I’m looking to rebarrel my old Tikka T3 243 into something to use as my ranch rifle/truck gun to keep in my rig daily. I’d like it to be as short as reasonably possible, and I’d like to use factory ammo just for the cost and convenience in a gun that will be abused and fired a lot. I’ve got a peak44 stock on the way and a Leupold VX3 that’s been waiting to be put on something. The cartridges I’m looking at as of now are 6CM, 25CM, 6.5CM and of course good old 308. Open to other chambering suggestions as well. Duties will include dispatching coyotes, feral hogs, and whitetail if the opportunity presents itself during season. Likely maximum range on live targets will be 400 yards just given the brush and topography of my place. I currently use a 22CM at 22” but I’d like it to be a few inches shorter for getting it out the truck window easily and quickly. I’d build another 22CM shorter but that’s boring. Rifle will be suppressed full time.
Yes I realize I’m giving up performance with factory ammo and a short barrel but this tool isn’t going to be about maximizing performance, it’s about easy handling and being capable enough to be useful. I know there’s plenty of posts about short barrels but I’m looking for experience specifically with factory ammunition. So who’s running factory ammo in a 16-20” rifle, what cartridge and muzzle velocities are you getting? Have you seen good kills on small to medium size game with your setup?
Yes I realize I’m giving up performance with factory ammo and a short barrel but this tool isn’t going to be about maximizing performance, it’s about easy handling and being capable enough to be useful. I know there’s plenty of posts about short barrels but I’m looking for experience specifically with factory ammunition. So who’s running factory ammo in a 16-20” rifle, what cartridge and muzzle velocities are you getting? Have you seen good kills on small to medium size game with your setup?
