6.5 CM or 6.5 PRC build

[mountainmanb]

I’m looking to build a rifle for “timberish” terrain for California black tail. I have a 280 AI tikka build I did and it’s not a light rifle due to the SS Bartlien barrel. It does have a little kick. I want to build another rifle with a carbon barrel for situations where I’d be doing a little more slow stalk then setting up advantage points for shooting. I was thinking of the 6.5 CM because of the reduced recoil if I had to shoot standing and not lose sight of the target. Also with the lower recoil I can reduce the barrel weight without compromising the lower recoil. A friend of mine has suggested I do the 6.5 PRC. My 280 AI is a long range rifle matched with a LRX 168 grain bullet. I’m not sure I need another hot gun. Anyone have intel on the 6.5 CM versus 6.5 PRC for the application I want to build it for?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

What is your budget for rifle and scope/rings?

 

[hereinaz]

How far will you shoot game?

The choice comes down to velocity you need. To me, sounds like the Creedmoor because the PRC is for stretching the distances your 280ai will cover.

 

[handwerk]

I also am a fan of the 280 AI, when I wanted to step it down from my 280 AI I built a 6.5 Cm on a Kimber action, very happy with my decision.

 

[mountainmanb]

What is your budget for rifle and scope/rings?

I’m planning on using a tikka action, carbon fiber stock, and carbon barrel. That might run $2500 give or take. I’m planning on using a 3-15 vortex sight on it so bother $1000 for that. Of course I’m ball parking price. I’m actually keeping my eye out on used tikkas to try and cut costs since I only want the action.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I’m planning on using a tikka action, carbon fiber stock, and carbon barrel. That might run $2500 give or take. I’m planning on using a 3-15 vortex sight on it so bother $1000 for that. Of course I’m ball parking price. I’m actually keeping my eye out on used tikkas to try and cut costs since I only want the action.

That’s a good plan, I’d recommend a different scope that is reliable for hunting and field use personally.

Also, why would you replace one of the best barrel makers in the world (Sako/Tikka) for an aftermarket carbon barrel?

 

[mountainmanb]

How far will you shoot game?

The choice comes down to velocity you need. To me, sounds like the Creedmoor because the PRC is for stretching the distances your 280ai will cover.

This gun will be meant for hunting timber country like the lost coast or B zone. I’d be surprised if it’d shoot something 350 yards since there wouldn’t be a lot of open country.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

B Zone blacktail from 2021. Factory Tikka action and 20” stainless Tikka barrel. 6.5CM shooting 143 ELDX.

 

[mountainmanb]

That’s a good plan, I’d recommend a different scope that is reliable for hunting and field use personally.

Also, why would you replace one of the best barrel makers in the world (Sako/Tikka) for an aftermarket carbon barrel?

Weight reduction. I do keep all the tikka barrels. I still have my tikka 30-06 that I converted to a 280 AI.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Weight reduction. I do keep all the tikka barrels. I still have my tikka 30-06 that I converted to a 280 AI.

An 18-22” tikka t3 lite contour barrel is too heavy? What carbon barrel and what is the weight difference? Sorry just trying to understand the use case here.

B zone timber an 18-20” stainless barrel is exactly what I’d want.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Just buy a Remington Model Seven. Mine are alot handier and lighter than my Tikka T3Xs.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Just buy a Remington Model Seven. Mine are alot handier and lighter than my Tikka T3Xs.

Let’s not go backwards now

 

[mountainmanb]

An 18-22” tikka t3 lite contour barrel is too heavy? What carbon barrel and what is the weight difference? Sorry just trying to understand the use case here.

B zone timber an 18-20” stainless barrel is exactly what I’d want.

The weight different is literally a handful of ounces. Nothing crazy huge. If I’m getting a new stock light as well put in a barrel I want with a break. A basic tikka costs around $700-900 dollars. A tikka with a stock break and camo plastic stock costs an extra $400-500. That cost alone covers half the cost of a carbon barrel.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

The weight different is literally a handful of ounces. Nothing crazy huge. If I’m getting a new stock light as well put in a barrel I want with a break. A basic tikka costs around $700-900 dollars. A tikka with a stock break and camo plastic stock costs an extra $400-500. That cost alone covers half the cost of a carbon barrel.

I’d still probably just have the t3 lite barrel cut to length I wanted and threaded by a smith for your brake.

Will be a nice gun either way

 

[N2TRKYS]

Let’s not go backwards now

I did go backwards by buying the Tikkas after already having the Model Sevens.

 

[grfox92]

For the ranges you are talking about a Stainless T3x in 6.5CM cut to 18" would be perfect. I wouldn't even consider replacing the factory barrel unless the gun didn't shoot well and frankly that's not going to happen.

6.5PRC is just wasting powder and producing too much recoil for your application.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Why not the 8 twist tikka 243?

 

[wapitibob]

I asked my smith the other day about a 6.5 prc and he told me to go 6.5 CM. Told me the prc was more of everything and no real benefit.