Tikka and Caliber Questions from a Noob

[HammerForged]

I have a Tikka T3x Super light that I bought with the intention of building up for learning long range. I shot 5 rounds from it and with my shoulder injury and Lyme Disease, I just can't handle the recoil.

Questions:
-Can I do a simple barrel swap to 6.5 CR?
-Is this action sufficient for getting started or am I better off selling it and starting over?
- Is there another caliber I should consider with my shoulder issue? I heard Frank mention Valkyrie. What kind of distance can I realistically get from it with a limited budget?

Thanks Guys!

PS. I also do not reload. So keep that in mind when recommending calibers.

 

[littlepod]

Not sure what caliber your superlite is, maybe I misread? I'm guessing it's a 308 since you're talking about recoil.

Some cost considerations --

Limbsaver Air Recoil Pad - $40

It looks like the Super Light in 308 has .63 barrel diameter, which is just above the minimum to thread it.. so you could thread it for $100 and put a brake on $140... a brake would reduce the recoil by 50-60%... combine it with the Limbsaver Air Recoil Pad and you really won't feel much.

Barrel swap to 6.5 CR, yes, barrel costs, gunsmithing, headspacing, I am guessing $500? (Then just buy a new 6.5 CM rifle)

 

[HammerForged]

Yes, it's a. 308.
I actually did just get it back from New Frontier who threaded it for me.

Do you have a few break recommendations? I am very familiar with the AR world but am new to the bolt action side of things.

 

[littlepod]

Area 419 Hellfire Brake... no need anything special to align it. AnarchyOutdoors having a 10% off July 4th sale too.

Hellfire "Area 419" Muzzle Brakes

These self-timing brakes are designed from the ground up and have no equal, are extremely effective, easy to install and more versatile then the leading competition.

www.anarchyoutdoors.com

 

[Steel+Killer]

Any muzzle brake that “self times” like APA Little Bastard or the Heathen have been my go to. I am not a fan of the ones that use crush washers or spacers to time it correctly.