Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

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Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by Tubs » 17 Sep 2020, 9:34 pm

For a lefty - is the Tikka worth the extra $500 bucks? Will be used mainly for hunting; 7mm-08

Bladeracer also recommended the Ruger Scout?

If I go the Ruger American Predator I can use the savings to buy a Rossi Citadel cause I reload a s**t tonne of 38 special and 357 for service matches https://www.thebarn.net.au/Products/ROS ... REL/104183

For deer/pig/small game hunting do I even need the 7mm-08? I figured it would be good to train on at least.

Decisions decisions......,.. Thoughts?
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by in2anity » 17 Sep 2020, 10:36 pm

What’s the exact weight difference between the two targeted models? The predator has a semi-heavy contour, right?
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by juano86 » 18 Sep 2020, 7:20 am

The Tikka is head and shoulders above the Ruger American in both quality and accuracy. My personal opinion is - yes it is worth the extra money. I've handled and shot both... The 7mm-08 is a fantastically versatile cartridge and probably one of the best all-rounders there is (especially because you reload). if i had to pick one gun to 'do it all' it would be something along the lines of a Tikka T3x superlite in 7mm-08! i have a superlite in a 7mm rem mag and its just awesome. perhaps a little 'too much gun' for general hunting though...
the cartridge has a pretty mild report, can be loaded light (110-120gr) for smaller game then 140's, 150's 162's etc. for bigger stuff. It does just about everything a .308 can do but in a flatter shooting, lighter recoiling package. I recently purchased a 7mm-08 in a Remington model Seven for my Mrs as an ultra light-weight all rounder.
I have a Rossi 92 16" in .357 mag too haha, and they are great fun for hogs etc. but you're kind of hamstrung for anything out past 100-150yrds!
I'd spend the extra money and go the Tikka 7mm-08! you can pick up a second hand Leupold Vx3i in a 2.5-8x36 or a 3.5-10x40 for decent money if you keep your eyes peeled. Chuck it in a set of Talley lightweight 'low' rings and you'll have a superbly accurate, light weight hunting rifle you can carry all day and knock most game in aus over with.
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by in2anity » 18 Sep 2020, 1:33 pm

in2anity wrote:What’s the exact weight difference between the two targeted models? The predator has a semi-heavy contour, right?


NVM I can see they are both around 6.5lbs. If you are likely to collect/consume guns, and move to a new project in the not so distant future, I'd go the Ruger over the Tikka, and spend the savings elsewhere. If you're not into turnover, go the Tikka.

I own both a Tikka T3 and an entry level Ruger, which I picked up stupidly cheap, like a 3rd of the price of a Tikka. I dropped a Timney into the Ruger and added a Kydex cheek riser (felt no shame drilling that cheap Ruger stock), and from the sling I can shoot just as good a group from the Ruger as I can from the Tikka.

With those two mods, I sometimes compete with the Ruger in (Non-Service) Telescopic Sights snap matches, and let me tell you, the limiting factor is me, not the Ruger. With a little spit and polish, Rugers hold their own on the line.
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 18 Sep 2020, 3:47 pm

tikka my only regret with my collection is that i didnt buy more of them lol
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by solarpak » 19 Sep 2020, 7:29 pm

The Tikka T3x Lite is fine rifle indeed - but the Ruger American centre fire platform is a nice rifle too. Whether the $500 price difference is relevant i wont get into. However with both rifles there is a well established range of after-market accessories so the owner can easily customise their rifle at reasonable cost.

As for the 7mm-08 - a great calibre if you hand-load. Factory ammo is very limited and very expensive - but for all species of deer (bar sambar) the 7-08 will do nicely.

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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by RoginaJack » 19 Sep 2020, 7:48 pm

Go the Tikka but I'm a Lefty too...
Boom, Boom! Tikka, Tikka, Boom! Shoot first, video later.
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by mchughcb » 19 Sep 2020, 11:33 pm

Thoughts are get tikka in 308.
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by Tubs » 20 Sep 2020, 10:03 am

mchughcb wrote:Thoughts are get tikka in 308.


ok thanks - a few people have recommended a 223 and a 308
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 20 Sep 2020, 10:25 am

mchughcb wrote:Thoughts are get tikka in 308.


X 2 if you are going to have a number if rifles get the 7mm-08 and reload for it. I wasn't overly interested in the 308 till i got one. Dirt cheap to reload for and if you forget your ammo on a hunting trip theres always going to be a huge variety of ammo available even at the out of the way gun shops.
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by Tubs » 20 Sep 2020, 10:45 am

The Savage Axis looks alright, comes in a LH for 223 and 308 also..... Can spend the difference on better optics...
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Re: Tikka TX3 Lite vs Ruger American Predator 7mm-08

Post by MJW380 » 20 Sep 2020, 3:38 pm

I’ve owned both in .223, I agree with what in2anity said, if it’s a long term keeper, go the Tikka, if not, go Ruger Predator. They both shoot, but the tikka does shoot smaller groups, if that’s what your into. I wouldn’t recommend a Savage Axis, at least not the first series, the series 2 has an accutrigger, first models trigger is terrible.
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