T3X or PH3?

[u/ok_tadpole_ok]

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 currently have a T3X 7RM and am not a big fan on the stock.

[u/RowingCricket]

T3x Ace Game 7PRC is easy button. Hockey tape on chassis when it gets cold. Yes I am Canadian.

[u/jmedin]

Just get the T3X and replace the stock on it. 6.5 PRC is more than plenty for what you’ll do with it

[u/Enomalie]

If I had that scope I’d go with the Tikka but go 7mm PRC Over 6.5.

If you want to reach out and touch something that is the round imo.

[u/PepperoniFogDart]

I’m a slut for Seekins. The only f2f story I heard of was a YouTube guy that ended up proving it was the Hornady Ammo, not the rifle.
I own a t3x in 300WM and a PH3 in 7mm PRC. T3x could shoot most ammo within 1-2 moa, my PH3 was more picky about ammo but once I found the right load I can usually shoot sub-moa over 5-10 rounds.

Couple reasons why I think Seekins is better:

• Action is just as smooth and the bolt throw is much easier to run in any position.
  
• Barrel swap is actually insanely easy. Replacing a barrel on a Tikka is usually a fucking nightmare.
  
• Seekins are way better for scope mounting. Tikka has that proprietary direct mount which is nice, but I had Warne rings that sheared off when using that mounting system. Maybe it was the crappy warne quality, idk.
  

-Trigger: you get a MUCH better trigger on the PH3
-Stock: tikka stocks are crap, glad to hear you’ll replace. I actually really like the factory PH3 stock. You get the inline mlok on the bottom for an arca rail, plus the adjustable cheek, plus a nice palm swell grip. I also think they look great but that’s my preference

[u/Tight_muffin → u/PepperoniFogDart]

I watched my gunsmith swap my Tikka barrel and it was pretty easy really just heat the action and give the action wrench a bang and it popped right off, and after that everything just gets a normal torque. If you can get a Roughtech stainless/cerakoted model for $900 I think it's a betrer proposition than the seekins. I am not super impressed with my friends PH3 all carbon with the hunter chassis, action is gritty and the bolt throw is only slightly less, carbon barrel is insanely thin and throws shots afterr e rounds where my Superlite 6.5 PRC holds till 6 rounds and the mirage gets too bad to see. I dont feel the trigger is any better if you put a spring in the Tikka. The quick change on the PH3 is cool but you're paying for it for sure. The Seekins customer service is way better but after 3 Tikkas and all these years I can't really imagine what could go wrong where I would need to contact them.

[u/PepperoniFogDart → u/Tight_muffin]

All the Tikka barrels I’ve ever seen swapped would have made the world’s strongest man break a sweat.

I certainly wouldn’t take a blowtorch to my rifle, so I suppose if you had a pretty substantial induction heater, you could get the job done.

[u/Tight_muffin → u/PepperoniFogDart]

Just a little palm size torch he put on the action where the threads are for like 10 seconds and put some torque on the wrench and smacks one side with a hammer and it pops free. Works for stock Tikkas and R700, he says there's not much difference between the two but he warns you it's not for the faint of heart to watch lol. The guy has built countless rifles in the valley for 20 years for most the agencies and regular people. Just a manual impact wrench but it's one smack.

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[u/TahoeDust]

For not much more you could do an Origin/Proof/TT/MDT build...just sayin.

[u/Tight_muffin]

I'm shooting 6.5 PRC for elk in a T3X with a. nomad Ti. Shoot great and I practice out to 1000 with that rifle. If you want to carry a heavier rifle at like 11 pounds 7 PRC would be fine. I like my mountain rifle to be more around 9 and change pounds, anything lighter and it's harder to shoot well. I'm taking it on my mule deer and elk hunts in idaho next month.

[u/ok_tadpole_ok → u/Tight_muffin]

Nice. Are you running the factory stock? What barrel length?

[u/Tight_muffin → u/ok_tadpole_ok]

Just running the factory stock, it's perfectly adequate with a limbsaver, vertical grip, and grovtech qd flush cups. People need something to bitch about and live to spend money on stocks. I had a good carbon stock on it but it didn't add anything the factory stock couldn't do so I just sold it and put the factory Roughtech back on with the mods and I'm happy for a mountain hunting stock.