Dilemma: Semi custom Tikka build on budget vs. 7PRC factory rifle. UPDATED: Decision Made and Build Complete

[atmat]

If you can wait until 2024, Tikka is coming out with a 7PRC.

Do you have a source for this?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

LRX’s expand fine down to the states velocities. You can cut your barrel back to 18” and you’ll have enough meat to thread 9/16-24.

If your mind is made up that you have to have a 7PRC then just buy what you want. You’ve got a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.

 

[hereinaz]

LRX’s expand fine down to the states velocities. You can cut your barrel back to 18” and you’ll have enough meat to thread 9/16-24.

If your mind is made up that you have to have a 7PRC then just buy what you want. You’ve got a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.

I don't see what is wrong with wanting to shoot the same or similar weight bullets faster for more confidence...
True, a 30-06 can do the vast majority of hunting, but he said he is a one gun guy and the 7 will do more.

 

[DisplacedHusky]

LRX’s expand fine down to the states velocities. You can cut your barrel back to 18” and you’ll have enough meat to thread 9/16-24.

If your mind is made up that you have to have a 7PRC then just buy what you want. You’ve got a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.

I have made up my mind. My dilemma is whether to buy a factory 7 PRC, or build one on my Tikka action.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I don't see what is wrong with wanting to shoot the same or similar weight bullets faster for more confidence...
True, a 30-06 can do the vast majority of hunting, but he said he is a one gun guy and the 7 will do more.

Because he already has a perfectly suitable rifle and he will get better results investing the same money into a better optic and chassis for it.

He’s also banking on this build to shoot one factory load that’s not known for great results whereas the 06 has a lot of options for good copper loads.

 

[hereinaz]

Because he already has a perfectly suitable rifle and he will get better results investing the same money into a better optic and chassis for it.

He’s also banking on this build to shoot one factory load that’s not known for great results whereas the 06 has a lot of options for good copper loads.

There are always pros and cons... but his stated preference is reasonable and he's clearly put thought into it.
It is good to hear the other side, and I think you made good points. I still think getting a rifle that does what he wants is reasonable to go up from the 06.

 

[ElkArcher918]

Do you have a source for this?

Yes, but can't tell. A rep for a major retailer that carries most rifle brands (including Tikka) mentioned it to me. We were talking about good value accurate long distance shooting rifles don't require a second mortgage to purchase. I've pretty much boiled down my 7PRC choice to the X-Bolt (suppressor ready, 20") or Tikka (If they come out with a long range version with adjustable stock. That may be too much of a reach for this European rifle maker (Sako/Tikka).

 

[Mountainrancher]

If you want to shoot coppers fast a 7rem mag is a better option than the 7prc for factory loads. There are way more options for the rem mag so you can find one the gun likes. The whole point of the 7prc is to shoot heavy lead core bullets at decently fast velocity’s not coppers. Also if tikka releases a 7prc before a 6 creed rokslide might riot.

 

[AZGUY]

I agree with others that you have absolutely no reason to change to a 7prc. I get that it’s the new cool thing but it is nothing special and ballistics wise it will only shine in 500 yard plus scenarios. With 1800 to spend you should wait and get one of the new rok stocks from stockys that will be coming out in the next few months. Also get your barrel cut down and threaded for your can that’s coming. Then buy a set of um scope rings and a trijicon credo/tenmile or a nightforce shv. If you’re dead set on a rebarrel you will need a new bolt. You can try to trade your bolt on the classifieds here that would be the cheapest option.

Do you have any more info on the Rokstock?

 

[Mountainrancher]

Do you have any more info on the Rokstock?

Nothing that hasn’t been posted here. Last I saw was that they were finalizing the design and stockys said that with a final design they should have a product available in about 6 months

 

[DisplacedHusky]

Because he already has a perfectly suitable rifle and he will get better results investing the same money into a better optic and chassis for it.

He’s also banking on this build to shoot one factory load that’s not known for great results whereas the 06 has a lot of options for good copper loads.

RedneckBMXer, we have gone a little off the rails on this. I like my 30-06 Tikka, but I fail to understand how cutting my barrel down to 18”, as you suggested in a previous post, and investing money in a new optic and chassis is going to increase my muzzle velocity and impact velocity for 160ish grain copper projectiles in my 30-06. I realize that I would be currently limited to the Hornady CX but just like the Creedmore and 6.5 PRC before it, I believe the 7 will catch on an additional companies will release different loads in that chambering.

I am hoping to keep the advice on thread focused toward the decision of building a budget semi custom Tikka or buying a factory rifle. Ultimately it would great to hear from people who have experienced doing both and their takeaways from the process and results.

 

[sndmn11]

@DisplacedHusky do you reload?

 

[ReddingArcher]

If you can wait until 2024, Tikka is coming out with a 7PRC. Don't know if the stock cheekpiece will be adjustable. I've looked at the Browning X-Bolt LR and there's much I like. Fairly decent stock, adjustable cheekpiece, okay trigger, optional suppressor ready version (20" or 22" threaded barrel). I'm leaning towards the Browning 7PRC X-Bolt suppressor ready with 20" barrel.

BTW, which company did you use to facilitate your "Can" purchase? What was the total cost, Can plus administrative fees?

I really hope Tikka offers this in a 20" barrel, 22" max. I have been planning to swap barrels on a 300 wm to 7 prc with a 20" barrel. If they do offer a 20-22" barrel I'll buy one of those and keep the 300 wm as is.

 

[atmat]

Yes, but can't tell. A rep for a major retailer that carries most rifle brands (including Tikka) mentioned it to me. We were talking about good value accurate long distance shooting rifles don't require a second mortgage to purchase. I've pretty much boiled down my 7PRC choice to the X-Bolt (suppressor ready, 20") or Tikka (If they come out with a long range version with adjustable stock. That may be too much of a reach for this European rifle maker (Sako/Tikka).

I’m pretty skeptical. Tikka is very slow to adopt new cartridges. They still don’t have a 6creed.

 

[Scottyboy]

Call Unknown Munitions and be done with it.

 

[ElkArcher918]

I’m pretty skeptical. Tikka is very slow to adopt new cartridges. They still don’t have a 6creed.

I agree, Tikka is old school European. If they don't come out with the 7PRC, I'll probably go with the X-Bolt LR, suppressor ready 20". Upgrade the trigger from the git go and be done.

 

[DisplacedHusky]

@DisplacedHusky do you reload?

I do not.

 

[sndmn11]

I do not.

Bummer. We have shot monos exclusively for a while. I think the 120gr. E-tip 6.5mm is the best balance of BC and victory potential.

I ended up with a 22" barrel tikka 6.5prc and a load with the above bullet at 3265fps. I think with the available mono bullets the 7mm caliber there's efficiency lost.

For the record, I'd keep the Tikka and work off of that hands down.

 

[lhbackcountry]

I have been soaking up Rokslide knowledge for a while but I’m not much of a poster. I now have a dilemma I need advice about. So, I finally created an account in order to seek counsel from the Rokslide Forum knowledge collective.
There have been similar threads about a similar dilemmas but mine differs a little in limited price and platform. I am primarily a bow hunter but took a mule deer a few years ago with a rifle and envision doing more. I am a “one rifle” guy and would like to upgrade my one rifle to extended my effective range. Here are my parameters;

a) I have decided on 7PRC. I would like a 20” or 22” inch barrel. I will hunt suppressed when my can finally gets approved. This will do all I need in terms of range and authority. I will mostly hunt mule deer and elk in Washington and hopefully take an antelope trip in the next few years. I would be perfectly happy with a true 1 MOA gun. I am looking for “easy” accuracy though. I don’t reload and I don’t want to chase the perfect rifle and ammo combo. This is why the tighter tolerances and inherent accuracy of the 7PRC appealed to me. I enjoy shootingrifles but getting to a range to regularly fidget with things is not practical for me at this stage of my life.

b) I put plenty of miles on my boots when hunting but the rifle does not have to be ultralight. I will trade ounces for shootability in multiple positions. A well designed stock or chassis is important. I would like the bare rifle to weigh around 7 lbs., give or take a few ounces.

c) I would like to keep the cost of the rifle below $1,800 ($1,800 in new costs in scenario 2 below). I know this is a beer budget but I have too many hobbies and my kids play too many sports. I already purchased a suppressor and I still need to decide on an optic so this will be, by far, the most expensive firearm I will have ever purchased.

Here are the two options I am contemplating;
1) Purchase a new rifle in 7PRC with the above criteria. Options are something like the Bergara B-14 Squared Crest or the Savage 110 Ultralight. I also think that this year’s Shot Show will yield additonal factory 7PRC options that fit my stipulations.

2) The “one rifle” I am looking to upgrade from is a Tikka T3X in 30-06. I love the buttery smooth action but want to upgrade for a few different reasons. Can I use this for a budget custom build? If I purchase a barrel from Preferred Barrel Blanks and send in my barreled action, they will put the new barrel on it for about $125. Can I just drop that barreled action into a new stock or chassis and be ready to go or are there steps and components that I am missing? My tinkering skills are limited so let’s not overestimatewhat I can do in this process. I know I will need a new bolt with a magnum bolt face (approx. $500), the steel barrel, labor for barrel switch and cerakote (approx. $750 if I go through PBB) and stock/chassis (approx. $600-$800). This puts me at the edge of my budget but I don’t know if there will be components or gunsmith labor that I am overlooking.

The real question is, which option will give me the best rifle for what I desire in my admittedly limited price range? Will I get the “easy accuracy” that I am looking for on the budget rifle without a bunch of tinkering or added expenses? Will it shoot better than the factory rifle with similar reliability?

Before I leave this to the forum, I want to thank those who reply for taking the time to share their knowledge. It is appreciated.

my 2 cents and apologies as I read the first page and not second before replying...

I purchased a tikka t3x 308 and started reloading with plans if I want to use the action as a basis for semi custom build with same bolt face / action into a 7mm-08... started reloading. fell in love with the stock gun accuracy and 2 years later, 30+ whitetail/hogs/ coyotes later and I havnt changed it. My reloading skills have grown, ive found several rounds that are shooting half dollar size groups ( not spectacular but some the best shooting ive ever done) I also have a rex silencer and at this point, this gun wont be touched until I shoot the barrel out which may not happen as I am putting roughly 100-150 rounds over summer and pre season with ammo testing and just plinking to when hunting season starts.

I would like a custom gun but if i need another prob end up on the rokslide classifieds and find a 7mm-08

 

[DisplacedHusky]

Bummer. We have shot monos exclusively for a while. I think the 120gr. E-tip 6.5mm is the best balance of BC and victory potential.

I ended up with a 22" barrel tikka 6.5prc and a load with the above bullet at 3265fps. I think with the available mono bullets the 7mm caliber there's efficiency lost.

For the record, I'd keep the Tikka and work off of that hands down.

Have you taken elk with that load yet? If so, how did it perform?