Western Mountain All Purpose Rifle Build; Looking for Guidance

[Schmo]

That’s the same logic used when I first showed up here and all anyone talked about was the 223. With hundreds of .223 posts to prove it’s so good why shoot a 6mm if .22 is all you need? Good luck to anyone shooting whatever they want. I see a fast 6.5 as a sensible minimum for elk, very similar to the 270 which has a proven track record for the past 100 years.

Yeah, Steve Speck’s 6 creed absolutely smoking giant caribou and moose is pretty marginal. It only destroyed the thickest bone near the vitals, and then it destroyed the vitals.

 

[Hnthrdr]

That’s the same logic used when I first showed up here and all anyone talked about was the 223. With hundreds of .223 posts to prove it’s so good why shoot a 6mm if .22 is all you need? Good luck to anyone shooting whatever they want. I see a fast 6.5 as a sensible minimum for elk, very similar to the 270 which has a proven track record for the past 100 years.

I would gladly shoot a .22 cm or arc, but I am told by my state regulations that it has to be .243 I hunt in state most often so that’s what I’m going with, I will no doubt use that or potentially a .223 in AZ when I get a chance

 

[TaperPin]

I would gladly shoot a .22 cm or arc, but I am told by my state regulations that it has to be .243 I hunt in state most often so that’s what I’m going with, I will no doubt use that or potentially a .223 in AZ when I get a chance

You should use what makes sense to you. My 243 poked a hole in an elk back in 1995 and it went 300-400 yards. Sure it killed it, but luckily it was out in the open and easy to find. Using the absolute smallest cartridge that can kill the animal doesn’t make sense to me, but you do what makes sense to you.

 

[TaperPin]

Yeah, Steve Speck’s 6 creed absolutely smoking giant caribou and moose is pretty marginal. It only destroyed the thickest bone near the vitals, and then it destroyed the vitals.

Just because a cartridge works in good conditions doesn’t mean it works in less than ideal conditions. Many of us gravitate to cartridges that work under a wider range of situations. You should shoot the same rifle as Steve Speckled if you want to, whoever he is.

 

[SloppyJ]

I second the 6 creed build off your tikka. That could save you some money you could spend on ammo or scope.

I also second the 18" recommendation. Only other thing id look into is a different stock than the chassis style. I dont find folding such a small rifle to be that beneficial and a normal vertical grip stock always feels better to me.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I second the 6 creed build off your tikka. That could save you some money you could spend on ammo or scope.

I also second the 18" recommendation. Only other thing id look into is a different stock than the chassis style. I dont find folding such a small rifle to be that beneficial and a normal vertical grip stock always feels better to me.

I have mine in an xlr, I like it, but I really like the tikka I have in an alterra, there are lot of good lightweight options out there. All comes down to personal preference

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Thanks, this is helpful. Ive found a number of threads on here that make me feel like I wouldn't get much real world benefit from one of these very expensive actions. Trying to talk myself into using the action I have and saving a ton but there's still room to trick myself into the custom.

Without having a locking bolt, I only see a liability in 700 based actions. I have seen bolts open unintentionally in the field, filling the action with snow.

My 16” tikka 6.5cm is 7.5lbs complete which includes a Scythe, the Airlock can is even lighter. I used a Peak 44 Blacktooth stock.

 

[Ajsomp]

Just because a cartridge works in good conditions doesn’t mean it works in less than ideal conditions. Many of us gravitate to cartridges that work under a wider range of situations. You should shoot the same rifle as Steve Speckled if you want to, whoever he is.

Yeah I think you’re going to find there are plenty of real, modern examples why your argument has been proven false. Less than ideal is shooting any bullet which doesn’t give you sufficient penetration or expansion. There are quite literally hundreds of examples of animals killed in all kinds of conditions, with 6.5, 6mm and 22 cal bullets.

No one is trying to say don’t use 7mm or anything- but disprove that you NEED those magnums to kill animals.

 

[TaperPin]

Yeah I think you’re going to find there are plenty of real, modern examples why your argument has been proven false. Less than ideal is shooting any bullet which doesn’t give you sufficient penetration or expansion. There are quite literally hundreds of examples of animals killed in all kinds of conditions, with 6.5, 6mm and 22 cal bullets.

No one is trying to say don’t use 7mm or anything- but disprove that you NEED those magnums to kill animals.

If you find the echo chambers to be a credible source of information then by all means you should use whatever cartridge makes sense to you. I just don’t think it’s as clear cut as you make it sound or there wouldn’t be a need for forums to defend small cartridges - in the real world it would be obvious to everyone that they are so good. It’s not difficult to be side by side with someone and see different animal reactions to being hit. There’s no mystery to it - even to a young teenager with no understanding of ballistics it’s quite simple to see. The “heavy” 6mm bullets are no different from the same weight of 25 cal bullets that have been around half a century. Cup and core bullets of all jacket thicknesses aren’t new, high BC heavy for caliber bullets are new, but the reaction on game isn’t some new mysterious thing nobody could understand 20 years ago.

Many of today’s shooters seem to rarely get to the range let alone the field, have very few rifles, maybe only one, and they should shoot smaller cartridges. There’s nothing wrong with that.

I used to suggest much of todays popular trends just don’t translate to hunting as much as guys like to think, but who am I to poo poo what folks find fun in the shooting world. Do what you find fun. I love using a 6mm as a trainer and have 6br, 243, and 6mm-06 as my most often used cartridges. At any random point in the year I’ll most likely be shooting a 6mm. Hunting I’ll be using whatever sounds fun at the time and keep within their limitations - I’ve hunted antelope with a 30-30, mule deer with an “elephant” gun, everything with a muzzleloader, or elk with a 44 mag pistol. A 6 creedmoor is definitely a better long range killer than any of those, but it has its own limitations.

 

[mtnbound]

Here are my main questions

1. Barrel source and twist: Where would you recommend getting a barrel. I can get a good deal on Proof but they do not make short 6CM prefits. My option would be to buy a blank and have it cut and threaded by a smith which adds about 400 dollars. Is there a better way to approach this and what twist rate would you recommend.
2. Action choice: I already own a Tikka in 270 Winchester. I can also get a good deal on a Defiance AnTi X action. Would I see meaningful benefits by going with the custom action or should I use my Tikka as the base. If Tikka is the way to go what modifications are worth considering. I noticed Unknown Munitions offers a Tikka lightening and nitride service for about 350 dollars.

I really appreciate any thoughts and advice. I work in the outdoor industry and can access some discounts so I am trying to build smart without wasting money.

Thanks in advance

#2 first - Use your Tikka, there's no added performance going with the Anti X other than telling people you have one. Leave the Tikka in the stock configuration; do not mess with it. Yes, I know it's not sexy or cool to have a regular-looking rifle, but you're essentially wasting money to save 4oz. Nitride is excellent, but again, it's not really needed. You won't see any benefit from it unless your Tikka is a blued version and you are worried about corrosion.

#1 - There are plenty of pre-fit barrel makers out there; I have one from Preferred that shoots great. Ace barrels are great. I would also look in your area for a local smith. 7.5twist.

If you are planning to do the barrel yourself, you will need a Barrel Vise, an External Action Wrench to remove the barrel, an Internal Action Wrench to reinstall, and Go-No-Go Gauges. When people say Tikka barrels are tight from the factory, they mean it. Mine came off using the "smack it with a big hammer" method.

If possible, put your hands on the HNT26 chassis and make sure it works for you. The folding stock is excellent, AICS mags are great, I love how it feels warmer in cold temperatures, and there is no metallic noise from hitting brush and branches. However, it is expensive and feels a little off to me when I compare it to a more normal stock design. I have it on my hunting rifle, but prefer my Rokstock on my trainer rifle.

 

[RockAndSage]

Thanks, this is helpful. Ive found a number of threads on here that make me feel like I wouldn't get much real world benefit from one of these very expensive actions. Trying to talk myself into using the action I have and saving a ton but there's still room to trick myself into the custom.

OP, some of the most important and least-noticed information Form puts out on rifles regards their reliability and durability - it's not just about accuracy and the other stuff. Over time I've noticed that with almost all the info he puts out, people in general seem to laser in on the bottom-line conclusion, but miss that, in general, he seems to have gone through a huge number of other options before coming to those conclusions. For example, he didn't start with small bullets/cartridges - his experience led him there, over years, after going through the more traditional cartridges and bullets. Same with scope reliability, etc. His recommendations for Tikkas seem to come from the same place - having seen other designs just crap out faster, or more easily in certain conditions. So, if you're looking for an all-purpose gun build that will last, go with the Tikka as the donor.

 

[hereinaz]

Go with a Tikka action. You could check with @hereinaz on a new action with a PBB prefit already installed. Go 16” or 18” on barrel length.

If you are willing to wait, I just listed a preorder for 6 creed Tikka prefits at some pretty good prices.

 

[Schmo]

@denverangler725,
Here you go! I don’t know the seller.

Thread '18” Tikka 6 Creedmoor in Rokstok'
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/18-tikka-6-creedmoor-in-rokstok.419342/

 

[RockAndSage]

@denverangler725,
Here you go! I don’t know the seller.

Thread '18” Tikka 6 Creedmoor in Rokstok'
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/18-tikka-6-creedmoor-in-rokstok.419342/

Lol, I PM'd him someone else's ad for a customized action.

 

[SloppyJ]

If you are willing to wait, I just listed a preorder for 6 creed Tikka prefits at some pretty good prices.

Resisting the urge to get another 6cm barrel. Are these going to be a regular thing a couple times per year? I can see my son working up to one within a year or two.