I bought a T3 in .308 on the recommendation of a close friend that was thrilled with his in .30-06. I'm a taller guy and had to add the buttstock extension. Once I had that sorted there has been no looking back. It performs consistently with a Leopold 3x9 using Hornady whitetail in 150gr. The only improvement I would make would be a double stack magazine to get to 4 or 5 rounds. I agree that 3 is all you should need but more is still better. I have the 5 round mag but don't like how it extends because it is so close to the trigger guard. But that's is just me whining. If you are in the market for a new rifle, this should be high on your list for consideration.
@@kevingipe8242 I have a B-14 HMR in 308. Accuracy is 1 MOA-ish for 5-shot groups with the best handloads I could work up for it. Like in Ron's previous video where he shot the B-14 HMR in 308, it's extremely picky on the bullets it likes. I've seen plenty of great range reports for the B-14 HMR in other calibers but I don't think they are anything to write home about in 308. Also, it turns out the threads on my bolt shroud are flattening out and I believe it is causing ignition problems. My Tikka CTR on the other hand averages under 0.5 MOA for 5-shot groups and I never had any issues whatsoever with it. Anyway, My B-14 HMR sits in the safe because it's no fun to shoot compared to my Tikka.
@TheMasada05 I have always appreciated the Savages for accuracy, but am not so fond of the way the action feels. The Tikka feel better to me. I got spoiled because my first couple centerfire bolt actions were Lee Enfields that were butter smooth. Nothing else has quite measured up.
I got a savage 110 308 bull barrel and it's a great shooter. It's too long of barrel, over 10lbs, gross stock, front heavy, disgusting action but its trigger is okay and it's very accurate
The Savage has shot best so far. However, I think the Bergera got cheated. Ron didnt realize it had to sling studs when he was shooting and threw off the accuracy.
@@shannondavis6571if my bergara ridge 300wm is any indication, the bergara didn’t get shorted. I’ve put 7 different factory loads through it and one has shot sub moa at 100. About to test handloads and see if that helps the situation. Meanwhile my $450 Ruger American predator in 308, like they tested here, is well under MOA if I do my part. My handloads have printed 1/2” groups when I was having a good day.
I have the same Ruger Predator in .308. They seem to like ammunition in 165ish range. I paid about $400 new for mine. Best deer buster for the money. And the Tupperware stock , I ground out the channel and used some filler. Stiff as a board. The free float is literally enough to slide cardboard through.
Yeah I took my Ruger American in 270 and trimmed back the inner top edges of the polymer stock towards the end as it would often kiss the barrel with any pressure, and then I added filler/epoxy at the base of the barrel and a little bit into the stock to stiffen it up.
Im really enjoying the .308 content. I think it's a great performer, and just as important to me is that it's available, affordable, and has a ton of choices in loads and rifles. Add it all up, and it's a great choice.
Agreed! Ron doesn't hesitate to share what he finds to be shortcomings compared to more modern rounds but I do appreciate that he doesn't dismiss it completely. He operates at a different level of precision that is beyond what is necessary for me to attain, if I even could. In the end, he's informative and fair about the round I use.
Totally agree, however, the cost saving’s on ACCURATE .308 ammo for my rifle wasn’t as big of a savings as I thought it would be. But still feel it was the right choice for me because my next bolt gun cost of ammunition will not be considered (as heavily). 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 28 Nosler, 6.8 Furry.
To make the most out of your .308, get a .22 for practice on paper. Even get a coach for an afternoon. With enough practice you wont even need a scope for your .308.
I got my wife a 308 remington 700 ADL. It was very picky on the ammo and would consistently shoot 1.75 - 2 inch groups. I free floated the barrel and now it is sub moa to 1.25 inch groups at 100 yards consistently and typically around the 2 inch mark at 200 yards
My first gun I still have is a Mossberg hunting rifle in 30-06. Basically the same gun as the first 2 except the barrel is fluted and free floating. Same 2 stage trigger. I was hitting 3-4 inch groups at 600 yards. That’s is WAY more accurate than I’ll ever need to be but man is it fun to do. I’m hesitant to try a target rifle cause that’s good enough for me.
I bought a Marlin XS7 .308 about 20 years ago. It has the barreI nut, the floating bolt-head and accu trigger from Savage and pillar beaded. $300. I cut the barrel off to 19'. I filled the butt stock with expanding foam and glass bedded and floated the barrel. It's a sweet shooter. 👍
bought my wife one for 400 with a hawke scope on it and it shoots cloverleaf groups at 100 with core lokts and american whitetail hornadys. bargain moa to say the least
I had one in 243Win, bedded, barrel lapped, 3-9 scope and was a tack driver...sold it to a friend for her son's deer rifle. Hope he has it a long time. I took a dozen Pronghorn doe with it too.
I’ve always thought the Savages are ugly and clunky to operate but every one I’ve shot has been more accurate than I’m capable of doing! Chase got pretty lucky over all with his selections
i have a 10fp in 308 i catch crap for the looks (bedded a thumb hole stock) but have not found its "pet load" my savage 17HMR shoots under .5" at 100yd no problem best 5 shot group to date .331
I was a Remington fan until I started shooting Savage rifles. I've had excellent accuracy vs price with them. For bolt guns I turn to Savage. Though I'm probably going to try one of the Mossberg rifles in the future in 375 Ruger.
I mentioned last evening that I had a B14 in 6.5 Creed and a PA10 in 308 with the 18" bbl and was pleased with both. I also have a Ruger American in 308 that shoots MOA with many different loads. Great value.
@@sneakinguponit it's a cheap plastic rotary mag. With that being said it has functioned adequately at the range and in the field. Would I want to go to war with it. That's another story. But it is a budget rifle.
@@BornAgain2019 I’m familiar with the magazine. Just seeing about other’s opinions. Mine is unreliable after stripping the first round. I wish there was an alternative. Thinking about ditching the rifle because of it.
the tikka t3x performs better then most "expensive" rifles, even though at 1300 for a new t3x in canada, I would say it is more on the mid tier then budget. By far the best rifle on the market atm imo. My custom t3x in .308 will shoot .325 inch 6 shot groups with handloads....
I have an SPS Remington rifle, it doesn't have a true Hogue stock, it's empty composite and can twist with light hand strength. Changed mine out, helped 150%
I think the Savage Axis II should have been included in the budget rifle roundup for 308. With the one caveat that the oem polymere/plastic stock is to flimsy and should be repalced ($150 ish). You can often find the Axis II in 308 for under $400 easily.
@@bernzie717 Remember under our last PM when our dollar was on par with the American dollar for a few years. Now 1$ Can, is worth 0.75$ USD... Miss those days.
If you are shooting an axis II and hate the flex stock like I idd. Stiffen it up with some expanding foam. Be careful to get the right kind so as not to inject more than the void can hold. I drilled a small hole in the comb down by the butt and put the foam straw in- slowly backing it out as the void filled. Filled the grip void with some two part epoxy. The stock is stiffer, with no wiggle and doesn't sound like a drum if it gets slapped by a branch. Cost less than $25 and adds no significant weight.
I've got a Weatherby Vanguard (Howa 1500 barreled action) for 550 bucks with a decent 3-9 scope. Its an awesome shooter. Hoping to drop a buck when the season opens this weekend!
Would have been interesting to see the barrel twist rates. Ive found 1:12, 1:11, and 1:10 for 308 bolt action hunting rifles. Browning introduced a new short barrel 308 hells canyon with 1:10 twist this year which has my attention. The X bolt and AB3 have 1:12 twist. I guess 180 grain and below wouldn't really matter but interesting to see if it's correlated to anything in your test
I won't say I'm shocked on the Remmy but I'm sad. I worked for them, I love everyone in Ilion, and I was rooting for it to perform. The Hogue touches the barrel and I always put my SPS Tactical AACSD units in aftermarket stocks from Stocky's or Magpul. I did hope Ron was going to run a 700 Police or 700 LTR, which would have been a massive performance gain. And as expected; Tikka is the rock star of the day. Sako Finland is exceptional stuff.
When Remington retooled around 1999 or so we bought several SPS stainless rifles , 300 rum , 7mag, and a few more. They all shot GREAT with the 300 rum and 7 mag at top, my buddy kept the 300 , I kept the 7mag , my 7mag will put 3 - 140 Nosler BT into a .226 hole , 1st load I tried, 65.5 of RL-19. Both rifles just are amazing and all that was done to them was Trigger, and firing pin systems.
Ya, Remington has that classic look and feel, but from my experience it's a crapshoot to find one that shoots good. Could get a sub moa gun or it's shooting just like Rons was.
I have the 2016 limited edition Rem 700 CDLSF in 35 Whelen. Fit and finish are exceptional. No problem cloverleafing 3 225 gr Sierras @100yds. Awesome rifle in a much under appreciated cartridge.
One of the best true budget bolt action 308 rifles is the T/C compass 308 at $399 currently (i got it on sale sub $300 a few years ago). 22in floating AND threaded barrel, 1:12 twist, 5R rifling, adjustable 1 stage trigger, 60 degree bolt lift for better scope clearance, 3 lug bolt, and 3 position safety. 1 moa out of the box. Wish i bought more than one back then!
The Tikka T3X still the king of sub $1000 rifles, one of the smoothest actions on the market, shoots sub MOA and it comes in a bunch of configurations. The biggest issue that I see is the lack of threaded barrels. I have a Superlight in 7mm-08 that is an absolute tack driver!
I love tikkka's. Been a fan for a long time. I do however hate the mag. Not comfortable to carry the way it sticks out. Which is why I changed to sauer xt 100, being cheaper, as accurate, faster cycling action, 3 position safety and flush 5 shot mag. Lol took a lot of thought and agonizing before I took the plunge. Don't regret it.
In many European countries, suppressors are allowed or even mandated. In north america they are only allowed in certain places and usually only after getting a special permit.@@murhapuro86
I’ve owned a Tikka. Yes the action is smoother than a Savage or Ruger the Tikka I had was in an equally chitty stock.. The TIKKA trigger is better than Ruger, but can’t really say the same for savage. The smooth action of the Tikka is its only advantage in my opinion because I have Rugers and Savages sling just as good of groups. For the same money as a Tikka you can buy a Ruger or Savage and throw it in a decent stock or either buy a scope or be $100,s ahead into a scope.. I’m not that much of an action snob to warrant spending $100’s if not double the money for a smoother action and have a comparable accuracy.. But then again I’m just a hunter.
I feel like y'all are not letting the barrels cool off long enough in between shot strings for these tests. I will usually do 8-12 min between 3 shots groups, if I am shooting for tightest groups. the 150 grain always seems to shoot best and it is always the first one up to bat. HMM... Anyways thank you for all the amazing content, absolutely LOVE your youtube channel and podcast. I am a die hard viewer/listener.
100% a shooter issue. This guy is a terrible shot, you can watch his older videos, you could give him a custom benchrest rifle and he would still not group below 1 moa.
I thought the groups were that good as well. It did look like shooter error. Not trying to talk down, I'm not amazing either, but feel the guns had more in them with the same ammo.
Great video,.. honest too, which is what I do appreciate. I couldn't help but think that here in Canada, a Tikka would never be thought of as a "budget rifle" My next rifle will be ( hopefully ) a Tikka CTR,... I just have to build up the piggy bank a little more.
The real winner here is the Hornady 150 load. Best group out of every rifle. Or, maybe we're seeing the effects of barrel heat.. one good group and then they open up.
Bought my Ruger American 308 for 375 OTD. It shoots Remington corelokt 150gr best. Consistently it's under an inch with that load, but the best group I've measured is 5/8ths of an inch, but I tried several others and they ranged from 1 to 1.5 inches. Hornady whitetail was my worst at 1.49 inches.
I watched this series with great interest when it came out because I was in the market for a .308. Ended up getting a T3X lite and transferred it into an MDT HNT26 chassis. It’s turned out a great rifle and despite the budget value of the rifle itself, I prefer the end result over my Sako.
I have an old Remington 788 in .308 Win. Considered the cheapo of it’s day at $142.00 in the early 1980’s, it turned out to be a tackdriver and still works great to this day. Taken more than a few deer with it.
I got the Cabela's made real wood engraving stock model high gloss blueing barrel. That this is a tack driver with 165 grain ammo. You can still find them on GunBroker cheap sometimes new. The wood stock not the synthetic wood seems to be a better gun, barrel ,bolt all the way around and can be had cheap.
I got a good chuckle out of your comment about the special purpose. That movie is The Jerk with Steve Martin. I will never look at a Remington SPS the same again!
List price quoted on that Tikka was wrong. Keeping in mind, these are "budget" rifles. I see them for less than $800.00. The other rifles tested can't compare.
We've pretty much settled on Howa rifles for my two sons and myself. We have several in multiple calibers including 308, 30-06, and 6.5 Creedmoor. They are plenty accurate for the price, all have very good triggers. The ammo has a lot to do with accuracy. We were shooting "Brand F" 308 factory ammo and got a 5-inch pattern at 100 yds, at first we though the rifle or scope was bad. Next trip to the range we used handholds, a decent charge of IMR 3031 (less than max) behind a 168-gr Hornady BTHP Match bullet and got under 1-inch at 100 yds. Also got under 1-inch using Hornady 165-gr SST bullets. "Reloads Rule" and we take little special care in making them up. Howa and Hornady make a great combination.
A long time ago had a sporterized mouser (7mm) that was full bedded..accuracy sucked (poi changed with the weather and each shot would string). Floated the barrel, weather quit changing the point of aim, quit stringing shots, but groups opened up to 3" or so. Put a shim at the end of the stock (piece of teflon or bakalite as i recall) and the groups settled down to between .75 to 1.25 moa at 100 depending on ammunition. 45 years ago sub moa was not common without work. The things which affect accuracy can be surprising.
Well Ron, thank you for this review. I am looking for a new left handed Whitetail rifle and I’m from Pennsylvania and tight woods, and I can’t see spending $1000 when that $500 Ruger American varment comes in left handed which I need and was darn accurate love your reviews keep up the great content and keep it coming.
I did a load workup for a buddy of mine for his dpms LR308 and it was one-holing 3 shots at 100 yards with several different loads. We had a 5 shot froup with IMR 4064 and 150gr acubonds almost a quarter inch.
DPMS LR-308 likes the 165gr to 180gr one moa rifle but the barrel is stamped 7.62x51 and the lower receiver has 308win and I've seen more like that. I just shoot 308win.
Im sure you know that when you change ammo especially with different powder that first shot is essentially a fouling shot that will definitely open up the group.
I do like the 308. I have 4, my Tikka is a T3x Tact A1 so it would fit in with your heavy weight. It shoots sub MOA all day with my handloads using 175 gr SMK. As far as budget, my Ruger Predator 18" 308 shoots 125 gr TNT and 178 ELD-X handloads sub MOA all day as well and it also likes 150 gr Core-Lokt, pretty consistently sub MOA but not quite always. Hope when you take a second look you see the potential. I have a Vortex Razor LHT 3-15 sitting on top so I have a bit of an advantage over what you are shooting as well as a scope 3 times the value of the rifle. Great lighter weight hunting setup, but maybe not really budget.
Between my dad and I we have 4 tikkas as well. A stainless in .243, which shoots sub moa. Two of the UPR's (.308 and 6.5). And the tac a1 in 6.5. All shoot sub moa. I got some 130 and 140gr in 6.5 from berger. They make factory loads and in my upr first time I shot a .25" group at 100. I high recommend berger. Their hybrid bullets are one of, if not the best on the market. Very forgiving, good bc. Try running those through your tikka and see if you notice a difference.
I’ve owned a Tikka and currently own Savage and Ruger. The Tikka I had came in an equally chitty plastic stock and about the only advantage I would give it is the smoother action. The Savage and Ruger I have sling just as good as groups as the Tikka did. I don’t warrant a smoother action and comparable groups to be $100’s if not double the price. I can put a Savage or a Ruger in a better stock and be money ahead, something the Tikka needs as well in my experience. Or those $100’s will go quite a ways on a good optic. Tikka makes a nice rifle that’s for sure. However I don’t see the accuracy difference to warrant the much higher price.
I've got a Stevens model 200, 22", sporter barrel in .308. I have it in a Coate Ultra Sniper stock. I have a rubber "barrel deresonator" on the barrel. It has a 1:10 twist. I load 168gn bullets and Varget powder. Makes a nice clover leaf at 100 yards.
I have a tikka t3x lite in a 30-06 and right out of the box I shot 3/4” group after sighting it in. Since then I’ve shot even better groups. Love my tikka!
My 308 is a T/C Compass Utility. I gave less than $240 for the rifle new in the box and I topped it with an old 4X Nikon I had on hand. With a handloaded Barnes 130gr TTSX it is a sub .5 MOA rifle. What more can you ask of a rifle that cheap?
From my experience, when changing bullet types, a fowling shot is often required. I believe the different jacket material can often throw that first shot off.
Take the Ruger Predator and get a $150 Timney trigger, a $300 Bell & Carlson stock, Glass Bed the recoil lug and you've got a sub-1/2-MOA rifle as good as an $1,800 rifle from Christensen or Seekins Precision. Total Cost - $900. Totally worth it!
I have the ruger american 308 in the 18" barrel mounted on a magpol hunter stock. 165 grain hornady outfitter is dead nuts accurate. 100 to 400 yrds shots has dropped white tail, red stag, axes and hogs with ease. It is my go to for just about everything situation
I shoot a Tikka M55 Deluxe 308. I bought it in 1984 at the Rod and Gun Club at Rhein-Main AB, West Germany. I run Remington Core-Lokt 180's through it, am always sub MOA. The gun always has been more accurate than I'm capable of. If I do my part, the rifle's always done it's job.
Ive owned several of these and paid like 499+ tax for the early model and later on the predator came out and paid 572+ tax and it had the Magpul magazine and longer barrel. Sold both of them, I didn't have a problem with either one of them really. The first one i was just needing money and chick's husband in the laundry mat wanted it sold on the spot. The second one was in 6.5 creed and I built it with a 30mm special edition turret type scope for long range, very expensive! Just never could find the time to go where I would need to go in order to shoot long range. So I sold it too. I actually miss that set-up! That was one extremely capable set-up! If Ruger would fix the bolt where it would stay closed while hunting I'd buy another predator aics/Magpul probably in 7mm rem.Mag.
Great videos Ron. I am interested in getting a new riifle but i am perplex to pick between 6.5 prc or the old 7mm08 and 308. Can you do a video on that?
I have several Savage rifles. All of them shoot and function. I got a ruger american 223 amd it is a dandy also. I love the pre-threaded barrels. I don't shoot without a suppressor anymore.
Ron, great video. I bought my wife her first hunting rifle just a bit over a month ago. Tikka T3X walnut in 6.5 Creedmoor. I love my 308's, a Browning Lever Rifle and a Henry single shot, but she wanted something a little softer on the shoulder. Beautiful rifle for the money, easily shoots 3 hole clover leafs touching at 100 yards with Barnes 120 grain TTSX hand loads. Factory of the same is only a little bit larger group. Still under .5 MOA. I would love to see you redo these with some quality mono copper ammo!
Too bad they don't make the Stevens 200 anymore. I paid less than $300 NIB .30-06 about 12 years ago (can't believe it's been that long ago) put a Nikon 3×9 w/BDC. I was out hunting elk and deer in NM for in the $400's. Had to debur the injection molded seams here and there, put a giant kick-eez sissy pad on it because it's so light and kicks above it's caliber. Heck, I even got a little range finder for free with my scope. Everything's still going strong and it's always shot dead-nutz...better than my ability. Can't believe we're talking "budget" rifles at the +/-$1000 MSRP range! (I'm officially an FOG after this statement😂) The other rifle I considered was a Weatherby Vanguard which I think they still make. Good video BTW
I lived in finland for a year and now find it funny to hear people say teeka and sayko. I was on a few farms for my time there and talked about hunting and rifles more than we hunted, but ive heard both names said in thier native tongue 1000s of times. Although i found coming home to Australia that people here are starting to say sahko which is closer but still not there. I get funny looks and "corrected" when i say them like a fin would 😂.
@nathanlarson7408 it's hard to do it in text, but sako is like sahko. The a is more like aah (open your mouth and say aaah) but kept short. The o is only the 1st half of an English speakers o. If that makes sense? And for Tikka, you kind of pause on the k sound. Tick-a. They pronounce a, o and I sounds a little differently, and I have no idea how to demonstrate that without making the sound. But it's a subtle difference.
@nathanlarson7408 more uh. But the important bit is holding on the kk. A double letter in Finnish is like extending the sound of that letter. With sounds like kk or tt, it ends up being no sound but a pause. LL for example, you can make a long l sound but there's no sound you can stretch out for some letters so it ends up being a held pause. I'm sure there's some audio or video examples.
@nathanlarson7408 think of them like this.... sako is somewhere between saahk and suck sounds. The final o is short. Like "or" without pronouncing the r. Tikka is like "tick" The "kk" is held and the "a" is like "up" without the "p". Haha this is tricky without knowing how to write a sound. They have different ways to make "o" and "a" sounds by adding marks over the top like ä ö etc. A few variants of that mark make different sounds. Without the marks above, it's a short sound like how we would start that letters sound. I hope im not making this worse. 🤣🤣
This is also a perfect example of each rifle can be wildly different even if its the same model... i have a newer Remington 700 ADL factory heavy barreled 308 action in a MPR chassis and it shoots 1/4 inch groups at 100 meters with factory match federal 168 smk's. love that rifle.
I bought a used but never fired Thompson Center Venture 7mm-08 for $350. Matt stainless with black synthetic stock. I put a Leupold VX3 on it and it's a tack driver! Sub moa!
Savage model 110, tack driver ! Own three, 270, 7mm-08, and son has a 308 all are no frills killing machines. No experience with the lower priced Axis. I held one in store and Axis stock feels super cheap (hollow) compared to 110.
I owned a lot a guns over the years and even was an m-60 machine Gunner for a while. Nothing wrong with the 308 win. Just thought slightly bigger is a 30-06 and slightly smaller is the 270 win. I never had problems cycling bolts for short or long action. A recoil sensitive person.
I own a variety of bolt action rifles. Savage Axis 2, a couple of Ruger Americans, and a Tikka T3x Lite. But when it came to the .308, I did not buy budget or bolt action. I got a Desert Tech MDRXCOM with several barrel kits. It came with the .308 kit, and the others collect dust. I probably should get a budget rifle. When I got shooting with a few of my friends the MDRX is the "cheap" rifle in the group. But with most people I go shooting with, the rifles in this video are more common.
Ive always shot savage rifles, had pretty good luck with accuracy. I will say the ammo wieght makes a huge difference. Ive had the best luck with the 165 grain. 150 was all over the place. The new Ruger American in 7 prc or 270 might be my new rifle. Never owned a 308 though and I always thought i should.
You would like the Tikka with the Wood Stock better. The Flat bottom on the wood feels just a bit nicer in the hand. Going from a round fore-end to a flatter one for hunting takes some getting used to, but you really feel the advantage when you actually hunt with it. You just naturally keep it level.
I have over a dozen Ruger Americans in various intermediate and full bore cartridges and every single one of them have been MOA or less straight out of box. I have the same 308 predator model with the 18 inch barrel he uses in the video and it will shoot 150 grain el cheapo Federal Power Shoks all touching at a hundred. My daughters little Ranch model Grendel will literally cut the same hole at a hundred with Hornady Black ELD-Ms. Other than the not so great stocks and some of the actions needing to be smoothed out a little, the only real serious hiccups I’ve every had with any of the Americans was the Ranch in 7.62x39 and the Predator model in Grendel had some light primer strikes when I first shot them. Come to find out it was anything wrong with the springs, they just had to much grease packed in them from the factory. All in all, it’s really hard to beat the price, reliability and accuracy of the Ruger Americans as far as budget guns. Now if they will just release one a predator model in 6mm arc I’ll be a happy camper👍
I don't know how much the Remington was sticking on the feeding with the 3rd shot was having the tips of the bullets smashed up and if it has anything to do with the 3rd shot flyers.
Possible point. But it reminds me of where Remington 700's once were and now one wonders. With rifle prices escalating, it's great these videos are helping us to make a higher probability choice. Beauty at the alter wains if she can't cook in the kitchen. Accuracy most always trumps over a beauty that's admired in the gun cabinet. The ideal is to have both, especially at what firearms cost.
Just traded into a Steyr .308 (not a budget gun) and look forward to getting an optic mounted proper (for whatever reason I can’t figure out how to do it without the scope sliding around, it’s rather emasculating) and shooting. The free float on the barrel is like the distance between earth and the clouds
Great video . . . but you have not convinced me to trade-in my "old" Savage Model 11 Sporter weight. Three shot 100 yard groups I can hide with a quarter when I do my job. After that they start to open up; but it's a deer rifle so that's OK. But I forked out the coin for a 19 oz. Leupold VX-5HD FireDot 3-15x44mm FireDot Duplex (Bee's knees in early dawn and twilight). BDC dial instead of a "Christmas tree" reticle. I love the scope and it carries the rifle. A friend of me has the Tikka as you show (in 6.5 CM) and I watched him hit, not just move, two consecutive golfballs at 300 yards. If I lost my Savage in a boating accident I would look at one of those. The new Savages (Apex) don't call to me.
Tikka T3x is the only “budget rifle” for me!
I’ve lost so much time in money trying to “save money” that I’m sticking to “value rifles”.
The bergara b-14 is also a good option, I have one in .270 and it’s an absolute tac driver
I bought a T3 in .308 on the recommendation of a close friend that was thrilled with his in .30-06. I'm a taller guy and had to add the buttstock extension. Once I had that sorted there has been no looking back. It performs consistently with a Leopold 3x9 using Hornady whitetail in 150gr. The only improvement I would make would be a double stack magazine to get to 4 or 5 rounds. I agree that 3 is all you should need but more is still better. I have the 5 round mag but don't like how it extends because it is so close to the trigger guard. But that's is just me whining. If you are in the market for a new rifle, this should be high on your list for consideration.
Sako or tikka is all I’ll buy the bean counters have ruined the rest
@@kevingipe8242 I have a B-14 HMR in 308. Accuracy is 1 MOA-ish for 5-shot groups with the best handloads I could work up for it. Like in Ron's previous video where he shot the B-14 HMR in 308, it's extremely picky on the bullets it likes. I've seen plenty of great range reports for the B-14 HMR in other calibers but I don't think they are anything to write home about in 308. Also, it turns out the threads on my bolt shroud are flattening out and I believe it is causing ignition problems.
My Tikka CTR on the other hand averages under 0.5 MOA for 5-shot groups and I never had any issues whatsoever with it. Anyway, My B-14 HMR sits in the safe because it's no fun to shoot compared to my Tikka.
Most big game hunters in my area have expensive rifles and scopes. They have zero range time. They even scoff at a .22 for practice.
That Savage 110 .308 tactical that was featured last night really seems to be one of the best rifles shot yet!
@TheMasada05 I have always appreciated the Savages for accuracy, but am not so fond of the way the action feels. The Tikka feel better to me. I got spoiled because my first couple centerfire bolt actions were Lee Enfields that were butter smooth. Nothing else has quite measured up.
U just say that cuz u bought one
I got a savage 110 308 bull barrel and it's a great shooter. It's too long of barrel, over 10lbs, gross stock, front heavy, disgusting action but its trigger is okay and it's very accurate
The Savage has shot best so far. However, I think the Bergera got cheated. Ron didnt realize it had to sling studs when he was shooting and threw off the accuracy.
@@shannondavis6571if my bergara ridge 300wm is any indication, the bergara didn’t get shorted. I’ve put 7 different factory loads through it and one has shot sub moa at 100. About to test handloads and see if that helps the situation. Meanwhile my $450 Ruger American predator in 308, like they tested here, is well under MOA if I do my part. My handloads have printed 1/2” groups when I was having a good day.
I got a savage axis gen 1 at chinamart several years ago for $250. Shoots great groups with anything under 170 grains.
I think I’ve still got the receipt when I bought mine. $199.98 after tax. Unfortunately it doesn’t shoot worth a damn.
I have the same Ruger Predator in .308. They seem to like ammunition in 165ish range. I paid about $400 new for mine. Best deer buster for the money. And the Tupperware stock , I ground out the channel and used some filler. Stiff as a board. The free float is literally enough to slide cardboard through.
Yeah I took my Ruger American in 270 and trimmed back the inner top edges of the polymer stock towards the end as it would often kiss the barrel with any pressure, and then I added filler/epoxy at the base of the barrel and a little bit into the stock to stiffen it up.
Im really enjoying the .308 content. I think it's a great performer, and just as important to me is that it's available, affordable, and has a ton of choices in loads and rifles. Add it all up, and it's a great choice.
Agreed! Ron doesn't hesitate to share what he finds to be shortcomings compared to more modern rounds but I do appreciate that he doesn't dismiss it completely. He operates at a different level of precision that is beyond what is necessary for me to attain, if I even could. In the end, he's informative and fair about the round I use.
Totally agree, however, the cost saving’s on ACCURATE .308 ammo for my rifle wasn’t as big of a savings as I thought it would be. But still feel it was the right choice for me because my next bolt gun cost of ammunition will not be considered (as heavily). 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 28 Nosler, 6.8 Furry.
@@ca2129I'm tossing around getting a 28 Nosler as well. Not that I need anything else, but that's not the point. 😂
To make the most out of your .308, get a .22 for practice on paper. Even get a coach for an afternoon. With enough practice you wont even need a scope for your .308.
I'm loving this series. I hope you keep making videos like this. Keep it up gentlemen!
I got my wife a 308 remington 700 ADL. It was very picky on the ammo and would consistently shoot 1.75 - 2 inch groups. I free floated the barrel and now it is sub moa to 1.25 inch groups at 100 yards consistently and typically around the 2 inch mark at 200 yards
so far I'd go with the savage 110 tactical. Not overly heavy, great accuracy and features.
Just avoid the savage with the bolt release in front of the trigger guard. Seriously limits your aftermarket stock options. Great rifles otherwise.
My savage 110 tactical is like carrying a 50 pound bag of concrete in woods.. heaviest gun ive ever owned.
My first gun I still have is a Mossberg hunting rifle in 30-06. Basically the same gun as the first 2 except the barrel is fluted and free floating. Same 2 stage trigger. I was hitting 3-4 inch groups at 600 yards. That’s is WAY more accurate than I’ll ever need to be but man is it fun to do. I’m hesitant to try a target rifle cause that’s good enough for me.
I bought a Marlin XS7 .308 about 20 years ago. It has the barreI nut, the floating bolt-head and accu trigger from Savage and pillar beaded. $300. I cut the barrel off to 19'. I filled the butt stock with expanding foam and glass bedded and floated the barrel. It's a sweet shooter. 👍
bought my wife one for 400 with a hawke scope on it and it shoots cloverleaf groups at 100 with core lokts and american whitetail hornadys. bargain moa to say the least
Wasn't it built by Howa ?
19 feet is a long barrel lol
@@nathanhickey2430 They were made by Marlin in Connecticut.
I had one in 243Win, bedded, barrel lapped, 3-9 scope and was a tack driver...sold it to a friend for her son's deer rifle. Hope he has it a long time. I took a dozen Pronghorn doe with it too.
I’ve always thought the Savages are ugly and clunky to operate but every one I’ve shot has been more accurate than I’m capable of doing! Chase got pretty lucky over all with his selections
I wish the actions were smoother on them, bolt lift is always heavy but they shoot!
The Savage 110 Storm and Hunter are good looking rifles, especially with the Accu stock
Same exact experience for me
i have a 10fp in 308 i catch crap for the looks (bedded a thumb hole stock) but have not found its "pet load" my savage 17HMR shoots under .5" at 100yd no problem best 5 shot group to date .331
I was a Remington fan until I started shooting Savage rifles. I've had excellent accuracy vs price with them. For bolt guns I turn to Savage. Though I'm probably going to try one of the Mossberg rifles in the future in 375 Ruger.
After dragging my CZ 550 varmint 22-250 around for many years I found the ligher weight standard stocked rifles to be the way to go!
I mentioned last evening that I had a B14 in 6.5 Creed and a PA10 in 308 with the 18" bbl and was pleased with both. I also have a Ruger American in 308 that shoots MOA with many different loads. Great value.
How’s the magazine in the Ruger?
@@sneakinguponit it's a cheap plastic rotary mag. With that being said it has functioned adequately at the range and in the field. Would I want to go to war with it. That's another story. But it is a budget rifle.
@@BornAgain2019 I’m familiar with the magazine. Just seeing about other’s opinions. Mine is unreliable after stripping the first round. I wish there was an alternative. Thinking about ditching the rifle because of it.
@@sneakinguponit Magpul replacement stock with AICS magazines?
@@BornAgain2019 I’ve thought about modding to use AICS mags. That’s probably the route I will go. These guns are decent shooters. Hard to let them go.
the tikka t3x performs better then most "expensive" rifles, even though at 1300 for a new t3x in canada, I would say it is more on the mid tier then budget. By far the best rifle on the market atm imo. My custom t3x in .308 will shoot .325 inch 6 shot groups with handloads....
Better value than the Sauer 100?
@@InvisibleMinority not super familiar with the saur 100 yet, but truly hard to beat the value of a tikka.
I have an SPS Remington rifle, it doesn't have a true Hogue stock, it's empty composite and can twist with light hand strength. Changed mine out, helped 150%
I love the Tikka I have 3 of them and the action is as smooth as butter. Accuracy is great for a hunting rifle.
I think the Savage Axis II should have been included in the budget rifle roundup for 308. With the one caveat that the oem polymere/plastic stock is to flimsy and should be repalced ($150 ish). You can often find the Axis II in 308 for under $400 easily.
In canada they were 400$ now it’s up to 650$ for axis !!!
@@bernzie717 Remember under our last PM when our dollar was on par with the American dollar for a few years. Now 1$ Can, is worth 0.75$ USD... Miss those days.
I had one with a wood stock and a scope cost me 400$ from the store. That was five or so years ago. Great value though.
If you are shooting an axis II and hate the flex stock like I idd. Stiffen it up with some expanding foam. Be careful to get the right kind so as not to inject more than the void can hold. I drilled a small hole in the comb down by the butt and put the foam straw in- slowly backing it out as the void filled. Filled the grip void with some two part epoxy. The stock is stiffer, with no wiggle and doesn't sound like a drum if it gets slapped by a branch. Cost less than $25 and adds no significant weight.
@@Leif1963 interesting fix, I'll have to think about that. Its mostly the foreend of the stock that needs fixing though.
Howa 1500 seems to be the best budget rifle imo. You can get one for under $500 that comes with a threaded barrel and they’re pretty lightweight
Been packing a HOWA in 308 Win for 20 years. Definitely the best of the budget rifles out there.
Agreed!
I've got a Weatherby Vanguard (Howa 1500 barreled action) for 550 bucks with a decent 3-9 scope. Its an awesome shooter. Hoping to drop a buck when the season opens this weekend!
@@cooper_tx The vanguards are great looking rifles. Weatherby does a great job with the cerakote and color selection on those rifles
Can’t compare to tikka the action and barrels are second to none made by sako hows is garbage compared to tikka
You should test the Howa 1500. Definitely a great budget rifle
My 1500 is on a chassis stock with a Vortex 4x12x40… Love it, Howa very seldom gets recognition like the others 🤦🏽♀️🤷🏼♀️
I have a stevens model 200 in 308. It has been a good one! All of my buddies have tried to buy it from me over the years.
Would have been interesting to see the barrel twist rates. Ive found 1:12, 1:11, and 1:10 for 308 bolt action hunting rifles. Browning introduced a new short barrel 308 hells canyon with 1:10 twist this year which has my attention. The X bolt and AB3 have 1:12 twist. I guess 180 grain and below wouldn't really matter but interesting to see if it's correlated to anything in your test
I won't say I'm shocked on the Remmy but I'm sad. I worked for them, I love everyone in Ilion, and I was rooting for it to perform. The Hogue touches the barrel and I always put my SPS Tactical AACSD units in aftermarket stocks from Stocky's or Magpul. I did hope Ron was going to run a 700 Police or 700 LTR, which would have been a massive performance gain. And as expected; Tikka is the rock star of the day. Sako Finland is exceptional stuff.
When Remington retooled around 1999 or so we bought several SPS stainless rifles , 300 rum , 7mag, and a few more.
They all shot GREAT with the 300 rum and 7 mag at top, my buddy kept the 300 , I kept the 7mag , my 7mag will put 3 - 140 Nosler BT into a .226 hole , 1st load I tried, 65.5 of RL-19.
Both rifles just are amazing and all that was done to them was Trigger, and firing pin systems.
Ya, Remington has that classic look and feel, but from my experience it's a crapshoot to find one that shoots good. Could get a sub moa gun or it's shooting just like Rons was.
I have the 2016 limited edition Rem 700 CDLSF in 35 Whelen. Fit and finish are exceptional. No problem cloverleafing 3 225 gr Sierras @100yds. Awesome rifle in a much under appreciated cartridge.
@@BornAgain2019one of my top favorites.
This guy was definitely not a great shooter.i would say some is him
Love Ron doing the "Price is right" Rifle modeling especially barrel length.😄
One of the best true budget bolt action 308 rifles is the T/C compass 308 at $399 currently (i got it on sale sub $300 a few years ago). 22in floating AND threaded barrel, 1:12 twist, 5R rifling, adjustable 1 stage trigger, 60 degree bolt lift for better scope clearance, 3 lug bolt, and 3 position safety. 1 moa out of the box. Wish i bought more than one back then!
The Tikka T3X still the king of sub $1000 rifles, one of the smoothest actions on the market, shoots sub MOA and it comes in a bunch of configurations. The biggest issue that I see is the lack of threaded barrels. I have a Superlight in 7mm-08 that is an absolute tack driver!
I love tikkka's. Been a fan for a long time. I do however hate the mag. Not comfortable to carry the way it sticks out. Which is why I changed to sauer xt 100, being cheaper, as accurate, faster cycling action, 3 position safety and flush 5 shot mag. Lol took a lot of thought and agonizing before I took the plunge. Don't regret it.
I think it's some marketing/importing policy , because all Tikka's sold in Finland are threaded
Bergara 308 is a good rifle
In many European countries, suppressors are allowed or even mandated. In north america they are only allowed in certain places and usually only after getting a special permit.@@murhapuro86
I’ve owned a Tikka. Yes the action is smoother than a Savage or Ruger the Tikka I had was in an equally chitty stock.. The TIKKA trigger is better than Ruger, but can’t really say the same for savage. The smooth action of the Tikka is its only advantage in my opinion because I have Rugers and Savages sling just as good of groups. For the same money as a Tikka you can buy a Ruger or Savage and throw it in a decent stock or either buy a scope or be $100,s ahead into a scope.. I’m not that much of an action snob to warrant spending $100’s if not double the money for a smoother action and have a comparable accuracy.. But then again I’m just a hunter.
Ive got the Ruger American standard, with the longer barrel. It's sub moa and smooth! It's my go to hunting rifle.
Same thing here!
My ruger american predator 308 18" is a tack driver.
I feel like y'all are not letting the barrels cool off long enough in between shot strings for these tests. I will usually do 8-12 min between 3 shots groups, if I am shooting for tightest groups. the 150 grain always seems to shoot best and it is always the first one up to bat. HMM... Anyways thank you for all the amazing content, absolutely LOVE your youtube channel and podcast. I am a die hard viewer/listener.
Honestly I think shooter error is bigger than the barrels being to hot in this instance.
@@camonly849 I agree
I didn't feel like it was fair not letting it cool down ,better ammo on a hot barrel is not going to get good results
My t3 out of the box was .52 moa w/ 5 rd. I think with the really good elevation he had it was a shooter and wind issue.
100% a shooter issue. This guy is a terrible shot, you can watch his older videos, you could give him a custom benchrest rifle and he would still not group below 1 moa.
I thought the groups were that good as well. It did look like shooter error. Not trying to talk down, I'm not amazing either, but feel the guns had more in them with the same ammo.
Good show and thanks for the info 👍👍👍👍👍😄
As a novice interested in a 308, thoroughly enjoyed this review, dialogue & setup 🤙🏻
Great video,.. honest too, which is what I do appreciate.
I couldn't help but think that here in Canada, a Tikka would never be thought of as a "budget rifle" My next rifle will be ( hopefully ) a Tikka CTR,... I just have to build up the piggy bank a little more.
What a wealth of knowledge to learn from. Fantastic content 😁
totally
This is a great idea for a series! Thank you for sharing!
The real winner here is the Hornady 150 load. Best group out of every rifle. Or, maybe we're seeing the effects of barrel heat.. one good group and then they open up.
Bought my Ruger American 308 for 375 OTD. It shoots Remington corelokt 150gr best. Consistently it's under an inch with that load, but the best group I've measured is 5/8ths of an inch, but I tried several others and they ranged from 1 to 1.5 inches. Hornady whitetail was my worst at 1.49 inches.
As I'm sure you know Ron, those Tikkas are built to such close tolerances you can get prefit barrels and stay in headspace if you wanted to swap out.
My RAP 308 shorty is very accurate. Threaded barrel with a decent trigger makes for a really good time
Great video Ron like the comparison thing you you have going there between the rifles its fair because its same ammo in them all 👍👍
Very enjoyable presentation, the back and forth. Just like when I shoot with a friend.
Navin Johnson found his special purpose in The Jerk 1979. Great reference Ron!!
I watched this series with great interest when it came out because I was in the market for a .308.
Ended up getting a T3X lite and transferred it into an MDT HNT26 chassis. It’s turned out a great rifle and despite the budget value of the rifle itself, I prefer the end result over my Sako.
I have an old Remington 788 in .308 Win. Considered the cheapo of it’s day at $142.00 in the early 1980’s, it turned out to be a tackdriver and still works great to this day. Taken more than a few deer with it.
Same here, picked up a marlin 30-30 some time ago 😊and certain that I put just as much meat on the table as your 308 and 06 😊❤
Maybe at the end of this you could talk about the scopes you were using.
Love this context.
I'd really like to see the Weatherby Vanguard synthetic in this mix.
I got the Cabela's made real wood engraving stock model high gloss blueing barrel.
That this is a tack driver with 165 grain ammo.
You can still find them on GunBroker cheap sometimes new.
The wood stock not the synthetic wood seems to be a better gun, barrel ,bolt all the way around and can be had cheap.
Nice maple tree in the background, BTW!
I purchased a tikka 308 in the CTR model / version and I'm so happy with it!
My favorite is my remington 700 heavy barrel 308, 24 inch barrel . What a shooter .
I got a good chuckle out of your comment about the special purpose. That movie is The Jerk with Steve Martin. I will never look at a Remington SPS the same again!
List price quoted on that Tikka was wrong. Keeping in mind, these are "budget" rifles. I see them for less than $800.00. The other rifles tested can't compare.
The browning x-bolt is probably a fairer comparison to a Tikka.
The Remington and Ruger are really more fairly compared to savage and howa.
We've pretty much settled on Howa rifles for my two sons and myself. We have several in multiple calibers including 308, 30-06, and 6.5 Creedmoor. They are plenty accurate for the price, all have very good triggers. The ammo has a lot to do with accuracy. We were shooting "Brand F" 308 factory ammo and got a 5-inch pattern at 100 yds, at first we though the rifle or scope was bad. Next trip to the range we used handholds, a decent charge of IMR 3031 (less than max) behind a 168-gr Hornady BTHP Match bullet and got under 1-inch at 100 yds. Also got under 1-inch using Hornady 165-gr SST bullets. "Reloads Rule" and we take little special care in making them up. Howa and Hornady make a great combination.
Love my Tikka T-Light's... My collection is 22-250, 7mm Rem Mag, 300WSM and 338... Everyone are extremely accurate!
A long time ago had a sporterized mouser (7mm) that was full bedded..accuracy sucked (poi changed with the weather and each shot would string). Floated the barrel, weather quit changing the point of aim, quit stringing shots, but groups opened up to 3" or so. Put a shim at the end of the stock (piece of teflon or bakalite as i recall) and the groups settled down to between .75 to 1.25 moa at 100 depending on ammunition. 45 years ago sub moa was not common without work.
The things which affect accuracy can be surprising.
Well Ron, thank you for this review. I am looking for a new left handed Whitetail rifle and I’m from Pennsylvania and tight woods, and I can’t see spending $1000 when that $500 Ruger American varment comes in left handed which I need and was darn accurate love your reviews keep up the great content and keep it coming.
Awesome vid, thanks for the great content and education!
I did a load workup for a buddy of mine for his dpms LR308 and it was one-holing 3 shots at 100 yards with several different loads. We had a 5 shot froup with IMR 4064 and 150gr acubonds almost a quarter inch.
DPMS LR-308 likes the 165gr to 180gr one moa rifle but the barrel is stamped 7.62x51 and the lower receiver has 308win and I've seen more like that. I just shoot 308win.
@jasonlopez4855 the 308 has higher pressure than it's nato equivalent
My Savage Axis 308 is a tact driver I performed a little trigger work and topped with A Vortex Strike Eagle scope.
I don't even know if the Mauser is on this video yet, but they need to bring back the old controlled feed action.
get a Winchester!
Winchester model 70, new ones from Portugal are as fine as my pre 64’s, maybe better.
Im sure you know that when you change ammo especially with different powder that first shot is essentially a fouling shot that will definitely open up the group.
PLEASE try a Howa, you will not be disappointed. Probably the most under rated rifle out there.
I do like the 308. I have 4, my Tikka is a T3x Tact A1 so it would fit in with your heavy weight. It shoots sub MOA all day with my handloads using 175 gr SMK. As far as budget, my Ruger Predator 18" 308 shoots 125 gr TNT and 178 ELD-X handloads sub MOA all day as well and it also likes 150 gr Core-Lokt, pretty consistently sub MOA but not quite always. Hope when you take a second look you see the potential. I have a Vortex Razor LHT 3-15 sitting on top so I have a bit of an advantage over what you are shooting as well as a scope 3 times the value of the rifle. Great lighter weight hunting setup, but maybe not really budget.
Between my dad and I we have 4 tikkas as well. A stainless in .243, which shoots sub moa. Two of the UPR's (.308 and 6.5). And the tac a1 in 6.5. All shoot sub moa.
I got some 130 and 140gr in 6.5 from berger. They make factory loads and in my upr first time I shot a .25" group at 100. I high recommend berger. Their hybrid bullets are one of, if not the best on the market. Very forgiving, good bc. Try running those through your tikka and see if you notice a difference.
I’ve owned a Tikka and currently own Savage and Ruger. The Tikka I had came in an equally chitty plastic stock and about the only advantage I would give it is the smoother action. The Savage and Ruger I have sling just as good as groups as the Tikka did. I don’t warrant a smoother action and comparable groups to be $100’s if not double the price. I can put a Savage or a Ruger in a better stock and be money ahead, something the Tikka needs as well in my experience. Or those $100’s will go quite a ways on a good optic.
Tikka makes a nice rifle that’s for sure. However I don’t see the accuracy difference to warrant the much higher price.
I've got a Stevens model 200, 22", sporter barrel in .308. I have it in a Coate Ultra Sniper stock. I have a rubber "barrel deresonator" on the barrel. It has a 1:10 twist. I load 168gn bullets and Varget powder. Makes a nice clover leaf at 100 yards.
I have a tikka t3x lite in a 30-06 and right out of the box I shot 3/4” group after sighting it in. Since then I’ve shot even better groups. Love my tikka!
I use an axis and it has been deadly accurate . For a cheap rifle it is amazing. Never missed what I aimed at. . 100 yard 2in group all day.
My 308 is a T/C Compass Utility. I gave less than $240 for the rifle new in the box and I topped it with an old 4X Nikon I had on hand. With a handloaded Barnes 130gr TTSX it is a sub .5 MOA rifle. What more can you ask of a rifle that cheap?
From my experience, when changing bullet types, a fowling shot is often required. I believe the different jacket material can often throw that first shot off.
My thoughts too. Changing ammo I’d fire a fouler or so. I know you need a fouler after pulling a bore snake
What is a fowling shot?
@@Kingzallit's when you shoot at a bird
@@heremyjogan I thought it was an illegal shot
Take the Ruger Predator and get a $150 Timney trigger, a $300 Bell & Carlson stock, Glass Bed the recoil lug and you've got a sub-1/2-MOA rifle as good as an $1,800 rifle from Christensen or Seekins Precision. Total Cost - $900. Totally worth it!
Remington 788 chambered in .308.
With a Fluted Lilja replacement 25" barrell.😊
I have the ruger american 308 in the 18" barrel mounted on a magpol hunter stock. 165 grain hornady outfitter is dead nuts accurate. 100 to 400 yrds shots has dropped white tail, red stag, axes and hogs with ease. It is my go to for just about everything situation
I shoot a Tikka M55 Deluxe 308. I bought it in 1984 at the Rod and Gun Club at Rhein-Main AB, West Germany. I run Remington Core-Lokt 180's through it, am always sub MOA. The gun always has been more accurate than I'm capable of. If I do my part, the rifle's always done it's job.
Great video series! i really appreciate these!
Ive owned several of these and paid like 499+ tax for the early model and later on the predator came out and paid 572+ tax and it had the Magpul magazine and longer barrel. Sold both of them, I didn't have a problem with either one of them really. The first one i was just needing money and chick's husband in the laundry mat wanted it sold on the spot. The second one was in 6.5 creed and I built it with a 30mm special edition turret type scope for long range, very expensive! Just never could find the time to go where I would need to go in order to shoot long range. So I sold it too. I actually miss that set-up! That was one extremely capable set-up! If Ruger would fix the bolt where it would stay closed while hunting I'd buy another predator aics/Magpul probably in 7mm rem.Mag.
I laughed out loud when you said special purpose. I haven’t thought about that movie in awhile. 🤪
My tikka t3x in 22-250 shoots 1/4 moa groups. Action is like glass
Great videos Ron. I am interested in getting a new riifle but i am perplex to pick between 6.5 prc or the old 7mm08 and 308. Can you do a video on that?
Are you gonna be reloading? PRC using magnum large rifle primers has kept me from getting one. So that’s one thing to consider if you reload.
I have several Savage rifles. All of them shoot and function. I got a ruger american 223 amd it is a dandy also. I love the pre-threaded barrels. I don't shoot without a suppressor anymore.
Learned a lot about 308. Thanks
Ron, great video. I bought my wife her first hunting rifle just a bit over a month ago. Tikka T3X walnut in 6.5 Creedmoor. I love my 308's, a Browning Lever Rifle and a Henry single shot, but she wanted something a little softer on the shoulder. Beautiful rifle for the money, easily shoots 3 hole clover leafs touching at 100 yards with Barnes 120 grain TTSX hand loads. Factory of the same is only a little bit larger group. Still under .5 MOA. I would love to see you redo these with some quality mono copper ammo!
Too bad they don't make the Stevens 200 anymore. I paid less than $300 NIB .30-06 about 12 years ago (can't believe it's been that long ago) put a Nikon 3×9 w/BDC. I was out hunting elk and deer in NM for in the $400's. Had to debur the injection molded seams here and there, put a giant kick-eez sissy pad on it because it's so light and kicks above it's caliber. Heck, I even got a little range finder for free with my scope. Everything's still going strong and it's always shot dead-nutz...better than my ability. Can't believe we're talking "budget" rifles at the +/-$1000 MSRP range! (I'm officially an FOG after this statement😂) The other rifle I considered was a Weatherby Vanguard which I think they still make. Good video BTW
The second and third rounds on the second load (Hornady Match), impacted on the same hole.
Tikka stainless requires a few rounds for break in. I currently have 2, but have owned 4. All required break in.
I lived in finland for a year and now find it funny to hear people say teeka and sayko. I was on a few farms for my time there and talked about hunting and rifles more than we hunted, but ive heard both names said in thier native tongue 1000s of times. Although i found coming home to Australia that people here are starting to say sahko which is closer but still not there. I get funny looks and "corrected" when i say them like a fin would 😂.
How do you say them?
@nathanlarson7408 it's hard to do it in text, but sako is like sahko. The a is more like aah (open your mouth and say aaah) but kept short. The o is only the 1st half of an English speakers o. If that makes sense?
And for Tikka, you kind of pause on the k sound. Tick-a.
They pronounce a, o and I sounds a little differently, and I have no idea how to demonstrate that without making the sound. But it's a subtle difference.
@@sloth_eI'm imagining it ti-kuh, or maybe tik-k'eh?
@nathanlarson7408 more uh. But the important bit is holding on the kk. A double letter in Finnish is like extending the sound of that letter. With sounds like kk or tt, it ends up being no sound but a pause. LL for example, you can make a long l sound but there's no sound you can stretch out for some letters so it ends up being a held pause.
I'm sure there's some audio or video examples.
@nathanlarson7408 think of them like this.... sako is somewhere between saahk and suck sounds. The final o is short. Like "or" without pronouncing the r.
Tikka is like "tick" The "kk" is held and the "a" is like "up" without the "p". Haha this is tricky without knowing how to write a sound.
They have different ways to make "o" and "a" sounds by adding marks over the top like ä ö etc. A few variants of that mark make different sounds. Without the marks above, it's a short sound like how we would start that letters sound.
I hope im not making this worse.
🤣🤣
This is also a perfect example of each rifle can be wildly different even if its the same model... i have a newer Remington 700 ADL factory heavy barreled 308 action in a MPR chassis and it shoots 1/4 inch groups at 100 meters with factory match federal 168 smk's. love that rifle.
Where did you buy it because I’ve heard the newer ones are a lot better?
😊
I bought a used but never fired Thompson Center Venture 7mm-08 for $350. Matt stainless with black synthetic stock. I put a Leupold VX3 on it and it's a tack driver! Sub moa!
Savage model 110, tack driver ! Own three, 270, 7mm-08, and son has a 308 all are no frills killing machines. No experience with the lower priced Axis. I held one in store and Axis stock feels super cheap (hollow) compared to 110.
I've heard great things about the CVA Scout, maybe next time, for a different chambering?
I owned a lot a guns over the years and even was an m-60 machine Gunner for a while. Nothing wrong with the 308 win. Just thought slightly bigger is a 30-06 and slightly smaller is the 270 win. I never had problems cycling bolts for short or long action. A recoil sensitive person.
Rifle and ammo comment completely agree.👍
On the Rem. The barrel is hot, have to let those wire barrels cool after the 4th shot
I own a variety of bolt action rifles. Savage Axis 2, a couple of Ruger Americans, and a Tikka T3x Lite. But when it came to the .308, I did not buy budget or bolt action. I got a Desert Tech MDRXCOM with several barrel kits. It came with the .308 kit, and the others collect dust. I probably should get a budget rifle. When I got shooting with a few of my friends the MDRX is the "cheap" rifle in the group. But with most people I go shooting with, the rifles in this video are more common.
Ive always shot savage rifles, had pretty good luck with accuracy. I will say the ammo wieght makes a huge difference. Ive had the best luck with the 165 grain. 150 was all over the place. The new Ruger American in 7 prc or 270 might be my new rifle. Never owned a 308 though and I always thought i should.
You would like the Tikka with the Wood Stock better. The Flat bottom on the wood feels just a bit nicer in the hand.
Going from a round fore-end to a flatter one for hunting takes some getting used to, but you really feel the advantage when you actually hunt with it. You just naturally keep it level.
Agree. Have an older Remington 700 ADL, wood, with the same kind of bottom, that gets wider at the bottom, that just sits there perfectly!!
Gotta let those barrels cool down between groups.
I have over a dozen Ruger Americans in various intermediate and full bore cartridges and every single one of them have been MOA or less straight out of box. I have the same 308 predator model with the 18 inch barrel he uses in the video and it will shoot 150 grain el cheapo Federal Power Shoks all touching at a hundred. My daughters little Ranch model Grendel will literally cut the same hole at a hundred with Hornady Black ELD-Ms. Other than the not so great stocks and some of the actions needing to be smoothed out a little, the only real serious hiccups I’ve every had with any of the Americans was the Ranch in 7.62x39 and the Predator model in Grendel had some light primer strikes when I first shot them. Come to find out it was anything wrong with the springs, they just had to much grease packed in them from the factory. All in all, it’s really hard to beat the price, reliability and accuracy of the Ruger Americans as far as budget guns. Now if they will just release one a predator model in 6mm arc I’ll be a happy camper👍
I don't know how much the Remington was sticking on the feeding with the 3rd shot was having the tips of the bullets smashed up and if it has anything to do with the 3rd shot flyers.
Possible point. But it reminds me of where Remington 700's once were and now one wonders. With rifle prices escalating, it's great these videos are helping us to make a higher probability choice. Beauty at the alter wains if she can't cook in the kitchen. Accuracy most always trumps over a beauty that's admired in the gun cabinet. The ideal is to have both, especially at what firearms cost.
Bought an new Remington model 788 in .308 back in the early 80s for just under. $150. Most accurate Rifle I own!
I had one, drove tacks with Winchester 150 grain silver tips. Just couldn’t take the rattling clip
@@jeffbuskirk9371 Easy fix, and I actually preferred the detachable box for quick loading.
Just traded into a Steyr .308 (not a budget gun) and look forward to getting an optic mounted proper (for whatever reason I can’t figure out how to do it without the scope sliding around, it’s rather emasculating) and shooting. The free float on the barrel is like the distance between earth and the clouds
Give it another year or so and ron spoomer will be hunting all his game with a 308 😂
Great video . . . but you have not convinced me to trade-in my "old" Savage Model 11 Sporter weight. Three shot 100 yard groups I can hide with a quarter when I do my job. After that they start to open up; but it's a deer rifle so that's OK. But I forked out the coin for a 19 oz. Leupold VX-5HD FireDot 3-15x44mm FireDot Duplex (Bee's knees in early dawn and twilight). BDC dial instead of a "Christmas tree" reticle. I love the scope and it carries the rifle. A friend of me has the Tikka as you show (in 6.5 CM) and I watched him hit, not just move, two consecutive golfballs at 300 yards. If I lost my Savage in a boating accident I would look at one of those. The new Savages (Apex) don't call to me.