Impact Shooting: Tikka T3x 300 WSM Hunting Rifle Build

In his latest “Box to Bush” video, Piet of Impact Media transforms a brand-new factory Tikka T3x chambered in .300 Winchester Short Magnum (.300 WSM) into a fully equipped hunting rifle. The goal is straightforward: install an MDT HNT26 chassis, add a Vortex optic and suppressor, evaluate accuracy with factory ammunition, and take the rifle hunting for kudu in South Africa. Sounds cool, right? Let’s check it out.

Bottom Line: Is the Tikka T3x 300 WSM a Good Hunting Rifle?

The Tikka T3x chambered in .300 WSM delivers excellent hunting rifle performance when paired with the lightweight MDT HNT26 chassis, quality optics, and a suppressor. In Piet’s range testing, the rifle produced groups measuring between 0.5 and 0.75 minute of angle (MOA) using factory Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition, demonstrating impressive accuracy without handload development. The finished rifle also proved comfortable to shoot and was successfully used on a South African kudu hunt.

What Components Did Piet Choose for His Tikka 300 WSM Hunting Rifle?

The centerpiece of the build is the MDT HNT26 chassis, a lightweight hunting platform designed to provide the adjustability and functionality of a precision rifle chassis without unnecessary weight. The HNT26 incorporates an ARCA rail, a dovetail mounting system commonly used to attach rifles to tripods and other shooting supports, along with M-LOK attachment slots for mounting accessories.

Piet pairs the chassis with a Vortex Razor LHT, his preferred hunting optic, along with an MDT 20 MOA Picatinny scope base and Vortex Precision Match Rings. The 20 MOA base incorporates a slight forward angle that provides additional elevation adjustment for longer-range shooting.

An MDT seven-round metal AICS magazine, designed for cartridges including the .300 WSM and 6.5 PRC, completes the initial component selection. AICS stands for Accuracy International Chassis System, a widely adopted detachable magazine pattern. Piet notes that he would prefer the more compact three-round magazine for hunting, but availability ultimately dictates his choice.

With limited time before the hunt, Piet skips handload development and selects Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammunition loaded with 200-grain ELD-X bullets. The ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) is a hunting projectile designed to combine aerodynamic efficiency with controlled expansion. The immediate goal is to establish a reliable zero, evaluate the rifle’s accuracy, and head into the field with confidence.

How Did Piet Set Up the Rifle and Prepare It for Accuracy Testing?

Once the chassis and optic are installed, Piet levels the reticle using a Wheeler leveling kit and checks the rifle’s initial alignment with a Real Avid laser bore-sighting tool. Properly leveling the optic, tightening scope ring screws to the manufacturer’s torque specifications, and checking alignment before firing are important steps in any rifle build. A bore-sighting tool helps get the rifle on paper, although it does not replace confirming the zero with live ammunition. Trust me, taking your time during the installation process can save you hours of frustration and plenty of money on ammunition later. This is something you learn from experience.

The final addition is a Van Wyk Gen 2 Hunter Pro suppressor, manufactured in South Africa using additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. Its reflex-style design extends rearward over part of the barrel, reducing the length added beyond the muzzle compared with a conventional forward-mounted suppressor of similar overall length.

An MDT CKYE-POD bipod rounds out the package, providing a stable shooting platform for range testing and supported field positions.

The combination of a lightweight chassis, quality optic, suppressor, and adjustable shooting support gives Piet a rifle configured for practical hunting rather than simply chasing the smallest possible group on paper.

How Accurate Was the Tikka 300 WSM With Factory Ammunition?

At the range, Piet starts at 20 meters (approximately 22 yards) to establish his initial point of impact, then moves to 100 meters (approximately 109 yards) for accuracy testing. He initially expects substantial recoil from a lightweight rifle chambered in .300 WSM, but the finished setup proves surprisingly comfortable to shoot.

Using Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammunition loaded with 200-grain ELD-X bullets, Piet reports groups measuring between 0.5 and 0.75 MOA. Minute of angle is an angular measurement commonly used to describe rifle accuracy, with one MOA corresponding to approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards. At Piet’s 100-meter testing distance, those results translate to groups measuring approximately 0.57 to 0.86 inches, or 14.5 to 21.8 millimeters.

These are encouraging results for a brand-new hunting rifle using factory ammunition, with no handload development. Piet is particularly pleased with the combination of accuracy and manageable recoil, which exceeds his initial expectations for the lightweight .300 WSM.

It’s worth emphasizing that these results come from Piet’s testing of this particular rifle and ammunition combination. Group size can vary depending on ammunition, environmental conditions, shooting technique, and the individual rifle. Nevertheless, the initial performance demonstrates that a factory Tikka action paired with the MDT HNT26 chassis can deliver excellent practical accuracy without extensive tuning.

How Did the Tikka 300 WSM Perform on a South African Kudu Hunt?

With the rifle zeroed and its accuracy confirmed, Piet heads into the South African bush for a kudu hunt. The trip proves successful, and Piet and his companions take two impressive kudu bulls, each with horns measuring close to 50 inches. A dedicated hunting video covering the experience is forthcoming.

The transition from the shooting range to the hunting field is an important part of the Box to Bush concept. A hunting rifle needs to do more than produce tight groups from a bench. It must also be practical to carry, comfortable to shoot, and adaptable to the varied shooting positions encountered in the field.

The MDT HNT26’s lightweight construction, integrated mounting options, and adjustable ergonomics make it particularly well suited to this type of application. Combined with the suppressor and Vortex optic, the finished rifle offers a balance of portability and precision that fits the demands of a serious hunting setup.

The project also gets Piet thinking about future rifle builds. He is considering adding either a .300 WSM or a .30 Sherman Magnum to his collection, along with a lightweight .25 Sherman Short Magnum hunting rifle. His goal for the latter would be to launch high-ballistic-coefficient .25-caliber bullets at approximately 3,300 feet per second (1,006 meters per second). Ballistic coefficient (BC) describes how efficiently a bullet overcomes aerodynamic drag, an important consideration for retaining velocity and resisting wind drift at longer distances.

Of course, South Africa’s lengthy firearm acquisition process means those future projects could take several years to complete.

Is the MDT HNT26 Worth Considering for a Tikka T3x Hunting Build?

Piet’s Box to Bush project demonstrates how a factory Tikka T3x chambered in .300 WSM can be transformed into a capable hunting rifle with carefully selected components. The MDT HNT26 chassis, Vortex Razor LHT optic, Van Wyk Gen 2 Hunter Pro suppressor, and MDT CKYE-POD create a lightweight, modular setup that delivers excellent accuracy with factory ammunition.

The most impressive aspect of the build isn’t necessarily the 0.5 to 0.75 MOA groups, although those results are certainly noteworthy. It’s that Piet achieves this performance without extensive load development or complicated modifications. The rifle goes from its factory box to the shooting range and ultimately into the South African bush, accomplishing exactly what the project set out to demonstrate.

For hunters looking to upgrade a factory Tikka T3x, the MDT HNT26 is worth serious consideration. It offers the features of a modern precision rifle chassis in a lightweight hunting package.

What Other Impact Shooting Rifle Builds Are Worth Watching?

Piet has put together some excellent hunting rifle projects over the years, many featuring MDT chassis systems. In an earlier lightweight .300 PRC hunting rifle test, he used the MDT HNT26 chassis to build a magnum hunting rifle capable of engaging targets at nearly 1,000 yards. He also showcased several purpose-built rifles in his South African hunting rifle overview, including an HNT26-equipped 6mm Dasher. More recently, Piet demonstrated the capabilities of a 7 Sherman Short Magnum at over 1,000 meters, using an MDT TIMBR CORE stock and CKYE-POD GEN3 bipod. All three projects are worth watching if you’re interested in lightweight hunting rifles, magnum cartridges, and practical long-range shooting.

For more builds, rifle testing, and hunting adventures, check out the Impact Media YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tikka T3x 300 WSM Hunting Build

How accurate is the Tikka T3x chambered in .300 WSM?
In Piet’s Impact Media range test, the Tikka T3x chambered in .300 WSM produced groups measuring between 0.5 and 0.75 MOA at 100 meters using Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammunition loaded with 200-grain ELD-X bullets. These results demonstrate excellent accuracy from the tested rifle without handload development, although performance will vary between individual rifles and ammunition combinations.

What chassis did Piet use for his Tikka T3x hunting rifle?
Piet installed the MDT HNT26 chassis, a lightweight hunting chassis featuring an integrated ARCA rail, M-LOK attachment points, and adjustable ergonomics. The HNT26 is designed to provide the functionality of a precision rifle chassis while keeping weight manageable for hunting applications.

What ammunition did Piet use in his .300 WSM?
Piet used Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammunition loaded with 200-grain ELD-X bullets. The ELD-X is a hunting projectile designed for aerodynamic efficiency and terminal performance across a range of impact velocities. Piet selected factory ammunition because he did not have time to develop a custom handload before his hunt.

Does a lightweight .300 WSM hunting rifle have excessive recoil?
A lightweight rifle chambered in .300 WSM can generate substantial recoil, but Piet reported that his completed Tikka T3x build was surprisingly comfortable to shoot. His rifle featured an MDT HNT26 chassis and a Van Wyk Gen 2 Hunter Pro suppressor, which helped moderate felt recoil. Individual recoil perception will vary with rifle weight, fit, ammunition, and shooting technique.

Can you use MDT AICS magazines with a Tikka T3x chambered in .300 WSM?
Yes, as long as the rifle is configured with a compatible chassis and magazine system. Piet’s build uses an MDT HNT26 chassis and a seven-round MDT metal AICS-pattern magazine designed for .300 WSM and 6.5 PRC cartridges. He would have preferred the more compact three-round version for hunting, but chose the seven-round magazine because it was available.