Yes, I’ve read the Arctic is too expensive, a rip-off, and too heavy, etc. but I want one nonetheless. Uncle Sam has given me some of my money back and I’m going to use it to scratch this itch. My dilemma after finally admitting this problem is I cannot decide between 308 and 6.5 Creedmore as it pertains to this particular rifle. I have several other rifles in. 308 and like them but no rifles chambered for the 6.5. The better accuracy and less recoil appeals to me. However, the Canadian Rangers version is in 308 making that combination a classic. Does anyone with an arctic in 308 regret not getting the 6.5, or vice versa? Thank you for your time.
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Want a Tikka Arctic but cannot make a decision between 308 and 6.5 Creed
- Thread starter Levallois
- Start date
If you're just going to rock the aperture sights, the accuracy/trajectory differences between 308 and creedmoor are a wash.
You opened the 6.5CM vs 3-OH -HATE pandoras box
In my mind since that Tikka is more or less a clone rifle, I would get it in 308. That way it's as close to the Canadian mil version as possible. Either cartridge would be fine in this gun imo.
I'd go 308, clone off what Canada uses and you already have other 308s, so ammo to share.
I appreciate the replies! I was hoping to keep the debate about the two cartridges limited to the Arctic platform. That was probably a pipe dream. There’s a lot to be said about keeping the rifle as close to the C19 as possible. I will be using the irons mostly but will probably throw on a scope on occasion for the fun of it.
Go with the 30hate….had to dig mine out of the safe. I was drunk in Atlanta airport an decided I needed one. Cool rifle, very unique. Very well built. Sights are good, I believe I heard they was calibrated for a 180 accubond moving a certain FPS But not 100% sure on that. I’ve only shot it 1 time
Sometimes it’s fun to mix it up. If you have a bunch of other .308’s, go for the 6.5 creed. I think you’d enjoy it. I’ve always been a .308 guy, but I also love shooting my .260 Rem. The lighter recoil is nice for long sessions.
You haven't really spelled out what your objectives, criteria, and limits are, so it's hard to answer your question. Fundamentally though:
- accuracy will likely be a wash (and more than adequate for anything you'd do with unmagnified optics)
- 6.5CM will offer better ballistics after a certain point, generally around 500 yards give or take; anything inside that is a wash
- 6.5CM will offer significantly lower recoil no matter what range you're shooting at, unless you sacrifice ballistics and go to a 150gr bullet in 308
- I don't care what anyone says, pick the right bullet construction, put it in the right spot, and terminal ballistics will be adequate for either (retained energy won't be your limiting ethical distance factor, ability to place the shot properly in wind will be)
- Once upon a time, 308 was way more available than 6.5CM; I'm not really sure that's true anymore, I think availability will be adequate for either and cost is roughly a wash for good ammo
One caveat on the terminal ballistics is that because 308 starts slower, you'll fall below minimum impact velocity for proper expansion faster than 6.5CM. This is mostly just an issue for non-lead hunting rounds, but it's something to consider if you plan to run those bullets for hunting.
Higher impact velocity and lower recoil would steer me towards 6.5CM, but some people just want what they want no matter what the numbers say.
- accuracy will likely be a wash (and more than adequate for anything you'd do with unmagnified optics)
- 6.5CM will offer better ballistics after a certain point, generally around 500 yards give or take; anything inside that is a wash
- 6.5CM will offer significantly lower recoil no matter what range you're shooting at, unless you sacrifice ballistics and go to a 150gr bullet in 308
- I don't care what anyone says, pick the right bullet construction, put it in the right spot, and terminal ballistics will be adequate for either (retained energy won't be your limiting ethical distance factor, ability to place the shot properly in wind will be)
- Once upon a time, 308 was way more available than 6.5CM; I'm not really sure that's true anymore, I think availability will be adequate for either and cost is roughly a wash for good ammo
One caveat on the terminal ballistics is that because 308 starts slower, you'll fall below minimum impact velocity for proper expansion faster than 6.5CM. This is mostly just an issue for non-lead hunting rounds, but it's something to consider if you plan to run those bullets for hunting.
Higher impact velocity and lower recoil would steer me towards 6.5CM, but some people just want what they want no matter what the numbers say.
You want the creed, and we'll totally validate that decision for you.
I see the sights are in meters (1-600), but I don't see listed anywhere what ammo they're calibrated for.
I see the sights are in meters (1-600), but I don't see listed anywhere what ammo they're calibrated for.
Got 5 rifles in 223, couple in 5.45, couple in 7.62x39, couple more in 30-06, 3 in 308, 1 in 32Win Spl, 1 in 35 REM, 1 in 401 Winchester, 1 in 351 Winchester, 3 in 303 Brit, 1 in 32-40, 1 in 22 Savage, 1 in 250-3000, and more. None in 6.5 creed, yet. All I know about the Arctic in 6.5 is the barrel twist rate is 1:8. The Canadian Rangers supposedly are using a 180 gr round in the 308 but I don’t know what brand or bullet.
Here you go:
"The C180 ammunition in 308 Winchester used by Canadian Rangers is assembled by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Quebec by pairing Nosler Accubond 180 gr (11.7 g) hunting bullets with Canadian Forces' match (sniper) brass cartridge cases." No powder charge is listed as it's proprietary C180 designated hunting ammunition.
Damn I didn’t know they sold guns at the airport!
Don't feel bad op... I want one of those too.
The ruger scout in 308 or 223 can be modded to be similar and save a shit ton of ammo and bourbon money fwiw... but trust me it won't be enough ammo or bourbon to be the same and you'll know it every time you pull the trigger.
Not that I know anything about that or anything.
The ruger scout in 308 or 223 can be modded to be similar and save a shit ton of ammo and bourbon money fwiw... but trust me it won't be enough ammo or bourbon to be the same and you'll know it every time you pull the trigger.
Not that I know anything about that or anything.
I've got several rifles in both 308 and 6.5 cm. Go 6.5 cm, it's the easy button. You won't regret it.
Wonder how hard it would be to set that sight back on the barrel a bit? Any clue how the sight indexes?
.308.
If you want less recoil, buy a .22.
If you want a clone, deal with it. Ain't nobody shooting Polar bears with a 6.5 fagmaster when a .308 is available.
If you want less recoil, buy a .22.
If you want a clone, deal with it. Ain't nobody shooting Polar bears with a 6.5 fagmaster when a .308 is available.
Paraphrased from the manual- Screws onto the muzzle thread until bottomed, then back out until the guiding screw can go into the slot.
So you should be able to have a good smith cut the threads back and extend the notch, but it’s an added expense to run a brake or can.
Your rifle, but if ya want a classic, changing it from its current configuration seems wrong.
Like putting a muzzle brake on an original US calvary 1873 Colt SAA.
It's heavy so recoil shouldn't be a problem.
One could screw on a muzzle brake (thread size?)and add a scope and still maintain the original configuration, and still change it back.
I'd just leave it like it is and add a scope...nothing done to the muzzle.
Although its not difficult to turn and thread a longer section of barrel, cut a slot or just time the sight.
I wouldn't do any of that.
If I was gonna alter it, I'd do it with more appeal, and less cutting down of the barrel diameter, causing the bore to open up, slightly, for a longer area than is already present.
I'd just leave it alone and shoot what's there, a classic...
But it's your gun.
Like putting a muzzle brake on an original US calvary 1873 Colt SAA.
It's heavy so recoil shouldn't be a problem.
One could screw on a muzzle brake (thread size?)and add a scope and still maintain the original configuration, and still change it back.
I'd just leave it like it is and add a scope...nothing done to the muzzle.
Although its not difficult to turn and thread a longer section of barrel, cut a slot or just time the sight.
I wouldn't do any of that.
If I was gonna alter it, I'd do it with more appeal, and less cutting down of the barrel diameter, causing the bore to open up, slightly, for a longer area than is already present.
I'd just leave it alone and shoot what's there, a classic...
But it's your gun.
Agree on this, pretty damn expensive rifle to be altering
Wow, I had no idea. I tend to agree. It's cool but woof!
"Classic" is an odd choice, "9 year old obscure rifle" would be a little more accurate.
You should buy one in every caliber.
Get the 308 if you love pussy. Get the 6.5 if you love sucking dick.
Those rifles are bad mfers. I came this close to getting one in 308, but decided it was a better idea to have SAC build me one to my specs for 3x the cost. I have issues.
I chose 308 because I think it hits harder 250 and in, which is my chosen range limit for the platform. No question 6.5 would be better if you want more range.
Here is my version inspired by the Arctic.
I chose 308 because I think it hits harder 250 and in, which is my chosen range limit for the platform. No question 6.5 would be better if you want more range.
Here is my version inspired by the Arctic.
Yep only a 6.5cm could accomplish that feat.View attachment 8458419View attachment 8458417View attachment 8458417
Ah Gay as in Delightful accuracy ,from a Hunting bullet no less . I'll leave the secret trouser trout handshake too the rest of you
That's #20 into .404 under 2 minutes .
What is an "Areo AR Platform"?View attachment 8458419View attachment 8458417View attachment 8458417
Ah Gay as in Delightful accuracy ,from a Hunting bullet no less . I'll leave the secret trouser trout handshake too the rest of you
That's #20 into .404 under 2 minutes .
