Rifle selection

[TxLite]

1 has little to no quality options for replacement stocks, needs the trigger modified, has a bolt that sounds like a zipper when you cycle it, and potential feed issues. The other has nearly unlimited replacement parts, better factory stock, functionally superior trigger, butter smooth action, and a highly regarded reputation for doing what it's supposed to without fuss.

Choose wisely.

The only real downside to the Tikka is that their barrels tend to run slower than other manufacturers from what I’ve seen. Other than that I completely agree with the assessment of the Ruger American. The bolt zipper is real

 

[keystone112]

Check the length of pull on the Tikka. In addition to the shorter barrel, I believe the Tikka stock is also shorter.

 

[Vic vinegar]

Check the length of pull on the Tikka. In addition to the shorter barrel, I believe the Tikka stock is also shorter.

I am a shorter dude so that’s an issue for me. From what I can find the LOP= 12.48” I believe the standard is 13-13.5 so that’s good for me.

 

[Ancestor Life]

Definitely go with Tikka, they make a perfect ACTION, stellar factory barrel (cold forged and polished) and have abundant after market options

I have a Tikka T3X Lite in .30-06, 7PRC (Custom Carbon Barrel), and 6.5 PRC.....

6.5PRC is currently the only caliber they are offering with a fast enough twist rate for running 'heavy for caliber' high BC bullets in a magnum caliber. The problem with the 6.5 PRC is the 24.3" factory barrel, and you dont need the extended range, so its really not optimal for your scenario.

What other caliber options are you finding for the short barrel tikka?

I'd look for the thinnest possible bullet diameter down to 6.5mm, run the heaviest hunting bullet in the caliber you choose, to optimize your sectional density. For what you are doing out to 350Y, .308 should be fine, just a good idea to double check your impact velocity and make sure (if you are shooting copper bullets for instance) that they will sufficiently expand etc....The short barrel is going to bring your velocities down by about 30FPS per inch of barrel length

 

[Vic vinegar]

That’s why I was running the 150gr nosler partition. Get the most down range velocity I can to ensure expansion.

I have considered different calibers but have abundant amounts of .308 which is why I am going with that round. I wouldn’t be opposed to switching if it offered a significant advantage and doesn’t come at the cost of much greater recoil, ammo price/factory availability etc.

I tend to want to stick with an all around cartridge that would let me hunt everything from white take to elk and I figure, if I do my job and put the round where it needs to be .308 seems to fit the bill.

I’m not a huge analyzer of ballistics or “this caliber vs that.” I don’t dismiss the merits of ballistics by any means, but I don’t focus on it exclusively and just try and be a better marksman.

Definitely go with Tikka, they make a perfect ACTION, stellar factory barrel (cold forged and polished) and have abundant after market options

I have a Tikka T3X Lite in .30-06, 7PRC (Custom Carbon Barrel), and 6.5 PRC.....

6.5PRC is currently the only caliber they are offering with a fast enough twist rate for running 'heavy for caliber' high BC bullets in a magnum caliber. The problem with the 6.5 PRC is the 24.3" factory barrel, and you dont need the extended range, so its really not optimal for your scenario.

What other caliber options are you finding for the short barrel tikka?

I'd look for the thinnest possible bullet diameter down to 6.5mm, run the heaviest hunting bullet in the caliber you choose, to optimize your sectional density. For what you are doing out to 350Y, .308 should be fine, just a good idea to double check your impact velocity and make sure (if you are shooting copper bullets for instance) that they will sufficiently expand etc....The short barrel is going to bring your velocities down by about 30FPS per inch of barrel length