Ti Ridgeline or Build Custom 6.5/7mm

[Tahoe1305]

Folks

Looking for some opinions on some new rifle thoughts I’ve been toying with.

Goals are a light mtn hunting rifle that can shoot ~.65 BC bullets about 3100fps (or higher) and weigh under 6 lbs or so bare. Specifically 6.5 or 7mm. Also prefer a shorter barrel (I know goes against 3100 goal) 22” is the goal and non belted magnum. Budget for gun only around $2k.

The two things I’m considering are a CA Ti Ridgeline in 6.5PRC. Weight is awesome, barrel length perfect (22”). Hornadys book load data says hitting 3100 with 143 is doable, but seems that no one is getting close to that in practice, even with 24” barrels.

The other idea is snag a $500 tikka in 300WM and then get a new stock (Mesa altitude) and proof barrel in 26/28 nosler. I worry if I get the nosler I would have to do a 24” barrel vs going down to a 22” due to blast and unburnt powder based on other threads.

If I could get something faster than 6.5 PRC in Ridgeline I would, but that is what drives me to look more custom because I already have a tikka in 6.5C that shoots 143s at 2900fps (24”) so if the Ridgeline PRC is sub 3000fps like most are reporting, it just isn’t worth it to have two rifles nearly identical performance.

Appreciate the thoughts and Spears!

 

[CApighunter]

I’d be concerned about COAL in a tikka with a Nosler case, a 6.5-06ai should get you to run pretty close to 3100.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I forgot about that they are restricted for the long actions. Thanks for the inputs.

 

[slickyboyboo]

build you a 6.5 SST or a 7 SST. You will be able to easily reach your goal with a 22" barrel

 

[cjl2010]

build you a 6.5 SST or a 7 SST. You will be able to easily reach your goal with a 22" barrel

What is your load for your 6.5 or 7 SST?

 

[Sundodger]

Not to talk you out of a custom rife but my Tika T3 Superlite in .270 win with the OEM 22.5" barrel shoots Hornedy GMX superformance loads an average 3167 FPS (5 shot).

I wouldn't have believed it if I did't chrono it.

 

[archp625]

If i were you buy a Ridgeline Ti. Sell the stock, but a lighter stock that is more your style. Then get a sideport brake. It will be dang near a custom gun for a lot less money

 

[slickyboyboo]

What is your load for your 6.5 or 7 SST?

My 6.5 SST isn’t built yet, but I’ve been assured by Rich and several others currently shooting them, that I can get 3k fps with a Berger 156 in a 22” barrel.

 

[Tahoe1305]

6.5 SST sounds sweet. Don’t know much about them but seems like handloads only caliber, which is doable but I do like the option of maybe one or two factory loads.

Agree on upgrading the Ridgeline a bit with stock and brake. A guy on LRO has his setup almost exactly like this and is getting back to me on chrono’d factory loads (assuming I can get at least 50-100fps over factory with some tweaking and out to lands).

I was PM’d a company in Oregon that does tikka upgrades (barrel, stock, brake) for about $1200 too, that I am looking into.

All good inputs thanks and keep em coming.

 

[cjl2010]

My 6.5 SST isn’t built yet, but I’ve been assured by Rich and several others currently shooting them, that I can get 3k fps with a Berger 156 in a 22” barrel.

I wish you luck. My 20” 6.5ss with ultra 7 maxes with a 140 at 2940fps. That’s pushing it as hard as I can. Mags average about 25fps per inch.

My 24” 6.5ss maxed at 3015fps with 140s.

 

[MTElkChaser]

If i were you buy a Ridgeline Ti. Sell the stock, but a lighter stock that is more your style. Then get a sideport break. It will be dang near a custom gun for a lot less money

Agreed. I sold my Ridgeline stock and got a Proof Research stock.

Mine has a 20” barrel, but rifle only weight is 5.5lbs. I was able to save 12.8 ounces on the stock swap alone!!

A Ridgeline Ti would be awesome in the Proof Research stock!!

 

[Longshot]

I’m searching for the same thing as the op. I’ve been looking hard at the Seekins element and fierce rival....


Did it take any modification to get the Christensen into the proof stock? That’s a nice looking setup.


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[slickyboyboo]

Agreed. I sold my Ridgeline stock and got a Proof Research stock.

Mine has a 20” barrel, but rifle only weight is 5.5lbs. I was able to save 12.8 ounces on the stock swap alone!!

A Ridgeline Ti would be awesome in the Proof Research stock!!

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What does that proof stock weigh?

 

[MTElkChaser]

What does that proof stock weigh?

They claim less than 20 ounces and it weighs 19.1 ounces on my gunsmith’s scale. Crazy light, but stiff as a steel rod. Very impressed.

 

[archp625]

Agreed. I sold my Ridgeline stock and got a Proof Research stock.

Mine has a 20” barrel, but rifle only weight is 5.5lbs. I was able to save 12.8 ounces on the stock swap alone!!

A Ridgeline Ti would be awesome in the Proof Research stock!!

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I'm not a fan of my factory stock but mainly because its a sporter stock. The Proof looks super nice but its still a sporter. That would be my only complaint without actually touching one.

 

[Tahoe1305]

They are a bit heavier, but my current fav for styling (never held one) is the Mesa Altitude. It’s a bit heavier but appears to be much more functional for a wide range of shooting. Would still shave 1/2lb or so.

 

[EmbraceTheSuck]

I’m searching for the same thing as the op. I’ve been looking hard at the Seekins element and fierce rival....


Did it take any modification to get the Christensen into the proof stock? That’s a nice looking setup.


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Did you get the Seekins or the Rival? I am considering those as well as the CA Ti Ridgeline and Carbon Edge from Fierce.