6mm Creed Re-barrel vs New .223

[lufa1040]

I currently have a Tikka T3X in .308 Win. It’s a great rifle, but the muzzle jump makes tracking my own impacts through the reticle a challenge.

I'll be targeting Mule deer and wild pigs in Southern and Central California.

I am weighing these two options and need some advice from the pros:

1. Re-barrel my .308 to 6mm Creedmoor

• Planned projectiles: 85gr Lehigh or 88gr Hammer Hunters
• 400yd effective range
• Lead free ammo is hard to source
• Ammo is pricey
• Shorter barrel life

2. Buy a new T3X in .223

• Planned projectile: 62gr Lehigh Controlled Chaos
• 300yd effective range
• Minimal recoil
• Ammo is more common

Thoughts?

 

[AZ Gator]

I’m not a pro, but I’ll provide a little input.

Since you’re in CA and stuck with non-lead, I’d suggest 6CM to help makeup for the handicapped wound channel of copper bullets. I have used Hammer bullets (HHT) and they worked well. I don’t have any experience with Lehigh.

How much will you shoot it? It takes a good bit of shooting to worry about shorter barrel life. If you’ll be shooting that much, it would probably be smart to have the 6CM for hunting and 223 for training.

 

[StupidLightweight]

Both are good options. In the long run, the .223 will be the wiser investment. About the only negative to the mighty 5.56 are states with 6mm minimum caliber restrictions. That brings the 6mm ARC into the equation.

 

[Valumpessa]

Since suppressors are restricted in CA, if the main goal is to spots impacts, I'd go 223 and start training. You could rebarrel the 308 down the road with a 6 Creed Tikka prefit or takeoff and be set for anything.

 

[bojangles808]

Buy the 223 now and then once the takeoff Tikka 6cm barrels start popping up on eBay and other places get one of those. It'll be half the price of a prefit

 

[hereinaz]

Buy the 223 now and then once the takeoff Tikka 6cm barrels start popping up on eBay and other places get one of those. It'll be half the price of a prefit

This works.

It’s always good to have a .223 and it will suit your needs. Far less expensive to get the practice and improve skill. And, use it to hunt when appropriate.