User Panel
User Panel
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 2/11/2024 6:36:24 PM EDT
I have one bolt action, a Tikka t3x in 6.5 creedmoor that I bought at the time for hunting. But as I get more involved in long range precision, I've been using this one and only bolt action about twice a month, 20-40 rounds per session. So I started mulling around the idea . . .
1) Buy another Tikka in 6.5 creedmoor; that way one is solely for hunting and the other for long range precision. 2) Buy another Tikka in 308; again, the idea is one for long range precision fun and the other for hunting; granted, both can be used for both applications. 3) Don't buy another rifle, keep using my one and only Tikka and when/if it wears out, replace it with another. Thoughts on 1, 2, or 3? |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 6:55:51 PM EDT
[#1]
Of those choices I’d do another 6.5.
But I’d do a 6cm over either for match/target work. |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 6:59:01 PM EDT
[#2]
4. Put together another rifle with a Bighorn Origin action and prefit barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor.
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Posted: 2/11/2024 7:06:29 PM EDT
[#3]
I'm a big fan of using what you've got until it's one of the biggest factors holding you back. Thus, number 3 gets my vote, particularly with the relatively few rounds you're shooting.
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Posted: 2/11/2024 7:11:33 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rob01: 4. Put together another rifle with a Bighorn Origin action and prefit barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor. This is the way. Keep the current one for hunting and build a long range precision rifle. |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 2/11/2024 7:14:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Personally, I'd buy another rifle, but something heavier and dedicated to precision shooting rather than another T3x. Your choice on chambering, but for pure target shooting I'd probably get a second 6.5. Hunt with the light rifle, target shoot with the heavy rifle.
That said, it really depends what your goals are. If your primary goal is to practice for hunting, keep shooting the hunting rifle and rebarrel when needed. If your goal is to hit small targets way out there at the range, buy something dedicated to that. So far my long-ish range (by WI standards) shooting has been with my hunting rifles, but I'm starting to think about building a dedicated precision rifle with a more suitable optic. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 2/11/2024 7:33:57 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the replies so far. I hadn't considered building. Only reason I figured Tikka is because that's what I have and like; plus, price range for a built rifle was $700 to $1K. If I were to build, suggestions on actions and barrel manufacturers? I'm not looking to spend thousands as I'm still getting into this new phase or level of shooting; very much a beginner who wants to learn.
To those who have yet to reply, I'd still like to know your thoughts on 1, 2, 3. Thanks! |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 7:46:57 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By glassman87: If I were to build, suggestions on actions and barrel manufacturers? I'm not looking to spend thousands as I'm still getting into this new phase or level of shooting; very much a beginner who wants to learn. Thanks! And not spending now will guarantee you will be spending more later. You will buy another cheaper rifle and shoot it and then find you want better and then that one will sit there and you will buy a little better and then shoot that and then you will finally build one. I am trying to help you save money in the long run from my 30 years of experience doing this.  Bighorn Origin Prefit barrel Trigger Chassis/stock Brake A barrel vise and action wrench will be about $150 for both. Then down the road you can change calibers and use the same stock, scope and action so you save money. You only have to change the barrel and bolt face if changing head size, which the Bighorn does easily. I have a TL3 and barrels in .223, 6mm ARC, 6 and 6.5 Creedmoor and .308. If you can do it financially then do it. |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 8:03:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Duck_Hunt]
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By glassman87: Thanks for the replies so far. I hadn't considered building. Only reason I figured Tikka is because that's what I have and like; plus, price range for a built rifle was $700 to $1K. If I were to build, suggestions on actions and barrel manufacturers? I'm not looking to spend thousands as I'm still getting into this new phase or level of shooting; very much a beginner who wants to learn. To those who have yet to reply, I'd still like to know your thoughts on 1, 2, 3. Thanks! Macbros action Criterion Remage (I’d get the tools and a trigger tech from them as well.. you’re looking at $650-700 with tools and trigger). KRG bravo |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 8:08:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Rob01]
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Duck_Hunt: Macbros action Criterion Remage (I’d get the tools and a trigger tech from them as well.. you’re looking at $650-700 with tools and trigger). KRG bravo Don't believe they will accept shouldered prefit barrels thus eliminating the barrel nut. I would spend the extra $125 for the Origin just for that reason. Not to mention being able to change bolt faces. |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 8:12:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Duck_Hunt]
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rob01: Don't believe they will accept shouldered prefit barrels thus eliminating the barrel nut. I would spend the extra $125 for the Origin just for that reason. Not to mention being able to change bolt faces. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rob01: Originally Posted By Duck_Hunt: Macbros action Criterion Remage (I’d get the tools and a trigger tech from them as well.. you’re looking at $650-700 with tools and trigger). KRG bravo Don't believe they will accept shouldered prefit barrels thus eliminating the barrel nut. I would spend the extra $125 for the Origin just for that reason. Not to mention being able to change bolt faces. I don’t mind barrel nuts, I actually prefer them. That being said you can buy shouldered prefits for them. I’ve used both and while the origin is a great receiver.. I prefer the macbro. Also OP. You don’t need an action wrench on a virgin build. If I’m changing bolt faces I’ll take another gun. |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 8:25:13 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Duck_Hunt: I don’t mind barrel nuts, I actually prefer them. That being said you can buy shouldered prefits for them. I’ve used both and while the origin is a great receiver.. I prefer the macbro. Also OP. You don’t need an action wrench on a virgin build. If I’m changing bolt faces I’ll take another gun. For me a barrel nut is one more thing to have to deal with. Will never have one. Using shouldered prefits is as easy as screwing a nut in a bolt. Who makes shouldered prefits for the McBros? The changing bolt faces is to save having to buy another rifle. And I am not talking about changing them at the range but being able to change and run a different caliber for the day. |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 9:03:54 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Duck_Hunt]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rob01: For me a barrel nut is one more thing to have to deal with. Will never have one. Using shouldered prefits is as easy as screwing a nut in a bolt. Who makes shouldered prefits for the McBros? The changing bolt faces is to save having to buy another rifle. And I am not talking about changing them at the range but being able to change and run a different caliber for the day. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rob01: Originally Posted By Duck_Hunt: I don’t mind barrel nuts, I actually prefer them. That being said you can buy shouldered prefits for them. I’ve used both and while the origin is a great receiver.. I prefer the macbro. Also OP. You don’t need an action wrench on a virgin build. If I’m changing bolt faces I’ll take another gun. For me a barrel nut is one more thing to have to deal with. Will never have one. Using shouldered prefits is as easy as screwing a nut in a bolt. Who makes shouldered prefits for the McBros? The changing bolt faces is to save having to buy another rifle. And I am not talking about changing them at the range but being able to change and run a different caliber for the day. PBB is one I know of. I mean I get it. But I’m a build a complete separate rifle type of guy, especially if it constitutes a BF change. Shouldered prefits are no doubt slightly easier, but I prefer the control over setting head space. |
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Posted: 2/11/2024 9:12:34 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Duck_Hunt: PBB is one I know of. I mean I get it. But I’m a build a complete separate rifle type of guy, especially if it constitutes a BF change. Shouldered prefits are no doubt slightly easier, but I prefer the control over setting head space. Yeah I used to be but now I would rather spend $125 and take 2 minutes to change a bolt face than spend thousands on a new rifle and scope. Looked at Preferred and only see barrel nut option for the McBros. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 2/11/2024 10:23:32 PM EDT
[#14]
#3 for now -- I think I'll enjoy and use what I have, see how I do with what I got. If I get really into this then maybe I'll build, but that route looks to be quite the rabbit hole and expenditure.
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Posted: 2/12/2024 6:55:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: xCLAYBUSTERx]
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By glassman87: #3 for now -- I think I'll enjoy and use what I have, see how I do with what I got. If I get really into this then maybe I'll build, but that route looks to be quite the rabbit hole and expenditure. Toss it in a KRG bravo Chassis and call it a day. There’s a nice used one in the EE 
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Posted: 2/13/2024 10:19:35 AM EDT
[#16]
Okay I have a few questions:
What type of hunting do you plan on doing? Are you going to be stand hunting where weight doesn’t matter or spot and stalk where weight adds up? Are you planning on competing beyond the 6.5’s normal range in the future? Do you reload? Having a .223 trainer was one of my best decisions. It is just plain fun to stretch its legs. Are you in an area where prairie dogs are available? They are excellent multi range practice. Number one they are hard to range and wind can be really tricky. The .223 brass is relatively cheap and easy to work loads up for. But I have noticed Lapua just gets your ES and SD way down compared to other brass. If you’re competing in the .223’s effective range it might save you some barrel life. |
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QC, CAN
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Posted: 2/13/2024 6:46:27 PM EDT
[#17]
Originally Posted By glassman87: I have one bolt action, a Tikka t3x in 6.5 creedmoor that I bought at the time for hunting. But as I get more involved in long range precision, I've been using this one and only bolt action about twice a month, 20-40 rounds per session. So I started mulling around the idea . . . 1) Buy another Tikka in 6.5 creedmoor; that way one is solely for hunting and the other for long range precision. 2) Buy another Tikka in 308; again, the idea is one for long range precision fun and the other for hunting; granted, both can be used for both applications. 3) Don't buy another rifle, keep using my one and only Tikka and when/if it wears out, replace it with another. Thoughts on 1, 2, or 3? What barrel profile does your TIkka currently have? What type of stock or chassis is it? If it is a thinner type barrel and a lighter hunting style stock I'd leave this rifle for hunting and build a precision type rig. |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 10:06:17 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By sparkyD: Okay I have a few questions: What type of hunting do you plan on doing? Are you going to be stand hunting where weight doesn’t matter or spot and stalk where weight adds up? Are you planning on competing beyond the 6.5’s normal range in the future? Do you reload? Having a .223 trainer was one of my best decisions. It is just plain fun to stretch its legs. Are you in an area where prairie dogs are available? They are excellent multi range practice. Number one they are hard to range and wind can be really tricky. The .223 brass is relatively cheap and easy to work loads up for. But I have noticed Lapua just gets your ES and SD way down compared to other brass. If you’re competing in the .223’s effective range it might save you some barrel life. This ^^^^ I bought a Tikka in 223 because I want to shoot a lot and the ammo is cheaper than 6CM. (I don't reload) I'm hoping it will help me learn to deal with windage on the long shots. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 2/24/2024 1:34:35 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By glassman87: plus, price range for a built rifle was $700 to $1K. If I were to build, suggestions on actions and barrel manufacturers? I'm not looking to spend thousands Thanks! That budget isn't even close my friend! You WILL spend thousands so let that thought pass....... |
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