Blaser R8 vs Tikka for Long Range Shooting an Hunting

[secondtry]

I think it really comes down to the guy pulling the trigger. Heavy guns sure make it a lot more easier to shoot longer distances as there’s less issues with the operator. It’s always fun to let guys that have never shot more than a few hundred meters have a crack out to 1000m and hit the target. But give them a lighter gun and they miss every time. If it’s a light gun it becomes more about technique and skill and taking the time to learn how to precision shoot .

So very true.

I often hunt with a very light turn bolt. Recently had the opportunity to get some trigger time behind a turn bolt which was only a pound heavier, but the extra weight was all in the heavier and longer barrel. Good trigger fitted. Just so much easier to shoot the heavier rifle. Any flaws in technique or lapses in concentration with the light one are very, very obvious on the target.

I suppose a trap with more forgiving rifle is that it can mask poor technique, until poor technique wins and bites you.

[stokesrj]

I was just reading that the Tikka A7 in 7mm mag has a short magazine box. Not an issue for traditional ranges but a significant barrier to long range use due to the fact that seating depth cannot be tuned for optimum accuracy which typically occurs at 3.405-3.425" with long range bullets. I don't know this first hand as mine were in other calibers but it is something to look at if your considering an A7 in 7mm Rem Mag.

[7x57]

You are correct that one of the short comings of the Tikka has been the magazine feed from longer cases such as the 7 mm Rem Mag and not being able to maximise the seating depth. Not sure about the Sako A7 .
In the short action I always replace bottom metal (Lumley Arms or similar) to allow use of AI mags etc.
You have a very innovative group in the States working on Tikka aftermarket gear and they are now providing a fix for the shortcomings of the longer cases.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cDWULJ5Nl7Y

[deerhunter338mag]

I had a T3 Tikka in heavy barrel in 243. I used the 95gr VLD hunting and target. All I did was use the 6.5x55 mag as the out side of the magazines are all the same. Feed properly and could seat them out further. Might be worth looking at a different mag.

[TexasWestPointer]

Old post, but these are my two favorite rifles. I use an R8 with custom carbon stock for hunting and the Tikka T3x and T1x for centerfire and rimfire competitions. I really wish I could go down to one rifle, but the 10 round magazines on the Tikka really help out in the competitions I shoot. So I have three rifles: hunting rifle (R8), competition rifle (Tikka T3x UPR), .22 competition rifle (Tikka T1x UPR). Fantastic kit.