Best option for a tikka 6mm build

[nphunter]

From those who have done it, what is the best option for a tikka build.

#1New 6.5cm, sell the barrel and stock (maybe) then build off that.

#1.5 used .243 tikka, sell stock and barrel, probably not much of a market for either.

#2 Buy an action from someone like UM, barrel prefit and stock.

#3 Buy a complete rifle already built how I want in small caliber, sell the barrel and buy my own prefit to rechamber. Seems like quite a few 6.5cm builds with longer barrels are popping up.

I’m wanting ton build a short barrel 6mm either a 6CM or 6Dasher. Leaning toward the Dasher with brass availability. I love my 280AI and have had great luck with the 40deg brass. Seems like a dasher with a few hundred rounds of Peterson brass would last forever.

I’m not 100% decided on a stock, I’m leaving toward a Rokstok but also like the HNT26 folding chassis for a short build as well.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

#2 If starting from scratch. It's the easy button and you get exactly what you want from the start. Also UM is having a sale right now on full custom builds. The HNT 26 is awesome and they can get you that at a discount with your build.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Found a great deal on gb, bought a 308, bought xlr chassis, bought X caliber barrel, put in trigger springs, a few lumley odds and ends, bolt handle and bolt stop cover. Will assemble sometime early next year, but pretty easy all and all. Not sure what UM sells their actions for, but I got the full rifle (stainless) for 600 so I can’t imagine I missed out on much savings

 

[bpitcher]

I'm in your shoes right now. I bought a 6.5cm as it seemed to be easiest. $75 rebate right now until the end of the month plus whatever I can get from selling the barrel and stock.

I actually just spoke with UM today about barrel options and costs. The other route I'm looking at is a PVA prefit. I too am split between the rokstok and hnt 26. The folder is nice, but so is the price of the rokstok in comparison.

 

[Billy Goat]

Why not a new .243 with 1/8?

Just shoot .243 til you burn the barrel out, if looking at Dasher, I'm assuming you don't have a problem with handloading what you want.

 

[Lawnboi]

I’d buy a 8twist 22-250 as a donor. You can likely sell that barrel to someone wanting a 22 creed, may even be able to line someone up.

6mm spotter blanks are hard to come by right now. Might drive my decision if I were you.

Personally I’d buy a donor, and barrel blank, and send it off to have the barreled action assembled if going chassis, or id go UM if going rokstock. Just be ready to put on your patient cap.

If you want it by next year, I’d buy an osprey blank. Send it to fisher t&c for an alpha dasher prefit, rattle can it, throw it in a chassis. and be on your way.

 

[nphunter]

Why not a new .243 with 1/8?

Just shoot .243 til you burn the barrel out, if looking at Dasher, I'm assuming you don't have a problem with handloading what you want.

I’ll probably never shoot the barrel out of it. I might end up going this route if I end up going a new tikka. Just chop the barrel and call it a day. I would love a 243AI but fireforming is such a PITA, although 100 pieces of formed Lapua brass would probably outlast the barrel. The .243AI would actually probably work really well with 1/8 twist in a short barrel for heavy’s.

 

[Billy Goat]

I’ll probably never shoot the barrel out of it. I might end up going this route if I end up going a new tikka. Just chop the barrel and call it a day. I would love a 243AI but fireforming is such a PITA, although 100 pieces of formed Lapua brass would probably outlast the barrel. The .243AI would actually probably work really well with 1/8 twist in a short barrel for heavy’s.

I have been doing the same mental gymnastics for a few weeks.

 

[nphunter]

I have been doing the same mental gymnastics for a few weeks.

I like my Ackley, kind of how I ended up at the dasher since it’s pretty much a 6BRAI with factory brass. I’ve been shooting a 280AI for years and before Nosler made theirs so I’ve been fire forming for years. It would be nice just to not have to, however with a .243 you could form a lot cheaper than the 280 and FF rounds would be great for predators. Probably the best way to do it would be to just do load development with FF and virgin brass and load up a couple hundred. Once it’s all shot up just start over with the formed brass.

My biggest issue with my 280 is that I only formed a few cases and then developed a load. Then when I needed more I’d just waste a bunch of powder and bullets forming brass. I actually just bought a couple hundred rounds of Peterson brass for my 280AI and am starting over with a new load since my old Norma brass has been loaded 8-10 times each.

 

[Dave0317]

Option #4

Hornady please go ahead and make a .243 win factory round loaded with 108 ELD M.

Or the 103 ELD X.

 

[Billy Goat]

I like my Ackley, kind of how I ended up at the dasher since it’s pretty much a 6BRAI with factory brass. I’ve been shooting a 280AI for years and before Nosler made theirs so I’ve been fire forming for years. It would be nice just to not have to, however with a .243 you could form a lot cheaper than the 280 and FF rounds would be great for predators. Probably the best way to do it would be to just do load development with FF and virgin brass and load up a couple hundred. Once it’s all shot up just start over with the formed brass.

My biggest issue with my 280 is that I only formed a few cases and then developed a load. Then when I needed more I’d just waste a bunch of powder and bullets forming brass. I actually just bought a couple hundred rounds of Peterson brass for my 280AI and am starting over with a new load since my old Norma brass has been loaded 8-10 times each.

I think I have decided I don't really need to run a .243 hard. So rather than try to gain the advantage of a little more capacity, and less trimming, just go easy button. Shoot regular .243 a bit off max load.


That can change tomorrow.

Probably gonna just try a factory. 243, see how it shoots. If I'm pleased, cut barrel down and roll with it. If I'm not happy, go different barrel route and decide if I want to change cartridge.

Only unknown is throats on the 1/8 tikka .243, they got room for a 108 eldm seated to shoulder junction? Someone should know, but I haven't seen it.