Tikka CTR 6.5CM Barrel Replacement Options

[quikcolin]

Hey guys,

This is wildly premature, but I’m curious about barrel replacement options for my Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5CM.

I only have about 200 rounds down the barrel, and understand these barrels are good for about 2500 rounds... but I’m nervous already about replacement time.

I’ve developed a load that yeilds me .30 MOA on average (5 shots at 100M). I’m concerned I won’t be able to find another barrel as accurate. Can Tikka barrels be purchased? Or is there an even more accurate/or as accurate option out there?

Thanks!

 

[Bradv86]

You can find many good options - Bartlein, Hawk Hill, Proof, Krieger, etc the list goes on. These are all premium barrels.

A good smith can install any barrel you wish. There are also many prefits available nowdays.

You can sometimes find people selling take off barrels who have upgraded straight away. There is no guarantee that the next 6.5CM Tikka barrel will be as accurate as the one you currently have, or if it will like the exact same load. Tikka barrels do tend to run on the slow side of the velocity spectrum compared to the premium barrels as well.

 

[spife7980]

You’ve shot 200 rounds in what, 5 months? Your concerned is unnecessary as you’re never gonna shoot that barrel out at that rate and it’s also unfounded because the aftermarket barrels are going to be better than a factory barrel.

 

[Napeequa55]

You’ve shot 200 rounds in what, 5 months? Your concerned is unnecessary as you’re never gonna shoot that barrel out at that rate and it’s also unfounded because the aftermarket barrels are going to be better than a factory barrel.

If the barrel was burned at 2,500 he would presumably burn it out in 5-6 years. That's not never but certainly not worth getting anxious about now.

 

[acudaowner]

I am somewhere around 3k or 3.5 k sort of lost count in my 6.5 creedmoor and still have what looks to me like its only 1/2 as worn as I thought it would beand still prints groups if I do my part in or around 1/4 inch at 100 yards I give all credit to the gun I may be the one pulling the trigger but the gun is far better than I am so unless you burn it out on purpose you should have a lot of life left in your barrel . I am running a 26'' bartlein barrel I think it was the mtu m24 5r and besides the cheap hornady ammo trying to kill me with copper deposits It really has been a dream to own . my next barrel will be about the same except 28'' and uncut no taper and a break with two ports that are larger enough to help with easier cleaning Its a pig but its my little piggie lol good luck with yours .

 

[Steel head]

If you don’t abuse it stupidly 3k is doable and probably more.
Aren’t Tikka barrels hammer forged?
That process promotes quite durable barrels.
Lots of options for replacing when you get there.

 

[Napeequa55]

If you don’t abuse it stupidly 3k is doable and probably more.
Aren’t Tikka barrels hammer forged?
That process promotes quite durable barrels.
Lots of options for replacing when you get there.

What would abuse be? Handloading hot?

 

[Bradv86]

What would abuse be? Handloading hot?

That as well as shooting quickly for many many rounds without allowing any cooling.

 

[the_accuser]

I have at least 3500 rounds on my 20" Tikka CTR in .260 and the damn thing is a freakin' hammer. I shoot mild loads and figure I'll shoot this barrel until it is obviously toast. Thanks to another board member I have a factory spare barrel for when the time comes to switch.