Non-suppressed Sheep/goat backpack rifle

[MThuntrrr]

I’m looking at a new rifle setup for backpack hunts (mule deer/sheep/goats) and not interested in a muzzle break. Suppressor is not an option (Canada). I’ve been really happy with my Sako 90 adventure, but want to drop down to a smaller cartridge in the 6mm range. I’m considering another sako 90 in 243 (6 creed not available) to keep things similar to what I have, or doing a tikka build, potentially in a folding chasis like an MDT. I’ve had kimbers, Remington 700’s, etc. 500 yard max range. Its main purpose would be backpack hunts, so I want to keep weight down in the 8 lb range all up with 20 oz 2.5-10 NXS scope. Thanks all

 

[hereinaz]

If you handload the Sako .243 works if it has a fast twist.

Building a 20” 6cm with taperless will get velocity and push out the muzzle blast and save weight over going longer. Could go to 16” bit get a bit more blast, but save weight.

I like Tikka and some of the other lightweight actions. Might buy one of their .243 and run it as is.

For Rem 700 clones, I stay away from the really nice actions with tight tolerances. My favorite REM 700 clone is American Rifle Company because they think “field rifle.”

After playing with Tikka, there is no other factory rifle I would use because I like the 70 degree throw.

The Howa Superlight is a very cool action size, but they don’t have any 243/6mm last I looked.

The Howa Mini in 6 ARC or 22 ARC could be a 500 yard gun, depending on barrel length. Rifle and ammo weight as a package makes it attractive. I really like my Howa Mini but it is modified. Their two stage trigger is as nice as the Tikka trigger to me. For finish is not as nice and the bolt is 90 degree.

 

[Speaks]

Could very easily hit that weight with a Tikka 6cm and rokstock lite.

Those folding chassis are interesting but its an expensive experiment for something I am not sure I would like vs something I know I will.

 

[braydencase7]

6 arc would get you 500. My 6 arc should will get me 600 with a pretty mild load behind it

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

 

[MThuntrrr]

thanks for the replies so far. I did shoot an MDT in 260 Remington with an NX8 4-32 a couple years ago. I only shot a few rounds but I don’t recall being sensitive to the “tuning fork” vibration issue some have. Wondering if a tikka roughtech 243 with MDT stock might be a good option. This thread makes it look pretty appealing, but like mentioned above, it’s an expensive experiment.

A

Thread 'Tikka build with MDT HNT 26'

Feb 8, 2025

thinking about doing a tikka build on the MDT HNT 26 stock. Has anyone done one and if so, how did it turn out?

• asieb
• Replies: 69
• Forum: Firearms

 

[bradmacmt]

Kimber Montana or Hunter in 6.5CM is the no-brainer, easy way. Pleasant to shoot un-suppressed. Take out the Hunter stocks filling, and it's lighter than the Montana.

 

[MThuntrrr]

Thanks Brad. I forgot to mention I have a Kimber Montana in 270 win with vX3 4.5-14 that has served its purpose. I find that I don’t shoot it as well from field positions as my heavier Sako/NX8. I could use either of these rifles the rest of my life without issues. Maybe I really don’t need another rifle. If it wasn’t for rokslide, I would likely use that Kimber/leupold combo without ever second guessing it

 

[nm.otter]

If it's really light weight, I'd be looking at 6mm ARC or GT.

 

[NM13]

Howa Superlite is available in a 20" .243 but only 10 twist. 4# 7oz for the 20". 4# 3oz for 16"!

 

[mtnbound]

Thanks Brad. I forgot to mention I have a Kimber Montana in 270 win with vX3 4.5-14 that has served its purpose. I find that I don’t shoot it as well from field positions as my heavier Sako/NX8. I could use either of these rifles the rest of my life without issues. Maybe I really don’t need another rifle. If it wasn’t for rokslide, I would likely use that Kimber/leupold combo without ever second guessing it

Thanks Brad. I forgot to mention I have a Kimber Montana in 270 win with vX3 4.5-14 that has served its purpose. I find that I don’t shoot it as well from field positions as my heavier Sako/NX8. I could use either of these rifles the rest of my life without issues. Maybe I really don’t need another rifle. If it wasn’t for rokslide, I would likely use that Kimber/leupold combo without ever second guessing it

I have the HNT26 and it’s great in every aspect except price. I bought one during a Black Friday sale so it was cheaper and I love the folding stock when I need it, but it spends most of its time locked open so I’m not sure I would buy another one.
I’ll be the voice of sorta kinda reason and say I would use your 270 and just swap your current scope out. That being said if you just want a new rifle then a fast twist 243 is hard to say no to.

 

[mtnbound]

Thanks Brad. I forgot to mention I have a Kimber Montana in 270 win with vX3 4.5-14 that has served its purpose. I find that I don’t shoot it as well from field positions as my heavier Sako/NX8. I could use either of these rifles the rest of my life without issues. Maybe I really don’t need another rifle. If it wasn’t for rokslide, I would likely use that Kimber/leupold combo without ever second guessing it

Thanks Brad. I forgot to mention I have a Kimber Montana in 270 win with vX3 4.5-14 that has served its purpose. I find that I don’t shoot it as well from field positions as my heavier Sako/NX8. I could use either of these rifles the rest of my life without issues. Maybe I really don’t need another rifle. If it wasn’t for rokslide, I would likely use that Kimber/leupold combo without ever second guessing it

I have the HNT26 and it’s great in every aspect except price. I bought one during a Black Friday sale so it was cheaper and I love the folding stock when I need it, but it spends most of its time locked open so I’m not sure I would buy another one.
I’ll be the voice of sorta kinda reason and say I would use your 270 and just swap your current scope out. That being said if you just want a new rifle then a fast twist 243 is hard to say no to.