's a mag box even Stick could like.....

You don't say. I believe I will attempt to change my order from blued to stainless.

Do rings come with the new stainless 6.5 CM Tikkas?

donsm70

No. Tikka stopped shipping rings with the implementation of the T3x series.

Thanks. I talked to Cody this afternoon. I will get them shipped with the rifle, hopefully.

donsm70

Anymore blued ones expected soon?

Looks like the M+ could open some better options for a 260 Rem Tikka as well... Nothing against the Creedmoor, but I'm tooled up for the 260 and have a heavy one already.

I’ve never owned a Tikka. Had a dozen L-61 Sako’s. You all are causing me to want one.

What is the purpose of the stock screw between front action screw and front sling swivel? Is it to adjust barrel
tension?

I believe there's a modular beavertail forend that uses that screw and the front swivel stud to attach to the stock...makes the forend wider and taller. My recollection is the TAC and Varmint models come with it.

Yep, you got it.

We started shipping them today! Several of you will receive emails with tracking info shortly.

Mine's on my desk and I've already mounted a scope. This should be fun....

Go notice, mine is on the way. Now to the batcave to order the Talley rings and a scope

Cody took care of me today along with Talley LW's - will go head to head with the Montana soon.

Probably a good thing I am limited to one layaway at a time. Now thinking I need one of these to compare with two other Creedmoors!

I shot mine when I got home from work today. It was getting late, but shot three, 3 shot groups at 100. They were all nice little triangles! I didn't take any pics for two reasons:
I built a new lake behind my house and it's a mud pit -- didn't want to walk back to the targets.
I also left my phone at the house and didn't want to walk back in through the mud again!

No handloads, just factory 143 ELD-X ammo. I want to do some handloading tonight too. FWIW -- the nine shots averaged 2693fps. I still hadn't decided if I want to hunt with the ELD?

Yes I agree. You know all this rifle buying and handloading just shows how committed we are as scientists. Just don't let the wives know!

I too am trying to decide what to hunt with. Running 140 Partitions for now. Bergers, Scenars, ?

Darrik,
Reckon it will speed up after a hundred rounds or so? Do Tikka barrels experience the same velocity increase as say a Bartlein?

This last go around it was less than a week and another got put up on layaway. They make it so easy!

If you have any more of these rifles coming in stainless I will take one. Order on your website?

We have 8 left. They shipped us 15 extra. The website would be the fastest method.

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-1707201610258

SAS,

Per the link, it shows this rifle as having a 24.3" barrel. Is that correct, or is it 22.4"? Thanks, I'm interested.

bludog

24.3” is correct. When we populated the website for the preorders, we were given an item number and description. They failed to mention the change in barrel length from the standard T3X Lite. It was a surprise when they hit the door. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. We changed the description to the correct length yesterday.

I ended up picking up a T3X SL today in 6.5 creeemore. Can’t wait to get started with it!

Keep us posted with a new thread. Mine is due on Tuesday.

Wednesday for me. DNZ mount, two types of ammo, VX3, sling, Harris 9-13" bipod, and a five round magazine all sitting on the table waiting.

Gonna have just enough time to get it running properly and drop verified before we leave for our deer hunt. Very excited.

Looking at the Tikka website, the only difference I can find between a stainless lite and a super lite is a fluted barrel. Is that correct?

Picked mine up just now. The soft case was a nice touch.
Sending it off this week for chop and thread.

And about 3 oz.

Camo stock on the Cabela's version.

Thanks. I just like the look of a fluted barrel.

SAS: going to be getting the super lites in 6.5 anytime soon?

Nice, I love Creedmoors and Tikkas, so these are really tempting to me. I'd do the same thing if I got one, what length barrel are you going with, and can you thread the Tikka barrels 5/8x24 at a reasonable length? My 6.5 Montana has a 22" barrel and I'm pretty sure I'm going to chop to 20" and thread. I know a guy with a Howa Alpine (20") 6.5, and he's been hell on the muleys and antelope this year. With RL17, he is kicking out 140gr SGKs at well above 2,700 fps.

On a related note, I got the email from Whittaker's this weekend advertising the lowest price around on 6.5 CM T3xs, but when I click on the link, it goes to a "page not found" dead end. Are they all gone or is that just a broken link.

I'm going all in at 16" and it will need an adapter to get it to 5/8x24 even at 16".
Plan on shooting 120 NBT suppressed for my kids to use deer hunting.

Try this. Only 4 left and they won't make it through the day.

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-1707201610258

Who is leaving the barrel at the stock 24.3" length?

I am. Don't do suppressors, an extra couple inches doesn't bother me.

Going back and forth on whether to change the grip and forearm.

I am new to the thread and just placed an order this morning. Are there any accuracy reports with factory loads? What is everyone planning on using/loading?

I can tell you the factory 143 ELD-x shoots really well at 100. 3/4" or better. I also ran it to 600 on steel this morning. I shot 3 in about 4 inches at 500 yards. Didn't measure, just verified the splashes on a freshly painted plate.

Velocity average on the factory 143's was 2694.

I am leaving at 24+ too.

Leaving mine there also. The ELD-X factory loads chrono'ed 2667 avg. in my rifle this morning. Still printing them .5moa easily.

Plan on using the ELD-X as well. Interestingly enough, they fit in a five round M magazine. Not sure how they will feed. Find out on Wednesday.

Me too. I have no plans to cut it, but I wont actually see it until tomorrow.

donsm70

Looks like the velocity about as it says on the box.

I only fired 10 rounds this morning, as I had to get on with work, but the ES amongst them was in single digits. Very accurate and precise ammo it appears.

If I planned to use the 140 class bullets I probably wouldn't chop it.
My goal was to get into a creed for little money and set it up for the kids ( and myself of course) for an up to 400 yd deer rifle. Heck, I almost bought the RAR predator for this project but couldn't force myself to slum it.
I have a custom 260 with a 24" barrel that gets the heavier , longer stuff.

Thanks for posting that. That's a good upgrade. Please let us know when you have those mags for sale.

SAS,

I'd be interested in the new mags too.

Thanks,
bludog

Range day today with the new Tikka T3x 6.5 CM did not disappoint. Yesterday I cleaned the barrel, applied DBC, leveled a set of Talley LW lows on it which now hold a 3-9x40 Leupie. Trigger came at 2.5# so I left it. Three loads were tried - 41gr. H4350 with a 140g Accubond, same but with a 143 ELD-X and Hornady factory 143 ELD-X just for setting a standard.

The factory ELD-X load clocked in at an average of 2602fps with easily < MOA (two in the same hole). Handloaded 143 load was just under MOA and measured 2568 fps. The 140 Acc's measured 1 1/4" at 200 yds. with a speed of 2554 fps.. I'd post photos but no longer have the patience to learn a new fangled system. Suffice it to say, now that break-in day has come an gone, the Tikka and Kimber will go head to head next week. The Kimber Montana .270 Win. with 140 Acc. was no slouch either at both distances - velocities were 2876 fps..

Thank you Cody @ Whittakers.

Got mine finalized today, should be on the way this week. Looking forward to trying a new rifle and cartridge, first Tikka and first 6.5.

Alright guys, picked this baby up last night and to my surprise it came with a soft case. I had no idea (new to the thread) and it was a pleasant surprise. Once again, super fast shipping and excellent customer service. Now to the stuff you wanna see............
[img]https://imgur.com/a/08VAZ[/img]

I had to shoot it today and I put a VX-6 2-12x42 on top wrapped in Talley lightweights. I have no Creedmoor dies yet, so I just bought some Hornady Whitetail 129gr Interlock ammo. This was a 3-shot group @ a measured 85yds. I know it's not too long but I am very impressed so far.

Got mine this week, too. Yes the case was a nice bonus. Thanks to Whittakers and all the staff for making it happen. I put an extra 2X7 Leup in Talley lwt mounts and got it initially sighted in with Horn Whitetail as well. Will need to verify zero at longer range before our opener next weekend but seems to shoot really well.

I went to the Allianz site and couldn't find any 6.5 CM data. Over on their Creedmoor blog, there are multiple quotes of load data - albeit without pressure data.
Does anyone have tested Alliant data they could post a link to?

I think mine is defective. I took it to the range, took a couple of shots to zero and then shot the below 5-shot group measuring a little under 1/2" at 100 with143-grain Hornady factory ammo.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/12390790/tikka-6-5

I then put 5-6 shots into 3" or a little better on a 500-yard gong.

I have two major concerns:

1. What will I do with my time if I don't have to run to the range eight times and work up different handloads each time before leaving, then, once at the range, set up the chrono and spend all afternoon looking for a load, get back home and tinker with the rifle and then repeat?

2. Why is JGRaiders group that he posted in his thread so much better than mine!???

Do you think Darrik will give me a refund?

You musta got the blemished one.

I will agree to not send it back if Darrik will do a run of 6 Creedmoors in either a T3 or Barret Fieldcraft but with Barret's heavier contour that they use on the 24" long action guns.

He should send you a refund. Just look how far off center you are!

donsm70

SS T3 Lite (non fluted) 20" 6 Creed....

I'm sitting on the last set of modified Talley's we did and trying my hardest to keep them in the package.

I thought I owned the last set of modified talley's! I won them on the campfire..

Oh, I had to keep ONE extra set for myself....you got the last "public" set!

I'm gonna use mine someday when tikka comes out with something I can't live without!

My rifle is now safely home. Bore cleaned, mount installed. Scope mount in the morning with a quick trip to the range to follow.

This

Hello all,
This is my first Tikka purchase. I have a question, is your rifle free floated all the way up to the receiver ? On mine, a piece of paper stops about 3-4 inches from the receiver.

Mine is nowhere close to free floated. Forearm has uneven gap and paper stops far short of the receiver. Gonna shoot it today, and if that works out I will fix it this winter. That said, I'm hunting soon and have a lot to do.

This is my 5th T3x and easily the most accurate hunting variant I have. I bought the 8 twist 22-250 specifically for deer hunting, but there is no way I won't be using the Creed. I was shooting 1" groups at 400yds yesterday with factory Hornady Whitetail ammo.

Also my 5th T3x mounted scope, bore sighted @ 50 yds, fired 2 shots,corrected for 100yds, was on for the 3rd shot, then fired a 3 shot group you could cover with a penny. talk about easy peasy. Six shots & done. Bullet was the factory 143 gr ELD-X.

All of my Tikkas have had a pressure point about mid way down the fore end. They have all shot exceptionally well so I have never looked hard enough at the barrel channel to figure out what is contacting. But, I am not one that believes everything should be free floated.

Everybody, including myself, seem to be getting spectacular accuracy from these Tikkas with the 143 ELD-X. My other 6.5 Creed, a Blaser, doesn't like that load and much prefers the 120 A-Max, which I think is discontinued.

My 223 was the same outta the box with factory 75 HPBT's. Silly rifles, tricks are for Kimbers.

Rifle shoots straight.

Interestingly enough, the Hornady Whitetail and Precision Hunter shoot almost the same at 200 yards.

If anybody wants to rid themselves of their Whittaker 6.5 purchase, I would not mind a spare.

I would think more are enroute. They wouldn't pass up such a popular combo. With 140 Acc's mine delivers tight cloverleafs at 100 and slightly larger at 200. Quite a performance combo.

Just got the email from Tikka. 15 more stainless rifles are in transit. We'll have them next week. Anybody that missed out on the first bunch better grab one of these. The best thing to do would be go to the website and click the "notify me" tab on the rifle. You'll get an email when they hit the door...

Thanks for the heads up! Subscribed to the notification. Any good deals coming over the holiday weekend?

I hope Darrik decides to convince Tikka to do an identical gun but in 6mm Creedmoor

1 inch at 400 yards with factory ammo, you mean 1 MOA groups right?

+1

Mine is doing around 2" at 509 with 143 ELDX factory ammo and for 5 shots so 1" at 400 could be believable

Got my rifle, definitely seems like it wants a barrel more in the 21" range. It's a bit long for a short action handy gun. May look at doing a chop.

What website are you referring to?

Thanks!
Dan

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/

We received 30 more stainless rifles. Here's the link:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-1707201610258

We have a few blues ones too:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-1707201612167

Oh what the hell, I'm in. Stainless on LayAway. Only made it about 14 hours this time.

Will last year's T3 stocks work on the new T3X models? I have compact youth model stock from a couple years ago that I would like to use on a new T3X 6.5 Creedmoor for a nephew. Thanks

Yup

No sir, 1"-2" groups at 400yds with factory Hornady American Whitetail ammo. Extremely impressive

What glass and mounts?

Talley LWs and a VX-6 2-12 with Zero Lock

Uhhhhhh, do these rifles in SS have the same barrel profile as the 1in8 22-250s?

21" with Talley's and a M8 6x42 M1 would be a doozy.

Wow.... these 6.5 Creeds have helped a lot of guys shoot like Trystan.....

LMAO.......

The pictures are outstanding.

Pics and Vids lie....

1 shot groups. Who was it that used to claim one shot groups because only thing that matters was that first cold bore shot?
I'm going to all 1 shot groups for testing purposes. No more Kimber roooooooolette

While it wasn't me, I swear it wasn't, I definitely remember it and totally like the potential simplicity it'd bring to my load development regime. Also, doing so at 50 yards should further streamline the process. Lots of great ideas here.

Along the lines of 1 shot group, how far the first shot is from point of aim is what I really care about

Here's a one shot group from one of these Creedmoor's 😀

With a Leupold? How did you get it to retain zero long enough to make the shot?! (Grin)

That’ll do!

Saweet!

Darrik,
Any word on the 3 shot M+ magazines? Thank you.

Also, is there any word on when left-handed versions will be available? Thanks.

I sure hope Darrik is successful in talks with Tikka making a 6mm Creed as well. Great cartridge.....

Nice buck!

Finally broke down and ordered one of these. Hope it shoots as good as my Tikka 22-250 8 twist

You will be a happy camper!

....and then there were just 15 in stock. Put one on layaway as a Christmas/Birthday present for myself. Figured I would put it under the Super Chicken 6x that I bought on Black Friday.

Ordered it yesterday and it made it to my ffl today. I’m only about 3 1/2 hours away but that is still great service

Different experience here, they're holding mine for ransom!

Ordered a second.

Does anyone know if they make the m+ magazine in a 5 round?

They’re making them. They just hadn’t shipped any yet. Probably after the first of the year?

Hopefully you will let us know when you get them

how about a lefty in the creed? im getting nervous

It’ll happen. Hopefully soon! I’ll post something as soon as they arrive.

Forgot to get one with my rifle so will ask here: what bore guide is recommended for the T3x 6.5 creedmoor?

Merry Christmas to me, put one on layaway. This will be my first Tikka.

Hopefully you'll be tikkal'd with it.

Likely your last too, unless you put a 223 in the mix.

So Darrik - no luck with just the 3 round magazine?

Not yet, but I’m working on it. I’ll know more after SHOT.

Are theee still available?

Yes.

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-1707201610258

Oh man! I'll have to log into 24HCF more often!

Thanks, we will stay tuned.

Finally got my T3 SL together with the 3-15x SS.

I got a scope on order so I haven't got to shoot mine yet

Got mine finally!

These things must be pretty bad, nobody's posting pics of how they rigged them up or range reports.

Shame....

Mine shoots so good, I thought about getting another one to have as a spare.

It is rigged with a Bushy LRHS, Sportsmatch rings, and that's it. Shoots everything exceptionally well.

Mine went into a Mickey Edge Kuiu with a Mt Tactical bolt handle, sportsmatch rings, LRHS, Mt Tac bottom METAL. Swallowed a large amount of Rl17 and a 140 Eld with aplomb.

Are these "new style" mags, as mentioned in this thread, available anywhere yet?

Darrik to the rescue.

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/47628

Cool, I'll put one on layaway! LOL

i bought 2 5 rounders from darrick


my lefty t3x 6.5 cm is a 1/2" gun with me and federal 140 non typical.

a better shooter could get a ragged 1 hole group i think.

i aint got time to chase a unicorn. it shoots great for me and will do what i want. im done chasing the perfect hunting rifle i found it

Does that linked Whittaker's magazine for the Creed show what COAL it maximizes at?

Greg, it's listed m+. I believe mine is 2.97-2.98

Mine works like a Tikka.











SS 3-9x42mm, Sportsmatch rings,

Bought my Tikka T3x Lite SS CM early March this year and have put approximately 500 rounds through it so far. First thing I did was peel off the orange and black packaging stickers. Then attached a VX-5 2-10x42 in Talley lightweights. Bought 100 Lapua cases, Wilson hand dies, CCI 450 primers, various packets of Sierra, Berger and Hornady bullets and got to work.

One thing soon became apparent and that was due to the long throat and extra mag length on these rifles velocity was well down on what most 6.5 CM users are getting in other rifle makes with their H4350 loads. Originally struck a very good accuracy node with 43.2 gr of H4350 and the ELD-X at 2680 fps .010" off the lands for several groups of .25-35 MOA. However, I worked up to 44.2 gr of H4350 and the 143 ELD-X for 2750 fps and sub .5 MOA. Have tried Varget and R17 with the 123 SST and 130 VLD Hunting but accuracy was disappointing in the .75 MOA area or worse.

Have shot two fallow spikers with the 143 ELD-X and expansion wasn't impressive at close to 300 yards although they both died quickly and didn't mover any distance. They're not large deer so I've worked up a load of 46 grs of H4350 with the 123 SST that averages at 2910 fps on the Labradar for .5 MOA average. The 123 SST was developed for the 6.5 Grendel and should open up well for lung shots on the fallow. For the larger Red deer I'll stick to the 143 ELD-X.

So far, I'm really impressed with the accuracy of this Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 Creedmoor. The designers certainly put some serious thought into it with regards to the longer mag space and barrel length.

This could very well be the set up of set ups....

I'd move that front ring forward a touch....and maybe go with some forest green tape to contrast with the orange Teeka sticker.
But otherwise, that should work.

I was thinking rifle, chambering, and scope. I'd probably still be LW's, although a rail would be tempting too.



I.....must......look......away.......

Absolutely. If/when I decide to move back up to a big gun from the lowly 6-Winchester, a six and a half Creedmoor will be it.

By my estimation, it should be less blasty by a skosh, and more suitable to a carbine-ish length barrel.

It’s sooo stupid easy.






Would prefer to move it forward.... but can’t with the recoil pin. And the stickers drive people nuts. Grin.

The recoil is light and the Sportsmatch rings have four clamping screws. I doubt the recoil pin would contribute anything. Yes, the Tikka stickers would drive most of us nuts - just like the Rainguard sticker on Bushnell scopes.

I concur!

Well, mine will be like that too, but some sorta more-cool tape!

I have not shot mine much yet, but what shooting I've done has been very acceptable. Has anyone cut down the barrel on this rifle? I'm thinking to chop down to about 21", seems like for a "light" rifle that would be more in the range of what to expect. Also seems a little muzzle heavy in the balance department, that would help somewhat. I know I would lose a bit of velocity, but not a huge deal.

A bit of extra muzzle might be nice if you scope it with a SWFA. My Superlite is all butt....

I'm with you @NMiller. I think these would be nice with a 20 or 21 inch barrel. I'd lean towards the 20.

I wish Whitaker’s would order a run of these with a 21 or 22 inch barrel!

hmmmm. cool rifle.

I’d go 20-21” before I thought about taking it out for its maiden voyage. Hacksaw blades are cheap.

I’m hoping for a 6 creed run.

I've got a 6x mq on it and it still seems front heavy.

My shot like a typical Tikka, all factory loads except Hornady Superformance MOA or less and some closer to half MOA. Since I already had a 6.5 CTR w/ a 24” barrel, I chopped the barrel down to 22” and accuracy didn’t suffer any.

Below are some factory ammo velocities from the 22” barrel measured with a magneto speed. I thought the SD on some of these factory loads was impressive.

Velocity 6.5CM Tikka T3 22" 70 deg F
Prime 130- 3-shot avg 2763
Nosler 120gr e-tip 2780, 2807, 2841
Fed Berger 130, 2714, 2694, 2766 avg 2724
Hornady 147 ELD-m , 2506, 2496, 2499- avg 2500
Norma 130sirrocco 2, 2667,2672,2675 avg 2671

Dang, those 147 ELDM are 195 fps slow.

This is my only concern with chopping. I want to shoot this bullet in this rifle, but don't want it dragging along too slow. Was hoping not to drop below 2600.

i really dont think 2” of barrel is gonna make up the 200 fps. ive never chronoed my tikkers but according to the word around the campfire they tend to run slow.

I'd imagine somebody else around the 'fire has clocked them. Hopefully they'll chime in.

I’m at 2,540fps with factory 147’s and factory barrel.

Factory 143 ELDX 2657
Factory Hornady Black 140 HPBT 2648

Anyone shot the Hornady American Gunner 140s? Especially curious for this model Tikka and the RAR Predator... Tnx.

I have. It's the exact same thing as Academy's exclusive Hornady Black ammo. About 1/2" in my T3X, 2700fps.

Thanks JG!