6.8 western build from a tikka?

[sndmn11]

@12wander what will the 6.8western do that the 270wsm you seek won't?

I'd leave the barrel on, swap stocks if that is a want, and shoot it til that barrel is gone. Or I would grab as different of a caliber I could find so I have a use for both barrels. 338win with 6.8western would be a good pairing.

 

[12wander]

@12wander what will the 6.8western do that the 270wsm you seek won't?

I'd leave the barrel on, swap stocks if that is a want, and shoot it til that barrel is gone. Or I would grab as different of a caliber I could find so I have a use for both barrels. 338win with 6.8western would be a good pairing.

The 6.8 will shoot160 grain and above and fill a gap that I have now. I don’t reload so that leaves out the 7SAUM. The 6.5PRC is right there with the 270WSM in bullet weights.

 

[tdhanses]

The 6.8 will shoot160 grain and above and fill a gap that I have now. I don’t reload so that leaves out the 7SAUM. The 6.5PRC is right there with the 270WSM in bullet weights.

Have you ever considered getting into reloading, spending a ton of $ just to shoot factory ammo.

 

[Sled]

no offense taken.

But you have to start somewhere. My objective it to get a 6.8 Western that I like. Not a fan of the xbolt or XPR firearms that this cartridge is currently offered in. I’m not in a huge rush and hopefully a few other manufacturers will add this caliber to their line up In 2022.
I fully plan on having a smith do the barrel swap if I follow through with this. I don’t have the gauges or equipment here to do it and really can’t justify the extra expense for a build or two.

What about a factory browning in the 6.8 western?

 

[12wander]

What about a factory browning in the 6.8 western?

I don't really care for them when I shoulder them. That would be easier in the long run but I’d like to put one together and have a somewhat unique to me rifle.

 

[Sled]

I don't really care for them when I shoulder them. That would be easier in the long run but I’d like to put one together and have a somewhat unique to me rifle.

If that's the case then start easy and build up what you want. I have a barrel on the way from McGowan to spin on my old t3. It's a custom profile similar to the factory T3 with a step up at the end for threads, similar to the Barrett Fieldcraft. Do that, keep everything else factory for the time being and see what you want to change.

I've been reading too many 6.8 western threads so I can't remember if you were the one wanting to go suppressed or just a brake but those are easy options if you can find a barrel maker that will do a custom profile and has a 6.8 reamer.

I realize you want factory ammo but if you're willing to try the 270wsm, here's a good comparison: https://www.gunandgame.com/threads/6-8-western-compared-to-270-wsm.215087/

 

[sndmn11]

This popped up on ebay, probably will shoot wonderfully.

Tikka T3 / T3X Pre Fit Custom Barrel - 6.8 Western - NEW | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tikka T3 / T3X Pre Fit Custom Barrel - 6.8 Western - NEW at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Seeknelk]

6.8 western is essentially a slightly neutered 270WSM, with awesome marketing. I'd go with the 270 wsm with the higher velocity and the factory barrels are usually awesome , but since you don't reload and you claim you can find ammo everywhere then go that route if it's just between those two. Hornady has done super well with getting ammo out NOW for their new rounds at least. Give em props for that.
The wsm case with longest bullets easily fits in the Tikka action.
All Tikka actions are the same length , they just have different mags and bolt stops which can all be changed to suit.
It's actually a perfect action for the short mags. Not so much for the full magnums.

 

[12wander]

I purchased a pair of 6.5 PRC 4 round magazines for my 6.8 build and they are perfect in fit and have room to go a bit longer if wanted. I just need to get my barrel and attached to the action to check the feed. But by eyeing things up nothing stands out that would cause feeding problems.