Resurrecting a Tikka

[Smithb9841]

Problem with original barrel is I believe it would require an adapter to suit a 5/8 suppressor. I believe they're too skinny.

Regarding calibers, that's an interesting question. I've always enjoyed the 300WM because in my experience (anecdotal), I've never seen any question marks. I've had deer wiggle a lot more after a 6.5 lung shot than that .300 but I recognize that's a small data set and totally anecdotal. I've never shit elk with anything smaller than .30 caliber. I'm definitely not arguing either way, just sharing my experience.

The recoil doesn't bother me on a .300, especially suppressed, and I have all the reloading stuff already, so...I guess it's a "not broken" sentiment.

So I guess I'm looking for a steel barrel, relatively lightweight and suppressor friendly. I'm willing to pony up for a proven brand as this sure beats buying a new rifle which is what I was originally budgeting for. Any recs are definitely welcome. This thread is definitely getting me stoked on this direction!



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Ahh I missed the part about a suppressor, thought didn’t even cross my mind being in the communist state of California where they are banned.

 

[wind gypsy]

There’s a brand new 2025 tikka 300 WM barrel on that site linked earlier. Meaning 10 twist and 5/8” muzzle threads standard.

 

[Marbles]

There’s a brand new 2025 tikka 300 WM barrel on that site linked earlier. Meaning 10 twist and 5/8” muzzle threads standard.

At $225 that is a good deal. Unless someone has a deal on threading, by the time I pay for shipping it is about that price to cut and thread.

 

[Spindrift]

There’s a brand new 2025 tikka 300 WM barrel on that site linked earlier. Meaning 10 twist and 5/8” muzzle threads standard.

I see that. I'd love to find or order a 22" barrel or there abouts. Maybe even 20"? Can makes these things long.

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[Schmo]

I see that. I'd love to find or order a 22" barrel or there abouts. Maybe even 20"? Can makes these things long.

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It’s not the cheapest option, but PVA barrels are all but guaranteed to be an absolute hammer. If you can afford it, I’d strongly recommend ordering from PVA. You can order exact length, profile, twist, etc. All as a prefit. You’d just screw into to your action and be done. I’d recommend a .750” taperless if you hunt with it.


Read reviews on the site from the barrels, and you’ll see what I mean. Many guys on here can vouch for them too.

Osprey 30 cal Prefit Barrels - All Actions

Precision rifle prefit barrels for all actions, custom ordered and ready to install. No machining or gunsmithing required. Match winning Osprey barrels by Patriot Valley Arms; we Engineer Repeatability. 100% Made in USA

patriotvalleyarms.com

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

If I were you I’d just snag that 22” stainless 2025 10twist 300WM barrel on JA outdoors like others have mentioned and call it a day.

Unless wanting to test the waters with other manufacturers, I get that too.

 

[Spindrift]

It’s not the cheapest option, but PVA barrels are all but guaranteed to be an absolute hammer. If you can afford it, I’d strongly recommend ordering from PVA. You can order exact length, profile, twist, etc. All as a prefit. You’d just screw into to your action and be done. I’d recommend a .750” taperless if you hunt with it.


Read reviews on the site from the barrels, and you’ll see what I mean. Many guys on here can vouch for them too.

Osprey 30 cal Prefit Barrels - All Actions

Precision rifle prefit barrels for all actions, custom ordered and ready to install. No machining or gunsmithing required. Match winning Osprey barrels by Patriot Valley Arms; we Engineer Repeatability. 100% Made in USA

patriotvalleyarms.com

Can I ask why you prefer that .750 profile? I'm guessing I'm going to go with a 22" barrel as a compronise.

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[Spindrift]

If I were you I’d just snag that 22” stainless 2025 10twist 300WM barrel on JA outdoors like others have mentioned and call it a day.

Unless wanting to test the waters with other manufacturers, I get that too.

This might be the way.

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[Marbles]

Can I ask why you prefer that .750 profile? I'm guessing I'm going to go with a 22" barrel as a compronise.

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I like short barrels, especially with a muffler on the end. If you have the money, get a custom prefit in the cartridge of your choosing.

If a few hundred dollars is more significant, then get the longer takeout and live with the extra few inches.

The 0.750 taperless gives enough thickness for a healthy shoulder with 5/8 threads while still being lighter, especially if flutted. Preferred barrel blanks does a thinner taper that bells out at the end for 5/8 threads.

I have no custom prefit. Was going to get a PVA Osprey in 6 Creedmoor, then found a 1:8 243 Tikka that was cheaper than the barrel, so got that instead.

 

[Schmo]

Can I ask why you prefer that .750 profile? I'm guessing I'm going to go with a 22" barrel as a compronise.

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Exactly what @Marbles stated. It’s a good diameter for giving a great shoulder with a 5/8X24 thread, but isn’t heavy at the same time.

 

[Schmo]

This is a 24”, but PBB has a prefit ready to ship for a great price!

Prefit Tikka Fixed 300 Win Mag SAAMI

Carbon Fiber Prefit for Savage, 450 bushmaster, in stock ready to ship.

preferredbarrelblanks.com

 

[Harvey_NW]

Exactly what @Marbles stated. It’s a good diameter for giving a great shoulder with a 5/8X24 thread, but isn’t heavy at the same time.

To add to this, PBB also uses the taperless contours for all of their prototype test barrels because the believe they produce better accuracy. My first .750 fluted taperless was definitely my tightest shooting rifle.

 

[schmidty3]

You should forgo those prefits and take my 300 factory barrel that's already threaded! Even has a thunderbeast flash hider on it already

I just need it to behave and come unthreaded. It's slipping in my barrel vice. I'll try it again tomorrow.

Really loves 180 partitions.

 

[Marbles]

You should forgo those prefits and take my 300 factory barrel that's already threaded! Even has a thunderbeast flash hider on it already

I just need it to behave and come unthreaded. It's slipping in my barrel vice. I'll try it again tomorrow.

Really loves 180 partitions.

Try using a mallet on the external action wrench.

 

[schmidty3]

Try using a mallet on the external action wrench.

The slipping part is the problem. Not the whacking so far.

 

[Marbles]

The slipping part is the problem. Not the whacking so far.

Try wrapping it in sheetrock joint tape. Or thin leather with a course honing compound on it.

A heat gun (or torch, but more chance of leaving marks) on the action might help. Especially if you keep the barrel cold.

What vice are you using?

 

[Bowfinn]

The slipping part is the problem. Not the whacking so far.

Make sure you keep the action wrench as close to the barrel as reasonably possible. Post a picture of the barrel in the vice. Some times positioning of the vice makes a difference.

 

[Castle Rock]

The slipping part is the problem. Not the whacking so far.

Brown sugar is the best thing to stop slippage, and don’t do the action wrench too tight, it will bind the barrel

 

[schmidty3]

Brown sugar is the best thing to stop slippage, and don’t do the action wrench too tight, it will bind the barrel

My barrel now smells like molasses

Got it off!

About broke my harbor freight bench

I bound up the vise last night. I guess I wasn't as even tightening as I thought. Had to polish out the bolt hole to remove the marring.

Didn't even scratch the barrel!

It shot really well. Maybe only 300 through it. 1/2 moa with mild loads of 180 partitions and 190 bergers. But I'm going to try a 25 prc. Fits the action length better.

Couldn't remember how I did the muzzle device. Looks like I bushed up to 5/8".

 

[BigRed99]

Hey, good point.

I’ve got a stainless take off 300 WM superlite barrel you can have for cheap. Like probably under $100 shipped cheap.

Is it a 22" threaded 1:10? Interested in exactly that. Feel free to pm