.223: Howa1500 v Tikka T3x v Sauer 100

[Paul]

Hi all,

Im looking at adding a 223 and Ive been suggested one of the follwing:

Howa 1500
Tikka T3x
Sauer 100

Purpose for the 223 would be a general walk around rifle for anything from rabbits up to fox n roos. Seems 1:8 is pretty standard twist but would a 1:12 do most of the jobs with light <=40, mostly 55gr or up to 60gr projectiles with handloads. Tikka comes only in 1:12, Howa and Saure prob 1:10. Not so keen on the 'sticky' howa stock though.

Have had a look at these in the local shop, Howa 1500 (not mini) and Sauer around the same price at $900-1150, then Tikka at about $1700. I have two Tikkas in 308 and 22-250 (wood stock and on the heavy side).

Looking for something very accurate, good out to at least 200m. Synth stock for weight and versatility/ robustness in all weather (very happy with it on the 308).

Any thoughts, experience and advice welcome.

Thanks in advance, Paul.

[in2anity]

All three of those will be fine at 200m. Tikka is better quality - why wouldn’t you run with that?

[womble]

Try one of these on for size. They’re very nice. Not as heavy as they look, beautiful action
https://www.lithgowarms.com/la-102-crossover/

[bigrich]

Hi all,

Im looking at adding a 223 and Ive been suggested one of the follwing:

Howa 1500
Tikka T3x
Sauer 100

Purpose for the 223 would be a general walk around rifle for anything from rabbits up to fox n roos. Seems 1:8 is pretty standard twist but would a 1:12 do most of the jobs with light <=40, mostly 55gr or up to 60gr projectiles with handloads. Tikka comes only in 1:12, Howa and Saure prob 1:10. Not so keen on the 'sticky' howa stock though.

Have had a look at these in the local shop, Howa 1500 (not mini) and Sauer around the same price at $900-1150, then Tikka at about $1700. I have two Tikkas in 308 and 22-250 (wood stock and on the heavy side).

Looking for something very accurate, good out to at least 200m. Synth stock for weight and versatility/ robustness in all weather (very happy with it on the 308).

Any thoughts, experience and advice welcome.

Thanks in advance, Paul.

tikka t3 , 1-12 twist , load 55 vmax. very flat shooting to 200 . deadly to all you've listed . very accurate . in a B&C , or some other qaulity bedded stock , extremely accurate

[Peter988]

I have the Sauer and my mate has the Tikka. Accuracy wise you can’t split them. My only complaint is the trigger. I like a really light one. I have the Sauer down to its minimum - about 2lb - but it’s still a little heavy for my liking. There are no after market options. The mate has fitted a two stage trigger to his and it’s an absolute cracker.

[bladeracer]

Hi all,

Im looking at adding a 223 and Ive been suggested one of the following:

Howa 1500
Tikka T3x
Sauer 100

Purpose for the 223 would be a general walk around rifle for anything from rabbits up to fox n roos. Seems 1:8 is pretty standard twist but would a 1:12 do most of the jobs with light <=40, mostly 55gr or up to 60gr projectiles with handloads. Tikka comes only in 1:12, Howa and Sauer prob 1:10. Not so keen on the 'sticky' howa stock though.

Have had a look at these in the local shop, Howa 1500 (not mini) and Sauer around the same price at $900-1150, then Tikka at about $1700. I have two Tikkas in 308 and 22-250 (wood stock and on the heavy side).

Looking for something very accurate, good out to at least 200m. Synth stock for weight and versatility/ robustness in all weather (very happy with it on the 308).

Any thoughts, experience and advice welcome.

Thanks in advance, Paul.

If you're only going to use light bullets anyway why not just use reduced loads in the .22-250 you already have? The extra weight may be a nuisance but the difference probably isn't that significant, and you could put a polymer stock on it if it is.
Personally, I'd go with 8"-twist.

You could also look at the Ruger American Predator.

[Cooper]

Tikka used to have option of 1:8 or 1:12 twist and new stock Howa’s should be 1:9 twist. If you already have a couple of Tikka’s I’d be inclined to keep them all familiar. If your on a bit of budget I’d get the Howa.

[JimTom]

1:12 Tikka T3x with 55gn projectiles mate. I have one and it’s a tac driver.
Also have a Howa 1500 however I put it in a Boyd as I didn’t like the stock it come with.
Both good rifles but I’d go the Tikka for sure for a walk around rifle.

[Lazarus]

Never had a Tikka or a Saur, but I'm feeling the lurve for the 1500

[animalpest]

I might be biased as I have four Tikka rifles. Love them (obviously).

[Billo]

Had a chance last Sunday to shoot my old Howa 223 that I had sold to mate 6 yrs earlier. It was now in a chassis and the the trigger was a sweet 1 lb so I had fairly high expectations. The first few 5 shot groups of the factory Fiocchi ammo went 1/2 moa and then it I shot a 1/4 moa group. The rifle was then put away and I tried to buy my rifle back. Mate told me to take a flying leap.......

[Blr243]

I have howas and sauers. I assume u would get great accuracy from any of the threementioned but the tikka might b finished off nicer. I really like the long throw threepositionsafety on my sauers

[AlHow]

The Howa 223 is only $550 at Cleavers.

[AlHow]

The Howa 223 is only $550 at Cleavers.

[Meathunter1]

Tikka hard to go by. Howa .ini offers lighter and compact. Chop the mag down for flush fit or get some jefferson bottom metal.

[Paul]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Will get to the LGS and have another look and feel.

And scopes? Thinking of a Themal, Pulsar maybe?

Thanks again.
Cheers,
Paul

[geoff]

The tikka is definitely more refined, but the Howa is a good enough gun as well.

Since Remington have effectively been out of the game for a while it largely comes down to whether you want an internal or a detachable mag. Internal, go Howa. Detachable, go Tikka.

You never regret a Tikka but some people really prefer the internal mag and unless you spend Sako money there's not many decent options.