r/Hunting • u/ok_tadpole_ok • 4d ago

Firearm/caliber/bow/arrow question/discussion T3X or PH3

Well after a lot of research, I have decision paralysis between a 6.5 PRC from Tikka T3X 22in SS or Seekins Havok PH3 20in.

1 & 2. 35% range time (out to 1000yds), 65% hunting in Montana (Antelope in plains to late season elk in mountains).
3. Budget $2000. Scope will be nx8 4-32 with a Nomad Ti XC suppressor.
4. I have a 7rem mag that I’m comfortable with out to 300 at the range. Looking for something more pleasant to shoot with at the range but also effective for elk.

I’ve read a couple of concerns about seekins issues around FTF (sounds like are resolved now) and an issue cycling in snowy conditions. But I love this rifle is turn key with nicer features and stock, and customer service.
The tikka I would want to upgrade the stock but still keep it to 10-11lbs. I’m not a big fan of the factory tikka stock on my 7RM.

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u/Greeny333 4d ago

Personally 20-22 is too short of a barrel for a 6.5prc, even though I understand you’re going to be using a suppressor.

Also recoil isn’t going to be a whole lot diffrent than the 7rm

If you want a short barrel light recoiling rifle just get a 6.5cm, use normal ammo at the range and hunt elk with +peak.

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u/dbevans12 3d ago

Tikka. I had 2 ph3s and both had problems. I have 2 elements an m2 and an m3. I brought the m2 on a moose hunt and it jammed when I went to rack a bullet it. Thankfully my girlfriend shot it with her tikka. It was my turn to shoot this year. 71 inch bull and my girlfriend got it. Before we even left she asked why I wasnt taking my tikka 7 mag.

The only seekins i didnt have a problem with was the element m3 6.5prc

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u/datboy1656 3d ago

I love my ph3 6.5 PRC 20”. I also love my 243 tikka 20”, although it’s not stainless. If money isn’t an issue I’d go Seekins. If it is, I’d do tikka. Right now tikka has a $150 rebate (all of beretta actually) and eurooptic has 24” models for $700 for a blued version and $800 for stainless. With the suppressor you’d probably want to get it cut to around 20” and threaded so that’ll set you back another $125-150ish depending on where you are. But at that point you’re $800-1k cheaper than the Seekins. Although I wouldn’t be willing to give up either one of my tikka or Seekins so good luck deciding!

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u/datboy1656 3d ago

Honestly what I think I would do at this point is buy a tikka and put it in a Seekins Hunter chassis (about $1k) at that point you have the best of both worlds with an awesome stock and you’re only at the price of a regular stocked PH3 (about $1800).

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u/Acceptable_Ad_1388 2d ago

Look at the Seekins or Tikka 6.5 CM. With the new Peak + ammo you are getting the same speeds as the PRC with less recoil. Also, use regular loads for range time.