This Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech Review is brought to you by The Old Deer Hunters. Most of the review will be based around my rifle chambered in 270 Winchester, however, you will also receive updates for the 308 Winchester caliber.
My hunting buddy Fred and I have been searching for a Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech Ember for several months. Finally, I got a call from CTS Tactical in Athens, GA that there were a couple of Roughtech Embers available in 270 and 308 calibers. Fred chose the 308 Winchester caliber and I got the 270 Winchester caliber.
This is a review in progress as we are still working up loads for the rifle and have yet to shoot any factory ammo. As we progress through the year from June 1st I will provide you updates. The Tikka 270 will be my primary deer hunting rifle for the year and we may be able to take a few hogs this summer.
Hunting With Tikka Roughtech 270
Well that did not take long. A couple of corn robbers showed up this morning about daylight on the TACTACAM Reveal X PRO Cellular Trail Cam. When I made it to the feeder the hogs were still there, but now they have departed. The load was 130 Hornady SST’s and it put both hogs down in their tracks.
I am so glad the Roughtech has a threaded barrel so I can use my suppressor. After the first shot from approximately 100 yards, the other hog just kept feeding. I was able to experience just how smooth the Tikka T3X action was as I bolted the second round to take the second hog. Overall, the Roughnech made my first hog hunt very enjoyable and successful.
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The recoil was less than expected, and I think the new Tikka Robust recoil pad that is part of the Roughtech series is one of the reasons. The recoil pad really soaks up the recoil, and feels like only a little more recoil than my 243 Winchester. Fred says the muzzle break on his 308 definitely helps reduce recoil when he is shooting 165 grain ammo in his rifle.
Both shots on the hogs were right on point thanks partly to one of the best triggers you will find on a production rifle. It breaks perfectly at 2.5 pounds every shot. There is no creep or take up of the trigger. You just start applying pressure, it goes bang, and you never feel it move.
Another feature I like is the interchangeable grips. I replaced my standard grip with the Tikka Composite Vertical Grip and it really feels and works well when shooting from the tripod. It aligns your trigger finger so you are pulling straight back. Since I shoot my AR’s from the tripod when coyote hunting, the vertical grip makes the transition to the bolt gun a lot easier.
The rifle handles very well and using it with my Leofoto tripod and leveling base made the 100 yard shot easy. Follow this link if you would like to learn more about Tripod Systems For Hunting. The Leofoto SO-322C Tripod For Huntng is a 2-Section Inverted Carbon Fiber Tripod.
The Tikka T3X Roughtech 270 is an excellent big game rifle, and this tripod provides rock-solid support for long shots. The light weight and robust 66 lb load capacity also makes it suitable for use for varmint, hog or big game hunting. It has a 10-year limited warranty. Retail price is $469 with frequent sales prices down to $299.
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Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech Ember Features
The Roughtech Ember is my third Tikka rifle. I keep adding to the collection because I love smooth action, and the accuracy of the Tikka T3X is exceptional. I have a T3 in 243 with beautiful blued finish, and a T3X stainless in 223 Remington. The Roughtech Ember is a cut above my other Tikka rifles with a lot of special features usually only found on custom rifles.
Special Features: The new Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech Ember incorporates a Tikka Lite stainless steel action with a barrel that is fluted and threaded. It also has a spiral fluted bolt with large bolt knob. The special stock has a new “grippy” finish and new and improved recoil pad. A very nice muzzle break is included, but I will be using my suppressor.
Roughtech Coating: At the heart of the Roughtech’s durability lies its unique Roughtech coating. Applied to the synthetic stock, this rugged finish provides an enhanced grip and superior resistance to scratches, abrasions, and weather elements. The Roughtech coating is to ensure that the rifle maintains its functionality and appearance even after rigorous use in rugged terrains. It is a very handsome finish and it feels completely different than the standard Tikka stock. If feels stronger and more like a solid stock.
Optional vertical grips, scope rings and other Tikka accessories are also available from Beretta Amazon store. I ordered the composite vertical grip and I like the grip angle very much. There is also a soft rubber grip available and they come in several colors.
The Roughtech is available three colors; Ember, a dark brown with orange spiderweb, brown with black spiderweb, or black.
Stainless Steel Barrel and Action: The Tikka T3x Roughtech features the Tikka T3X Lite Stainless Steel action. This stainless steel allows the rifle is supposed to endure harsh weather conditions without compromising its performance. In my experience, this finish is very beautiful and weather resistant, but no more so than the traditional blue Tikka finish. I would advise hunters to still practice proper maintenance procedures to protect the finish from extreme weather. The fluted and threaded barrel reduces weight and the provided muzzle break reduces recoil.
Enhanced Stability: To maximize accuracy and stability, the Tikka T3x Roughtech incorporates a composite bedding area with steel recoil lug. It mirrors the action and the stock fits very tightly to the receiver area. The bedding area provides a solid foundation for the action, ensuring consistent and reliable shot placement. The action is attached to the stock with three screws. Right out of the box, my rifle shot less the 3/4 MOA with the first two 130 grain hunting loads I tried.
Cold-Hammer-Forged Barrel: The Tikka T3x Roughtech boasts a cold-hammer-forged barrel, renowned for its exceptional accuracy. Takka’s hammer forged barrel manufacturing process ensures consistent rifling and precise dimensions. Tikka says there is no need for barrel break-in. It is ready to shoot right out of the box. Based on my experience with three rifles that all shoot less than 1 MOA, I believe them. The barrel is threaded (⅝X24) to accept the included muzzle break or suppressor. That was important to me because I always hunt suppressed.
Smooth and Reliable Action: The rifle incorporates the Tikka T3x’s renowned smooth bolt operation. The two-lug bolt with a 70-degree lift and large bolt handle allows for quick and effortless cycling, even in adverse conditions. One of the most notable features of the action is the spiral fluted bolt. Tikka says it saves weight but the look of that bolt screams custom rifle.
The action has an intergraded 17mm rail to accept Tikka OPTILOCK scope mounts and is also drilled and tapped to accept a picatiny rail or two piece scope mounts from other manufactures like Leupold and Talley.
Versatility and Caliber Options: The Tikka T3x Roughtech is available in a variety of caliber options to suit different hunting and shooting requirements. Whether you prefer the flat-shooting .243, the hard-hitting .300 Win Mag, or any other caliber in the lineup, the T3x Roughtech offers versatility and performance to meet your specific needs.
The Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech rifle represents the epitome of durability, innovation, and performance. With its rugged Roughtech coating, stainless steel components, and precision engineering, it is designed to excel in challenging environments. Whether you’re navigating rugged terrains, enduring inclement weather, or pursuing game in harsh conditions, the Tikka T3x Roughtech ensures reliable and accurate performance. The Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech Ember is hard to beat.
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Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech Review – Setup
After cleaning the barrel of the 270, Fred and I used a Lyman Digital trigger scale to determine the trigger pull weights and found both rifles breaking at a tad over 3 pounds. Adjusting the Tikka trigger is very easy by adjusting the Allen screw on the front of the trigger. I adjusted mine to 2.5 pounds and Fred set his at just under 3 pounds. The trigger is great with no noticeable creep and it breaks like glass. I don’t really think I could ask for a better trigger on a hunting rifle.
I mounted a Leupold VX5 3-15X44 scope on the rifle, and then set to work up a couple of loads to see how the Tikka would perform. I had no doubts that this rifle would be very accurate, but I was wondering what the velocity of my ammunition would be fired from the Tikka’s 22.5″ barrel. Many calibers and rifles do not live up to published velocities which are usually rated from a 26″ test barrel.
My experience has been good in the past with 270’s. They usually do very well in 22″ barrels with handloads using slow burning powder like IMR 4831. Another powder that Hodgdon recommended for the 270 Winchester with 130 grain bullets was Staball 6.5.
270 Winchester Load Data
Below you will see recommend loads from Hodgdon for both powders. My loads for the Tikka’s first range test used both of these powders with Hornady 130 SST bullets and Winchester Large Magnum primers in new Starline brass.
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I used the Hornady 546300 DIE SET 270 WIN Winchester Custom Grade Reloading DIE Set to do the loading. As usual, these dies are easy to set up and work very well. We chronographed the loads with the Oehler P35 chronograph.
The table below shows results of the loads I worked up for the Tikka 270. Velocities were impressive from the 22.5″ barrel and both shot under 1 MOA. I was really impressed by the Staball 6.5 power. Velocity averaged 3050 fps and pressure was low. Another half grain of Staball 6.5 would probably push the 130 grain SST’s to 3100 fps with no issues.
The IMR 4831 power also did very well at almost 3000 fps. This load could also be loaded higher as the pressure was also quite mild. Neither of the loads flattened the primers.
NOTE: Hodgdon data lists 57 grains of IMR4831 as a compressed Load but I did not experience that issue. 57 grains of IMR 4831 filled the case to the bottom of the neck and my loads were not compressed.
Weight BulletPowder ChargeVelocityBarrel Remarks 130 Hornady SST57.0 IMR4831299022.5″ TikkaLow Pressure 130 Hornady SST55.0 Staball 6.5305022.5″ TikkaLow Pressure
Hornady 270 Win, 130 SST with 55 Grains of Staball 6.5 Powder 3 Shot Group
Hornady 270 Win, 130 SST with 57 Grains of IMR 4831 3 Shot Groups
I shot three 3-shot groups at 100 yards. I only had three of the Staball rounds left after zeroing the rifle. All of the groups had two shots touching and the third less than an inch away. Both loads also hit at almost the same point on the target at 100 yards so I can use either load without scope adjustments. I don’t think I have ever had such good groups from a rifle right out of box. Of course, it is a TIKKA T3X!
The 130 SST bullets have a ballistic coefficient of .460 and a sectional density of .240 which combine to be a great bullet for deer hunting. At over 3000 fps, this load in the 270 Winchester still has over a ton of energy at 200 yards. The high sectional density insures good penetration even at extended distances.
Tikka T3X Roughtech Lite 308 Winchester Data
Fred and I made it to the range today to check six different brands of factory ammo in his new Tikka T3X Roughtech in 308 Winchester. Standouts of the brands were the Winchester Extreme 150 with polymer tip which printed an excellent 0.5″ group. The Barnes 168 TSSX was the best of the heavier bullets with 3 shots under an inch.
As far as velocity, the Federal Fusion 150 stole the show at 2875 fps. The group was not as good, but by the time Fred got to the fusion, he was getting a little tired.
Any of this ammo is adequate for deer hunting and the Tikka Roughtech did really well on its first trip to the range. Younger eyes and a better rest probably would have made the groups even smaller.
Weight BulletPowder ChargeVelocityBarrel Remarks 150 Winchester ExtremeFactory273522.5″ Tikka0.5″ 150 Norma WhitetailFactory270022.5″ Tikka1.0″ Federal Fusion 150Factory287522.5″ Tikka1.5″ Barnes TSSX 168Factory263522.5″ Tikka0.9″ 168 Hornady Black AmaxFactory261022.5″ Tikka1.4″ 168 Remington HogFactory263022.5″ Tikka1.6″
Norma and Winchester Brands- 308 Winchester 150 3-shot Groups @ 100 yards
Tikka T3X/T1X Accessories
Tikka Soft Gun Case
Tikka Performance Long Sleeve T-shirt
Tikka Beretta T3X Interchangeable Vertical
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Exploring the Tikka T3x Rifle
The Tikka and Sako brands are now owned by Beretta, one of the oldest firearm companies in the world. All Tikka rifles are imported by Beretta USA.
When it comes to precision, reliability, and exceptional craftsmanship, the Tikka T3x rifle stands as a symbol of excellence in the world of firearms. Renowned for its superb accuracy, smooth operation, and innovative design, the Tikka T3x has captured the attention and admiration of hunters, sport shooters, and professionals alike.
Legendary Finnish Heritage: The Tikka brand, originating from Finland, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality firearms. Building on this legacy, the Tikka T3x rifle continues the tradition of Finnish craftsmanship, showcasing meticulous attention to detail, robust construction, and a commitment to excellence.
Superb Accuracy: At the heart of the Tikka T3x’s appeal is its exceptional accuracy. Each rifle is meticulously built and subjected to rigorous quality control measures, ensuring consistent precision. The T3x’s cold-hammer-forged barrel, precise bedding, and free-floating design all contribute to its outstanding shot-to-shot consistency, enabling shooters to confidently place their rounds on target with exceptional precision.
Modular Design and Ergonomics: The Tikka T3x boasts a modular design that allows for easy customization and adaptability to individual preferences. The rifle features interchangeable grips and recoil pads, enabling shooters to achieve optimal comfort and fit. The adjustable trigger, with its crisp and clean break, enhances the overall shooting experience, allowing for precise control.
Smooth Operation: The Tikka T3x is revered for its smooth and reliable action. The two-lug bolt with a 70-degree lift ensures swift and effortless cycling, while the integral steel recoil lug enhances stability and recoil management. Additionally, the T3x’s detachable magazine system allows for quick and efficient reloading, enabling shooters to stay focused on the target.
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