Best route to take (hunting precision rifle)?

[Bakwa]

I'm looking to set up a hunting rifle that will also hold it's own during some light precision shooting.
My last bolt gun was a Tikka SS T3 Lite .270win and it was a great hunting rifle, but not as fun to shoot because it was so light. Felt recoil made shooting it unpleasant. So I sold it to set up something in 6.5CM to take it's place, but never committed to anything.

Ultimately I want something in a caliber with a good BC & SD, that will do well on med game, and not bruise my shoulder after a two box range session. So I've been looking into 6.5CM, and .260rem. After shooting a T3 for a while, most other bolts feel like crap. I'm spoiled now. So I've been looking primarily at Tikka's as a platform to start with. The way I see it, my best options are to:
Get a T3x in 308, shoot it a while, slowly upgrade things like the stock, and change the barrel to a heavier 6.5CM or 260rem barrel down the road.
Get a T3x in 260, shoot it a while, slowly upgrade things like the the stock, and get a heavier barrel down the road.
Save a bit longer to drop more money up front on a CTR in 6.5, then change the stock & other small components down the road as I can find them.
Or save for another year and drop my money on a custom rifle. (probably the worst option because this means less shooting up front, and I'm not that great at saving)
Or even grab another T3 in 270win, and just put a heavier stock on it to reduce the felt recoil (what I probably should have done in the first place) as I have about $200 in good 270win ammo sitting around.

Am I missing any better options? What would you do?

 

[PBWalsh]

Save a hair more and get the CTR is whatever caliber you want. Great, barrel, action, and trigger. The stock can be upgraded as funds permit.

The cost between a regular T3x and a CTR is nominal, get the CTR. Honestly, look to see if EuroOptic has any closeout T3s left if you're just basically looking for a donor action. Plus there is usually one or two in the PX.

 

[dirthead1]

I would get the CTR in 6.5CM (I have one). It shoots great right out of the box. You can have lots of fun shooting it now, and if you decide to upgrade the stock, both Manners and McMillan make drop in stocks with CTR inlet. It will also fit in any chassis made for a T3. You can get the CTR in either 20" or 24" barrel now. I'm finding that my CTR shoots as good, if not better than my two custom rifles, which cost a lot more.

 

[Bakwa]

Thanks for the responses.

Another downside of the CTR that I just remembered is that last I checked they don't have 5rd mags [which I would need to hunt with.] So it's possible [and even likely] that I wouldn't be able to hunt with my new rifle this coming year if I got the CTR, because I would need to save and drop some more $ on a mag solution. I do like that the CTR already has the barrel profile I want though. Very attractive rifles they are.

Edit: I just went on Beretta's website and found a 5rd CTR mag. Holy crap are they expensive. $150 for a magazine!!!???

 

[spife7980]

Why do you need a 5 round mag to hunt? I agree that for hunting I do like my bottom door latch but I dont see a 10 rounder being an insurmountable obstacle and Ive done it before just fine. Or is there some legal restriction Im not aware of in whatever state you live in?

 

[bogeybrown]

There were 3 Tikkas for sale in the PX in the same thread recently. Including at least one 6.5cm 20" for $910? Or so. I love short rifles, but you'd have to decide if a 20" fits your needs. For hunting I'd say yes? If you're really pushing distance then perhaps not?

 

[Bakwa]

Why do you need a 5 round mag to hunt? I agree that for hunting I do like my bottom door latch but I dont see a 10 rounder being an insurmountable obstacle and Ive done it before just fine. Or is there some legal restriction Im not aware of in whatever state you live in?

Most states in the US require =<5rd mags to legally hunt with during deer season. This includes my state which is FL. So alas, this is my uphill boulder.

 

[Bakwa]

There were 3 Tikkas for sale in the PX in the same thread recently. Including at least one 6.5cm 20" for $910? Or so. I love short rifles, but you'd have to decide if a 20" fits your needs. For hunting I'd say yes? If you're really pushing distance then perhaps not?

20" would probably be fine for what I'm looking for. My hunting distances [and current comfort levels] are withing 250yds. For targets and fun I'd probably plan on pushing out to 500yds.
My crux is I don't have the cash now. Otherwise I'd probably snatch up a deal like that. I'll probably plan to make the purchase mid-summer. Just looking for ideas and running them by people that actually shoot and know what they're talking about. Not a lot of those people around my parts.

 

[2c1fr]

If it were me I'd save up and get the CTR in 6.5 creedmoor plain and simple

 

[spife7980]

Most states in the US require =<5rd mags to legally hunt with during deer season. This includes my state which is FL. So alas, this is my uphill boulder.

No shit... I learn something new every day and continue to thank God that Im born in the United State of Texas.

In that case yeah. Thats a problem until you get set up to run AICS mags.

EDIT: I see that the mag cap only applies to semi auto rifles, a bolt action 10 rounder should be allowable. http://myfwc.com/hunting/regulations/taking-game/

 

[Bakwa]

If it were me I'd save up and get the CTR in 6.5 creedmoor plain and simple

This is the direction that I thought the thread would go. If it wasn't so much of an investment to put a 5rd mag in the rifle, it would be a no brainier. If I got the CTR it would most likely end up with McMillan stock and AICS mags. At that point I'll be $1600 or so in though.

 

[K-tech]

Most states in the US require =<5rd mags to legally hunt with during deer season. This includes my state which is FL. So alas, this is my uphill boulder.

I don't think that you're out of luck, I'd be willing to bet you could easily make some type of "plug" that would sit in the magazine beneath the follower that would prevent the follower from going down far enough to allow more than 5 rds from being loaded. Some time back, I made one out of a thin scrap piece of wood for my Saiga 12 so I could hunt waterfowl; 5 round mag down to a 3 round limit (Its not my go-to duck gun, relax, I did it just to say it could be done). It took a bit of trial and error to get it just right, but it worked well when I was done. When you're done hunting with it, take the plug out and you're back to normal again. Just a thought

 

[bogeybrown]

20" would probably be fine for what I'm looking for. My hunting distances [and current comfort levels] are withing 250yds. For targets and fun I'd probably plan on pushing out to 500yds.
My crux is I don't have the cash now. Otherwise I'd probably snatch up a deal like that. I'll probably plan to make the purchase mid-summer. Just looking for ideas and running them by people that actually shoot and know what they're talking about. Not a lot of those people around my parts.

I just ran a very rough JBM calculation on a 20" barrel estimating 2800fps on a 140ELD-M at zero altitude and 75% humidity and it still showed you at 1400+ fps at 1000yds. So even with some pretty big errors on my side that 20" is still great

 

[Bakwa]

No shit... I learn something new every day and continue to thank God that Im born in the United State of Texas.

In that case yeah. Thats a problem until you get set up to run AICS mags.

EDIT: I see that the mag cap only applies to semi auto rifles, a bolt action 10 rounder should be allowable. http://myfwc.com/hunting/regulations/taking-game/

Interesting find. I've been under the impression my whole life it was 5rds, period. I'm going to talk to my game warden buddy. If this is the case then my world is changed!

 

[2c1fr]

You can always upgrade the stock later op

 

[Bakwa]

You can always upgrade the stock later op

You guys drive toward the CTR hard. I guess I was trying to spend as little up front as possible. But the CTR does seem to have too many perks at that price point to ignore.
So maybe get a CTR this summer when I collect $1000 in my pocket, then either during the winter or next spring toss my dream stock on it. This plan sounds good.

 

[wareagle700]

Most states in the US require =<5rd mags to legally hunt with during deer season. This includes my state which is FL. So alas, this is my uphill boulder.

It wouldn't be hard to make a mag block for the CTR mag. I wouldn't let that hold me back.

Also, some states magazine restrictions only apply to semi-auto rifles. No mag restrictions on bolt actions. It's worth checking on.

 

[roggom]

Here is my CTR in 260. They will fit in a standard T3 inlet, you just have to open the barrel channel a bit. This one can use 3 or 5 round mags. You only need to find a magazine retaining spring (the one attached to your T3's trigger) and install it on the CTR.

 

[Bakwa]

Here is my CTR in 260. They will fit in a standard T3 inlet, you just have to open the barrel channel a bit. This one can use 3 or 5 round mags. You only need to find a magazine retaining spring (the one attached to your T3's trigger) and install it on the CTR.

Great looking rifle. It's very similar to the end game setup I'm looking for.

 

[mark5pt56]

The CTR/CTRx is the best option for you. They are great performers and you can do upgrades if you wish later on. Unless you need to change magazines to AI's or have a chassis, there is no need to though. Eurooptic has good prices on the magazines, 5/10 rounders. It does appear though that factory barrels while accurate are a wee bit slow. I think when I burn my ss barrel out on the ctrx, I will have it at 22"
For a balance of a rifle, 7.5 plus a scope will give you a 9 lbs. or less tool. Don't know what Roggoms rifle weights, bet it's less than 9.5 with the can.

 

[Clem Doore]

I have the CTR in 260 which currently is only available with the 20 in barrel. If you reload I would say go the 260 version if not I think you go with the 6.5. The nice thing with the 6.5 like Dirt said is that you have the option of a 20 or 24 in barrel. I wasn't concerned with the 20 in barrel on my 260 because I will eventually replace it.

 

[steve123]

Buy a used Ruger American in 6.5 Creed for now, heck new ones were $389 at Bud's a while back, and keep saving for the Tikka CTR.

Start thinking about getting into reloading if you don't already.

Scope? Was just using the Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x yesterday mounted on my 6mmFatRat. I love the glass but more so the reticle and it tracks great!

 

[jlficken]

5 round CTR magazines are available. Cheaper places exist than below.

http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/compact-tactical-rifle-magazin-308-win-260-rem-5-rd/s57465173/

 

[2c1fr]

Op let us know what you decide

 

[jlficken]

The T3/T3x CTR is an excellent option for a hunting rifle.

Here is mine in 308 and it weighs 10lbs 2oz with the bipod and an empty 10rd magazine. It is wearing a Bushnell LRTSi 3-12x right now and I love it too. You can get the 5rd mags for about $105 if you shop around a bit.

Honestly, it is perfect as is with the factory stock as it isn't a POS like the Savage (and other) factory stocks are.

There are excellent deals out there for CTR's right now like from here - https://www.802traders.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=ctr&Submit=

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[Bakwa]

For a balance of a rifle, 7.5 plus a scope will give you a 9 lbs. or less tool. Don't know what Roggoms rifle weights, bet it's less than 9.5 with the can.

Yeah, weight is very important here. It'll need to be light enough to not be miserable carrying around to hunt with, but heavy enough to not be too punishing at the range and when practicing. There's a lot of give and take here, but I've shot things on both sides of the fence [good heavy target rifles, and good lightweight hunting rigs] and I think it can be done with minimal sacrifice. A 9ish pound end product would be pretty nice.

I have the CTR in 260 which currently is only available with the 20 in barrel. If you reload I would say go the 260 version if not I think you go with the 6.5. The nice thing with the 6.5 like Dirt said is that you have the option of a 20 or 24 in barrel. I wasn't concerned with the 20 in barrel on my 260 because I will eventually replace it.

I've been back and forth on 6.5CM and 260rem. I don't currently reload because i just don't have the time. There are some good factory hunting loads out there for the 260 though. Also, I like the idea 260 being just a little hotter than 6.5CM. But availability of factory ammo may force me over to 6.5CM. I'll need to do some more research on just what's out there and how available it all is.

I'll probably go with a 20" barrel regardless of caliber though, for handiness' sake. I can always re-barrel down the road if the lack barrel length or the caliber really bother me that much. 6.5CM in a 20" barrel seems like the way to go though.

Buy a used Ruger American in 6.5 Creed for now, heck new ones were $389 at Bud's a while back, and keep saving for the Tikka CTR.
Start thinking about getting into reloading if you don't already.
Scope? Was just using the Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x yesterday mounted on my 6mmFatRat. I love the glass but more so the reticle and it tracks great!

I've thought about the Ruger Americans a number of times. Seen many people preforming little tricks on the factory stocks to get them a bit more rigid, and have heard of a number of people getting right around 1 MOA accuracy from the bench. I'll most likely going to just pay for what I want though and get the CTR up front.

That being said, I do eventually want a handy general purpose rifle in 308 with a low powered optic to use as a general purpose beater rifle toloan out to friend and work on off-hand/unconventional shooting position marksmanship with. As of right now I'm looking into the Ruger American or a plain Tikka T3 with the barrel cut down to 16"-18" for that role. That's not a priority now though.

So far as optics, I have a Steiner with a 30mm tube collecting dust that will probably find a welcome home on a CTR.

 

[steve123]

The Ruger American would just be a stop gap. Buy used if possible and sell it just before you get the CTR, or sell it to one of your friends for easy monthly installments, that way you can be shooting instead of wishing and a good time to wipe the dust off the scope. It's surprising what 1 moa will do at distance, in a perfect world that's about 11" at 1000Y. There's a chance a stock Tikka won't do less than 1 moa BTW, which is why the more dedicated shooters have gone to custom rifles with custom barrels.

The RA is not bad at all. I've shot 3 of them and was impressed for the money, plus they functioned well. The most accurate one was a 270, lol. Laid down two 5 shot groups with walmart ammo when sighting it in for a guy.

308 with heavy bullets in a light rifle has a punch too, almost as much as the 270. 6.5 Creed with 120 - 130gr bullets are more like the feel of a 243.

No doubt Tikka is the way to go in the end.

 

[scudzuki]

If you're willing to bend in a small tab on the side of a 10 round magazine you can restrict it to 5 round capacity.

 

[Bakwa]

If you're willing to bend in a small tab on the side of a 10 round magazine you can restrict it to 5 round capacity.

I've seen this done in a SR-25 mag. If it comes to this, I may use this method. However, as was stated above, I may not have to. On the 1st I'll be talking to someone about the local laws. I need to rifle first though. Hah. I have a lead on a good deal so I may pick up a CTR sooner than later. I'll post back here if I do.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Savage offers the 10 Predator Hunter Max in both .260 Remington and 6.5CM. I have the .260, although it has recently been sent down the generations to my Daughter. Ammunition is readily available, although there appear to be preconceptions to the contrary. I'm setting up to do load development for the Hornady 6.5mm 143gr ELD-X in the .260 chambering myself. The 24" barrel will easily reach to 1000yd with appropriate ammunition; I'm setting up for load development with the Hornady 6.5mm 143gr ELD-X bullet. The rifle and bullet combination has excellent potential for both accuracy and terminal performance at extended range.

Ten round magazines for the Savage are available through Darkeagle Custom, a supporter of this site since its outset. The supplied magazine hold four rounds.

Greg

 

[scudzuki]

I've seen this done in a SR-25 mag. If it comes to this, I may use this method. However, as was stated above, I may not have to. On the 1st I'll be talking to someone about the local laws. I need to rifle first though. Hah. I have a lead on a good deal so I may pick up a CTR sooner than later. I'll post back here if I do.

My neighbor here in PA, who moved from the People's Republic of New Jersey, has a 5 round AR-15 mag that is restricted by a block of aluminum below the follower. It's a little more sturdy than the bent tab method.

 

[C_R_Slacker]

I have a 20" CTR in 260. It weighs 10lb, 6 oz with a nightforce nxs 5.5-22 on top, empty mag, no sling or bipod. With my hand loaded 139 grain lapua scenars it gets 2650 fps. This is a moderately hot load. I haven't shot to 1000 yet, but I have verified dope to 600. My calculator says it should be 1300 fps and 34.5 moa at 1000 yards.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Most states in the US require =<5rd mags to legally hunt with during deer season. This includes my state which is FL. So alas, this is my uphill boulder.

Pretty sure that only applies to semi auto firearms

 

[Fishkat]

Believe I saw one in the for sale section, "Rbros". Awesome rifles, I have one of their hunting light weight long range in 7RM and another magazine fed comp style in 6.5 Creed. Both are extremely accurate. Buy once, cry once...go custom.