Help me build a cheap 6.5 CM/PRC from the ground up

[FunkEyeMissed]

FNG here, I’m looking to build a bolt gun as a much more capable upgrade to my trusty 30-30 but I am poor. Debating on going 6.5cm to build my skills and be able to afford to shoot more ammo or go straight to PRC as I’ll mostly use it to hunt the mountain west.

Is it better to start with something like a complete Ruger American Gen 2 or Tikka and then eventually put it into a chassis when budget allows or just wait and start with a Howa barreled action and drop it into a chassis immediately? Would really like folding stock capability and arca rail mount eventually. Forgive me if I’m a retard this is my first post. Bonus points for pics of yoir

 

[199p]

tikka t3 in what cal you want, chop to 18 or 20" add suppressor, good rings and scope and shoot the barrel out

 

[Ajsomp]

What’s your budget? I mean tikka is the easy button but budget will dictate everything you’re gonna do with it.

 

[Steve300xcw]

With those choices, I'd go tikka every time. If I was carrying it more, I'd grab a t3 and party on. If I were doing more stands/landings kinda hunting. I'd grab a CTR and probly drop it in a KRG at some point down the road.

P.S....creedmor's kill a whole lotta shit out west as well...Get the one that shoots the cheap stuff

P.P.S. folding stocks are cool, until you get one. Then after about a month you wonder wtf

 

[Dave_S]

If I was looking to build a budget 6.5 right now?

Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8" Bbl Synthetic/Blued Rifle JRTXE319 For Sale - EuroOptic

Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8" Bbl Synthetic/Blued Rifle JRTXE319 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Add the vertical grip for 25 bucks. UM rings, scope of choice, I suppose probably an SWFA...fixed 6x would be my more affordable choice, but I don't think they make them anymore...so 3-9 or 3-15. Cut/thread barrel and replace stock when finances allow. Buy relatively cheap suppressor when finances allow, I like my OCL Polonium, so I'd probably go with the 30 cal variant for the 6.5.

I realize this is like the obvious rokslide answer. But the stuff works.

Same stuff if you want to go creedmoor instead of PRC. And honestly, I'd only go PRC if I was really concerned about velocity once the barrel was cut down. But you have to do some thinking about how far you are really going to shoot.

 

[Matt5266]

Since you states a Tikka as an option in your budget I'd definitely go that route. As for the CM vs PRC. I'd do CM for sure. Plenty for anything out west in my experience.

 

[FunkEyeMissed]

What’s your budget? I mean tikka is the easy button but budget will dictate everything you’re gonna do with

Since you states a Tikka as an option in your budget I'd definitely go that route. As for the CM vs PRC. I'd do CM for sure. Plenty for anything out west in my experience.

don’t necessarily have a set budget, but just wondering if there is another option better than the Ruger American for around that same $600 price point before upgrades

 

[Steve300xcw]

I have one ruger american. There wont be another one. It is a very accurate pile of shit IMO. Get a T3x for under $700 slap some rings and a scope on it and go burn ammo.

There is a good chance you wont change all that much on that rifle

 

[FunkEyeMissed]

With those choices, I'd go tikka every time. If I was carrying it more, I'd grab a t3 and party on. If I were doing more stands/landings kinda hunting. I'd grab a CTR and probly drop it in a KRG at some point down the road.

P.S....creedmor's kill a whole lotta shit out west as well...Get the one that shoots the cheap stuff

P.P.S. folding stocks are cool, until you get one. Then after about a month you wonder wtf

Thanks brotha appreciate the input

What’s your budget? I mean tikka is the easy button but budget will dictate everything you’re gonna do with it.

Don’t have a set budget as I’ll piece it together over time most likely, but I’m just wondering if anything out there would give me better value and a good aftermarket than just buying the complete tikka or Ruger for $6-700

 

[Balderdash]

I'm helping a guy at work with this same process.

Only thing I'd add to the Tikka is a KRG Bravo. If weight is an issue, I'd go Peak 44 bastian, Stockys VG or Rokstock, depending on your fitment tastes.

 

[nm.otter]

I recently bought one of these, which I consider to have been a bit of a score. Add a vertical grip module and spend the rest on support stuff and optics.

 

[Ajsomp]

I'm helping a guy at work with this same process.

Only thing I'd add to the Tikka is a KRG Bravo. If weight is an issue, I'd go Peak 44 bastian, Stockys VG or Rokstock, depending on your fitment tastes.

I’d go KRG echo and keep the tikka mags

 

[Castle Rock]

I have one ruger american. There wont be another one. It is a very accurate pile of shit IMO. Get a T3x for under $700 slap some rings and a scope on it and go burn ammo.

There is a good chance you wont change all that much on that rifle

Yep, there is no reason to go changing stocks or anything, it will get heavier and you won’t shoot better.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Tikka in 6.5 CM with an SWFA scope will take care of all your needs. You don’t “need” a suppressor (a good one will cost as much as the rifle and optic combined), but it is certainly nice to have.

This is pretty much what I have:

Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 Creedmoor Synthetic JRTXE382 For Sale - EuroOptic

Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 Creedmoor Synthetic JRTXE382 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

SS 10x42 30mm MQ GEN 2 - Zero Stop

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

Or, you can get a more versatile scope:

Pardon Our Interruption...

That’s a reliable, accurate, and durable hunting rifle that I would happily use on any hunting trip in North America. If you really need the extra recoil (or to extend your range), get the 6.5 PRC.

If you want to spend a whole lot more money, you can customize it further, have it cut and threaded (~$150), get a suppressor (~$1200 with stamp), get a different stock (~$600), etc.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Balderdash]

I’d go KRG echo and keep the tikka mags

I have one of those, too. In left hand.

 

[TreeDog]

Tikka 6.5CM with swfa or trijicon, good rings such as sportsmatch or UM, and a case of ammo. If you feel the need to upgrade the stock or cut and thread the barrel, those are things that can be done down the road when funds allow.

 

[Dave Thomas]

Just get the Tikka and leave it alone until you used it enough to know what you like and don't like, then change it to suit you better if you need to.

 

[Castle Rock]

The best deal going is a Sauer 100

 

[TradLife406]

New tikka in 6.5 PRC comes with a 22" threaded barrel for about $750. Swap the stock and off to the races. What I wish I did on my first build.

Also if you ever want to sell the gun tikkas seem to hold their value and everyone wants one. Or atleast on Rokslide.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[112Savage]

Tikka, sports match rings. Scope of choice. I would probably go Trijicon but I hate their reticles on the exposed turret stuff.

Vertical grip module to start
Peak 44 bastion stock later as money is available
Suppressor as money is available.
If you don’t chop it short I would go 6.5 creedmoor. If you do chop then 6.5 PRC

I’m assuming you don’t hand load. Both cartridges can do way better velocity than the Hornady factory stuff with some hand loading.

I have a ruger American gen 1 and it’s super accurate but I would rather shoot my tikka.