Options with my Tikka 30-06

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Okay, I was gonna say if you're on the front range I have some 30-06 loaded up with 168gr ttsx that works well, but you're way over there. Just pick up a box of vortx ammo loaded with the 168s to try out.

 

[z987k]

Guys, this is awesome. This gives me a great place to put my efforts. I will get that barrel all cleaned out and pick up a box of the Barnes TTSX in 168. I live in Steamboat, which is pretty fantastic for the outdoors.

I started out as entirely a fly fisherman. My fishing buddy, who is much more well rounded than myself, had his hunting partner move away. At that point he told me I was his new hunting partner... although I never owned a rifle or shot one for that matter. Now, the fly rods collect dust in the fall and I hunt much more than my buddy.

My next steps are to learn to reload, as this seems like the best way to get the most of a rifle and ammo. I really like the idea of those hammer bullets. Once I get that box of ammo in, I will post an update. Again, thanks.

Hammers kill fine, but there's other copper bullets with BC's that will really extend your effective range, and they kill fine to.
Also, since you're a lot higher than most in altitude, you will get even more range.

 

[bcolvin]

Alright, I have 168 TTSX and 175 LRX on order. I'll post up results once I get them in and get to the range.

@z987k that will be great on the altitude. I am planning a high mtn mule deer hunt. Most of that will be around 11k or so.

@pods8 (Rugged Stitching) Thanks for all the advice. Hit me up if you are ever in the Steamboat area.

 

[Ringbill27]

Another vote for the Barnes TTSX in 168gr. I didn't care for the results of the 150s, but the 168s shot very well.

What did the 150s not do well? I know they have a higher minimum expansion then the 168s

I shoot 130 gr. Barnes TTSX out of mine for whitetails.

Which powder are you using? I loaded some up but haven’t been able to get to the range yet.

 

[01Foreman400]

Which powder are you using? I loaded some up but haven’t been able to get to the range yet.

H4895

 

[bcolvin]

Sorry for the late response but wanted to circle back after trying out all of your suggestion. First off you all nailed it. The 168 ttsx and the 175 LRX were great. Both were accurate and I found that both carried a bit more than my 180 in lead. I had good success this season with these. Took my first bull, I have taken a few cows, and this will likely be my largest bull ever. I’m really in it for the meat but to take an incredible specimen was very special.

I am thinking of a couple upgrades to my set up and wanted advice. So far the 06 does what I need from speedgoats to elk. I’m not sure what I’d gain from another caliber but I would like to go with the silencer and a vertical grip in order to improve accuracy. I would like to be able to feel confident out to 350 or so. So far I’ve liked the tikka, other than the safety, so I’ll probably stay that route. Am I missing anything that would benefit my set up? I’m good with being a one rifle guy as well. I have at least one of every fly rod so a single rifle is about alll I want to commit to. Thanks again… you all rock!

 

[180ls1]

Sorry for the late response but wanted to circle back after trying out all of your suggestion. First off you all nailed it. The 168 ttsx and the 175 LRX were great. Both were accurate and I found that both carried a bit more than my 180 in lead. I had good success this season with these. Took my first bull, I have taken a few cows, and this will likely be my largest bull ever. I’m really in it for the meat but to take an incredible specimen was very special.

I am thinking of a couple upgrades to my set up and wanted advice. So far the 06 does what I need from speedgoats to elk. I’m not sure what I’d gain from another caliber but I would like to go with the silencer and a vertical grip in order to improve accuracy. I would like to be able to feel confident out to 350 or so. So far I’ve liked the tikka, other than the safety, so I’ll probably stay that route. Am I missing anything that would benefit my set up? I’m good with being a one rifle guy as well. I have at least one of every fly rod so a single rifle is about alll I want to commit to. Thanks again… you all rock!

Consider a similar form, function, scope etc... That's what I do with my lead free and leaded rifles. It makes switching between the two that much easier. Good luck!

 

[bcolvin]

 

[z987k]

Sorry for the late response but wanted to circle back after trying out all of your suggestion. First off you all nailed it. The 168 ttsx and the 175 LRX were great. Both were accurate and I found that both carried a bit more than my 180 in lead. I had good success this season with these. Took my first bull, I have taken a few cows, and this will likely be my largest bull ever. I’m really in it for the meat but to take an incredible specimen was very special.

I am thinking of a couple upgrades to my set up and wanted advice. So far the 06 does what I need from speedgoats to elk. I’m not sure what I’d gain from another caliber but I would like to go with the silencer and a vertical grip in order to improve accuracy. I would like to be able to feel confident out to 350 or so. So far I’ve liked the tikka, other than the safety, so I’ll probably stay that route. Am I missing anything that would benefit my set up? I’m good with being a one rifle guy as well. I have at least one of every fly rod so a single rifle is about alll I want to commit to. Thanks again… you all rock!

A better stock, have it threaded and a collar put on for 5/8 threads. Though you can just run 1/2" threads on a tikka barrel as well. My 30-06 is threaded 1/2x28 and it works fine.
For the stock, the rokstock here seems to be well liked by everyone trying it but they're a long wait to get one. It's what my tikka 30-06 wears.

A sleeper of a wonderful stock is the echelon versa. I've got one of those on my lightweight build. Vertical grip, negative comb and only weighs 17oz, so it'll cut a good bit of weight vs everything else out there with the cheek piece where you want it and a vertical grip.

 

[bcolvin]

Stupid question… how do you clean with barrel positioned so low? From the muzzle?

 

[Bluumoon]

Stupid question… how do you clean with barrel positioned so low? From the muzzle?

Nice Bull!!

A lot of us don't clean barrels. I quit 4 odd years and many thousand rounds ago. Form does a good podcast on it, can't remember if it was on Shoot2Hunt or where. The short of it is that it takes so many rounds for a barrel to settle back in after cleaning and no detriment to not cleaning.

 

[z987k]

Stupid question… how do you clean with barrel positioned so low? From the muzzle?

Take the bolt out and from the muzzle. Or some cleaning rods have enough flexibility to go from the action as well.