Bergara HMR vs. Tikka T3x A1 vs. Seekins Havak

[11aaguilar]

Hello all, newb here both to the Hide and to precision rifle shooting. Looking to get into an entry/intermediate-level rifle for mostly long range hunting and general long range shooting. As the title says I'm comparing those three rifles at the moment. I'm looking for advice as to the pros and cons of each as I'm still very new to this world and I'm sure there are considerations that I haven't thought of or simply am ignorant to.

My thoughts thus far:
-Caliber will be .308 as I want to start off with something easy to find data on, easy to find ammunition, reloading etc. -I'm waiting on an FA Machine Works .30 cal suppressor so threaded barrel and length is important (the Havak at 24" is a little longer than I'd like)
-Relatively heavy weight isn't that important to me, I'd much rather have a heavy barrel that's consistently accurate but weighs two more pounds than an inaccurate sporter barrel

Basically Im asking if the Havak is $1000 better than the Bergara, and where does the Tikka fit in between these other two? Any help would be much appreciated, as well as other options I'm maybe overlooking. I just want to start off with something a little nicer than a $500 Savage or 700.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

How far is long range for you? Also, you're confused if you think 308 is in any way easier to feed than say 6.5CM. And it's definitely not easier to shoot at longer ranges.

 

[Steady Now]

I just picked up a Bergara HMR 6.5 CM. For the price point I don't think you can go wrong and it shoots awesome. Haven't owned either of the other so can't help you there. For an out of the box non custom rifle multiple capabilities it's pretty nice.

 

[11aaguilar]

Long range right now is 1000 meters. That's the longest distance the range near me supports and I've never shot at distances past 300 before. What kind of accuracy are you seeing with the HMR?

 

[mpk1996]

as far as budget goes, I would go with the tikka t3x ctr in 6.5 creedmoor with a 24" barrel. that is going to be hard to beat, and will make a great hunting rifle as well. the seekins is no doubt a great rifle, but the tikka will do everything you want. If you decide that you are going to start doing more competitions, then you can throw it in a MPA chassis. Its one of the best chassis out there. buying the ctx and the MPA will still be less than the seekins. Don't get me wrong, I love seekins stuff, but for the money and the accuracy, i don't think its $1000-1200 better, if any. There are also plenty of smiths making direct replacement barrels for the tikka as well. so you can change it out pretty easy when you shoot out that barrel, or just want a change. The CTR also comes with a threaded barrel, so your suppressor mount will thread right on.

as far as 308 vs 6.5 goes. there is plenty of data around for both. there might be more ammo on the shelf of your local Walmart for 308, but will it be good ammo? plenty of places to get good deals on 6.5 creed ammo online. And with the popularity of the cartridge, more and more ammo manufactures are making it, so it won't be hard to find.

for barrel length, you want at least a 24". you will want the velocity to be make shooting out to 1000 that much better. with the shorter barrel, you will start to go trans and sub sonic before that distance, making it much more difficult and unreliable at that distance.

 

[lennyo3034]

If you're set on .308. The FN SPR A1 may be worth a look.

 

[Wyzrd]

Tagged in. Also curious to hear more about folks experiences with the HMR and Havak. I just recently got rid of my Tikka T3X CTR in 308. Had mine in an XLR Evolution Chassis and it was a shooter! I loved damn near everything about it and was just about to order up a Hardy CF barrel for it, but decided at the last minute I needed another scope instead. Anyways, the Tikkas are a great option in either 308 or 6.5. The Seekins is gonna be the priciest and is brand new still, but I'm sure they're gonna be sweet just like everything else Glen puts out. The Bergara is still relatively new also but I've heard lots of good things about them and wouldn't mind trying one out for myself. If it were me, for a general long range hunting/range rifle, I'd go for the Havak rifle with its sweet action, nice McM stock, I believe a Rock barrel threaded already for a can, and comes in at a good weight for humping around the mtns while hunting.

 

[ICU22250]

So I have an HMR in 6.5 creed and got to shoot it a little bit this weekend, not a lot though.. The rifle shot well, about 2650fps average and single digit SD's, i think it was 8fps with 140 AMax ammo that I had laying around.. The one thing I'm not very happy with is the action on the bergara, just feels a little rough compared to say my CTR 260.. I shot one group at distance with it, not really all that far, only 475 yards, it grouped about 1.75" three shot group I'm guessing. I didn't have a measuring tape or calipers with me... Maybe she will loosen up a bit with some more use...

 

[LRshooter6mm]

Which ever you decide, WEAPONSMART has each of these rifles in stock and for a great price! We also have them in 6.5 CM if you decide to go that way and not a 308. We are more than happy to ship to your local ffl.

https://www.weaponsmart.com/bergara-b-14-hmr-bolt-action-rifle-308-win

https://www.weaponsmart.com/bta-tikka-t3x-ctr-ba-308-b-syn

https://www.weaponsmart.com/seekins-havak-bolt-action-308win-24

 

[jpspeeddemon]

6.5cm is a better long range round. Also, factory match ammo and reloading components are very plentiful. They even sell 6.5cm ammo at Walmart.

 

[IanHusaberg]

Ive been looking at all three(Or 4). I have a new Tika ctr ss in 6.5 24" I'm happy with it, barrel is a little skinny. I'd like a Hmr (22")in 6.5 to compare, also looking at LPR (24") 6.5. I'd like a Tika (24")tac A1 in 260 rem flavor. The havoc would be awesome in the new 6.5 PRC! I'd only consider the new Havoc if you choose it for the new chambering, otherwise it doesn't break any new ground. Hornady is going to make the factory ammo with 147gn. Eld-M's (.351 G7) going almost 3000 fps. Thats nothing to sneeze at lightly!! If you have the patience it might pay off.

I'm not sure why you are considering 308? And I thought I'd never say that. The 6.5 bullet are better in every way possible. The only way a 30 cal bullet is going to be better is a Magnum. Then your deal with a lot of recoil and thats not something you want on a entry level rifle.

Value- HMR/LPR 6.5
Tactical/Competition- Tac A1 6.5( assuming you don't reload) Then 260. Prime ammo?
Best performance/Hunting- Havoc -6.5 PRC(Hornady Factory ammo)

Don't handicap yourself out of the gate w/308. You will just be buying these options down the road if you interest goes anywhere and you actual shoot the rifle your going to buy and it doesn't sit in the safe/closet.

 

[Lunchbox27]

I find more 6.5 match ammo at local retailers than 308. Reloading is the same. Plenty of well know loads out there. Imo... pick the rifle you want and go 6.5cm. Your 30 cal can will be fine on it. I run my 30cal Omega without issue on my 6.5’s. Out of the rifles listed, get Tikka and dont look back

 

[emiguy]

Just my $ .02 Ran my new Bergara B14 HMR 6.5 through the barrel break-in and zero process yesterday and am blown away. 16 rounds through a dime sized hole at 100 yards shooting off the palm of my hand resting on a table. Horn 140 grain eld match

 

[Glen Seekins]

Man whatever you decide get the 6.5 CM. You will be way happier later. It does everything 308 will plus some and there is a ton of awesome factory ammo available.

 

[04JRB]

Just my $ .02 Ran my new Bergara B14 HMR 6.5 through the barrel break-in and zero process yesterday and am blown away. 16 rounds through a dime sized hole at 100 yards shooting off the palm of my hand resting on a table. Horn 140 grain eld match

I recently picked up a Bergara LRP in 6.5CM. I was amazed at the group I shot my first time out. It wasn't a dime sized hole (Nice job, Man!), more like a nickel, and only 10 shot string (about 3/4"). I was also shooting 140 eldm factory ammo, not even my handloads yet. I have never shot that good of a 10 shot group before.

 

[11aaguilar]

Ok all fair considerations. I know the 6.5CM is superior but want the .308 mostly because 1) I already have ~700 rounds of loaded FGMM and M118LR, and ~600 cases of FGMM and Hornady brass. Currently only reloading 9mm but will be looking to learn how to reload rifle rounds shortly. 2) I like the idea of a long-range SHTF rifle and .308 is much more plentiful. Granted the chances of needing a rifle in this scenario are virtually none but I like the idea of it.

Considering these three options above, do any of them feature quick-swap barrels akin to the Savage 10 or AI rifles? I know the Havak is based off a 700 so will not, what about the Tikka or HMR?

 

[Qazwsx]

No, but when you get tired of the 308 you could switch the barrel on the tikka to a 6.5 pretty easily

 

[11aaguilar]

Meaning I could switch the barrel by myself or have to send to a gunsmith?

 

[Lunchbox27]

Meaning I could switch the barrel by myself or have to send to a gunsmith?

Smith... And it's not easy. Mine needed a relief cut to get the barrel off. If you are looking for one you can do yourself that is proven, get the Ruger Precision.

 

[dannySH]

Smith... And it's not easy. Mine needed a relief cut to get the barrel off. If you are looking for one you can do yourself that is proven, get the Ruger Precision.

For the Tikka you can get a Barrel Nut from Josh at PVA and switch barrels just like the Ruger RPR. The big deal as you said is to take off the factory barrel the first time but after that when you get your barrel nut is easy peasy to swap barrels.