They’ve recently removed the limitations on what type of cartridge I can use in southern MI. I’ve been using a 450 bm for years now, but want to take advantage of the new opportunity to use something else. I hunt a 50/50 mix of woods and flat farmland where I could easily get a 300-400yd shot. What caliber would you recommend for big bodied whitetails? Open to rifle suggestions, want to stay in the $1000-$1200 range and under. Thanks!
For me. You’re describing a perfect scenario for a 6.5 Creedmoor Tikka T3x Lite. Perfect for the power you want as well as the distance.
other good options would be 22 Creedmoor, 25 Creedmoor (good but a little more expensive to shoot), 6 creedmoor. A 6.5 prc is great but recoil is higher and most people will shoot a creedmoor better.
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Europtic and locked and loaded usually have pretty good deals on the tikka T3x roughtech.
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Buds Guns had 25 CM ammo for about 50 cents more than 6.5CM for what that’s worth. Not sure how much a 25 CM rifle runs though
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After doing some research I’ve been going back and forth between the 6cm, 6.5cm, and 25cm. The 25cm actually looks like it would do the best for me. Really wish tikka offered one. Not only are you a big fan of tikkas, a good buddy of mine who enjoys long range shooting agrees with that sentiment.
After doing some research the 25cm seems to be the best option for what I want to accomplish. I’d really like to have a Tikka in that caliber.
It’s not very difficult to get a Tikka in 6.5CM, then get a 25CM barrel built for it.
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Any maker you’d recommend?
Preferred Barrel Blanks- reasonably priced and relatively quick.
You could get someone like like Strait Jacket to do a Bartlein, which is top of the line quality, but significantly longer wait and more expensive
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Would I be able to barrel swap from a factory tikka t3x lite 6cm to a 25cm? I’m seeing some for sale now here and there (in the 6cm).
Yes
Any short-action with a non-magnum bolt face is a simple barrel swap. Examples include 308, 7mm-08, 243 Win,
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I have been hunting Wisconsin Whitetails for about 50 years now, in both woodland and open field scenarios. Over the years I have used a 270, 308 and 30-06. A Tikka T3x, whichever version tickles your fancy in stainless would be a good choice chambered in either 308 or 30-06. topped with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4 - 112 x 40 scope. I prefer Nosler Partition ammo in 165 or 180 gr depending on if you are hunting in the woods or fields. 300 yards for the 308 and out to 400 for the 30-06. Ammo is available everywhere and the knock down power is fantastic.
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