Help spend my money on a hunting rifle build

[bwp86]

I’m currently looking into putting a 7mm mag together for all around deer/elk hunting. I initially was going to convert my Tikka T3 .270 into a 280ai. Because of the ammo situation (I do not currently reload) I decided the just go to a 7mm mag as it is readily available around me. I want to shoot this suppressed so I am looking for a max barrel length of 24”, preferably 22”.

Do I pick up a Tikka T3 lite in 7mm and rebarrel it with a prefit or buy a custom action and piece it together? Or is there a better factory rifle that fits my criteria for $2k or so? I’m wanting to be able to do all of the work at home, so a prefit barrel for the action is a must. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[B y r o n]

I know you wanted to do this at home but this may fit your bill and yet allow easy updates/upgrades in the future.

 

[samson7x]

Dunno what your budget is, but I built an origin with a proof prefit chambered by Altus.

 

[bwp86]

I haven’t looked into the high country. I’ll check that one out.

 

[bwp86]

Dunno what your budget is, but I built an origin with a proof prefit chambered by Altus.

Budget is $2000 or so. I already have the scope.

 

[fdkay]

The 7mm rem mag is a very good round, with shitty factory ammo options.
Both of you options are good, either a Tikka or a custom.
The Tikka is a good option and likely available now.
By the time you buy the tikka you could almost buy a new action, sans trigger.
Custom action may take a while.
This would be a good choice, but not available right now:

EVO II Stainless Steel BDL Long Action | Mack Brothers Suppressors

The Mack Brothers EVO II Stainless Steel Long Action starts from a 416 heat treated billet, and is CNC machined in only two operations eliminating possible

macbros.com

This is available, but a bit more spendy, plus, you could basically build the entire rifle from the one website:

Zermatt rifle actions, Origin, TL3, SR3, RimX

Zermatt rifle actions, Origin, TL3, SR3, RimX, Short action, Long action, most precision rifle action with floating bolt head, floating, Interchangeable Bolt Head, Controlled Round Feed, Enclosed Mechanical Ejector, Pinned Picatinny Rail, Bayonet Style Firing Pin Assembly, 2 Lug. 90° Bolt Throw...

www.bugholes.com

 

[UpSideDown]

What do you mean you want to do all the work at home? I'd buy a T3x Lite, have a gunsmith cut and rethread the barrel and call it done. The factory barrels shoot great and they're as light as I'd want to go with a suppressor.

 

[bwp86]

The 7mm rem mag is a very good round, with shitty factory ammo options.
Both of you options are good, either a Tikka or a custom.
The Tikka is a good option and likely available now.
By the time you buy the tikka you could almost buy a new action, sans trigger.
Custom action may take a while.
This would be a good choice, but not available right now:

EVO II Stainless Steel BDL Long Action | Mack Brothers Suppressors

The Mack Brothers EVO II Stainless Steel Long Action starts from a 416 heat treated billet, and is CNC machined in only two operations eliminating possible

macbros.com

This is available, but a bit more spendy, plus, you could basically build the entire rifle from the one website:

Zermatt rifle actions, Origin, TL3, SR3, RimX

Zermatt rifle actions, Origin, TL3, SR3, RimX, Short action, Long action, most precision rifle action with floating bolt head, floating, Interchangeable Bolt Head, Controlled Round Feed, Enclosed Mechanical Ejector, Pinned Picatinny Rail, Bayonet Style Firing Pin Assembly, 2 Lug. 90° Bolt Throw...

www.bugholes.com

Is there another caliber you’d recommend? Nearly all of my hunting will be whitetail, but I want to ability to take an elk if I ever draw a rifle tag.

 

[bwp86]

What do you mean you want to do all the work at home? I'd buy a T3x Lite, have a gunsmith cut and rethread the barrel and call it done. The factory barrels shoot great and they're as light as I'd want to go with a suppressor.

Would there be enough “meat” on the lite barrel for threading? That would be an easy and cheap way to get it done.

 

[fdkay]

Is there another caliber you’d recommend? Nearly all of my hunting will be whitetail, but I want to ability to take an elk if I ever draw a rifle tag.

I love the 7mm, it is VERY capable.
Personally, I liked your idea of the 280AI, very capable and actually comes with factory ammo that takes advantage of the high BC bullets, however, you have already found the selection wanting. The ammo is spedy as well.
Don't get me wrong, the factory loads for the 7mm mag will do what you want, but it would do so much better with heavier bullets in the 175-185 range. Those are available, but would probably require ordering from a website.
The 139 would work well for whitetails and the 175 for Elk, but, honestly, the .270 will do what you need, you can rebarrel to a light varmint or heavier profile to run a can, or rebarrel to 30'06.

 

[DukeGSP]

when it comes to the .284 i love my 28 nosler and my 7 STW. 7mm will probably be easier to find but i've found both 28 nos and stw in local stores many times.

 

[fdkay]

Here you go, the easy button:

Wilderness Terrain - Bergara USA

Do you crave handmade craftsmanship? Do you want a rifle built specifically for you, built for your needs, and with a level of quality that is evident the moment it touches your hands? Are you the type who hones your skills until your confidence is unwavering and your actions are second nature...

www.bergara.online

 

[powdahound76]

A .270 will drop deer and elk just dandy.


Im a fan of the 30’06 a lot too.
Get a tikka t3 and find ammo it likes.
Shoot well and you will kill elk and deer.

Ask me how I know!

Not magnum in a light rifle is nice

 

[n2ishun]

Another vote for the 30-06
Heavier bullets are a good thing.
I've killed about everything on this continent with mine, bear, moose, elk, caribou, bambi, all the way down to red misting prairie dogs for target practice.
BTW, where can you NOT find 30-06 factory ammo, or components ?

 

[bwp86]

Another vote for the 30-06

Heavier bullets are a good thing.
I've killed about everything on this continent with mine, bear, moose, elk, caribou, bambi, all the way down to red misting prairie dogs for target practice.
BTW, where can you NOT find 30-06 factory ammo, or components ?

I have an old savage 110e 30-06 that I am going to put a new barrel on. So I have that covered.

 

[n2ishun]

Just minding my own business, I was cruisin the Bergara website and saw this....

APPROACH 25-06 - BPI Outdoors, Inc

bergara.bpishopping.com

Seems a helluva deal to me.
Premiere action, trigger tech trigger, grayboe stock, AICS compatible, all the boxes seem to be checked.
They also have the same one in 270win, same specs, same price.
Both are a very good cartridge for bambi and elk, very flat shooting for the 1k+ steel.
Maybe I'm wrong.....is it not a bangin deal ?

 

[abn31c]

1. Get a BAT Vampire action

2. Save mo mony....

3. Just go get a Tikka....

 

[Junco Grande]

If it weren't for the barrel length requirement, I'd point toward a Seekins PH2 in 7RM for the price range. Why not go get the Tikka and look for a stock upgrade?
I think the Origin/Proof CF prefit is hard to beat... that would put you at the 2k mark also, less accessories.

 

[bwp86]

If it weren't for the barrel length requirement, I'd point toward a Seekins PH2 in 7RM for the price range. Why not go get the Tikka and look for a stock upgrade?
I think the Origin/Proof CF prefit is hard to beat... that would put you at the 2k mark also, less accessories.

I about went the proof barrel in 6.5cm on my current Tikka. Since it would cover every deer and antelope sized game. It was just a bit light on the elk if I ever take that trip.

 

[krw]

Your hamstringn that 7mag with “shorter”bbl. I would go with 280 or 30-06 and never look back. And on a hunting rifle, can you go wrong with a 700 action. And I love BDL style bottom metal on hunting rifles

 

[bwp86]

Your hamstringn that 7mag with “shorter”bbl. I would go with 280 or 30-06 and never look back. And on a hunting rifle, can you go wrong with a 700 action. And I love BDL style bottom metal on hunting rifles

My struggle with the 280 is finding ammo. My original plan was the Tikka in a 22” 280ai barrel until I started searching for ammo. I was going back and forth between the carbon and a SS mcgowen

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

There is nothing a 7mm mag will do that a .270 will not. I know its not popular, but with modern bullets the 270 is fantastic elk round. There is not a deer on this planet where a magnum is warranted or needed. Also, its 2022, no one has time to deal with belted magnums. Of all of them, the 7 rem mag is one of the most inefficent. I would rather run a 7 or 300 wsm.

I would keep the Tikka and get some good custom loaded ammo from a place like unknown munitions or copper creek.

You could also buy a take off 6.5 prc barrel ($200) and a LRI magnum bolt ($375) and convert the tikka over, but its not going to gain you much IMO.

270 Winchester 150 Berger VLD Hunter - Unknown Munitions

CALIBER 270 WINCHESTER BULLET 150 BERGER VLD HUNTER BRASS HORNADY | PETERSON POWDER IMR 4955 ENDURON PRIMER FEDERAL 210 MATCH VELOCITY 3015 G1 / G7 .518 / .265 COAL 3.340″ REC. TWIST 10 QUANTITY 50

www.unknownmunitions.com

Here you go, this will work in your tikka.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Just minding my own business, I was cruisin the Bergara website and saw this....

APPROACH 25-06 - BPI Outdoors, Inc

bergara.bpishopping.com

Seems a helluva deal to me.
Premiere action, trigger tech trigger, grayboe stock, AICS compatible, all the boxes seem to be checked.
They also have the same one in 270win, same specs, same price.
Both are a very good cartridge for bambi and elk, very flat shooting for the 1k+ steel.
Maybe I'm wrong.....is it not a bangin deal ?

10 twist for a 25 cal is a joke. Thats why no one is buying that dumb shit.

 

[bwp86]

There is nothing a 7mm mag will do that a .270 will not. I know its not popular, but with modern bullets the 270 is fantastic elk round. There is not a deer on this planet where a magnum is warranted or needed. Also, its 2022, no one has time to deal with belted magnums. Of all of them, the 7 rem mag is one of the most inefficent. I would rather run a 7 or 300 wsm.

I would keep the Tikka and get some good custom loaded ammo from a place like unknown munitions or copper creek.

You could also buy a take off 6.5 prc barrel ($200) and a LRI magnum bolt ($375) and convert the tikka over, but its not going to gain you much IMO.

270 Winchester 150 Berger VLD Hunter - Unknown Munitions

CALIBER 270 WINCHESTER BULLET 150 BERGER VLD HUNTER BRASS HORNADY | PETERSON POWDER IMR 4955 ENDURON PRIMER FEDERAL 210 MATCH VELOCITY 3015 G1 / G7 .518 / .265 COAL 3.340″ REC. TWIST 10 QUANTITY 50

www.unknownmunitions.com

Here you go, this will work in your tikka.

It’s a t3 hunter. I’d like to be able to run it with my suppressor. I’m not sure there’s enough meat on the barrel to get it threaded.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

It’s a t3 hunter. I’d like to be able to run it with my suppressor. I’m not sure there’s enough meat on the barrel to get it threaded.

You can always buy a take off barrel from ebay, the hide, gunbroker, ect. get one thats threaded.

 

[The D]

Well, I was all geared up to link to the LRI .532 replacement Tikka bolt but they’re sold out

LRI TIKKA REPLACEMENT BOLTS

The Tikka actions and rifles speak for themselves when it comes to quality and we have listened. LRI began this project in the fall of 2019 and we are finally able to offer an industry-first: Aftermarket direct replacement bolts for the Tikka actions! The case study on headspace...

www.longriflesinc.com

@LongRifles Inc. probably aren’t very busy. We should pester him to make one especially for you, op

 

[Digetydog]

I know you wanted to do this at home but this may fit your bill and yet allow easy updates/upgrades in the future.

I have that rifle in 6.5CM. I love it but if I could wave my magic want and tweak it, I would have the barrel be 2" shorter (20" vs 22") for use with my suppressor. I don't think I would end up giving up any accuracy and minimal velocity and it would be much handier with my Dead Air Nomad attached.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

There is a tikka magnum action in the px right now unless it sold since I saw it yesterday.

 

[Digetydog]

I’m currently looking into putting a 7mm mag together for all around deer/elk hunting. I initially was going to convert my Tikka T3 .270 into a 280ai. Because of the ammo situation (I do not currently reload) I decided the just go to a 7mm mag as it is readily available around me. I want to shoot this suppressed so I am looking for a max barrel length of 24”, preferably 22”.

Do I pick up a Tikka T3 lite in 7mm and rebarrel it with a prefit or buy a custom action and piece it together? Or is there a better factory rifle that fits my criteria for $2k or so? I’m wanting to be able to do all of the work at home, so a prefit barrel for the action is a must. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I am building a 280AI on a Zermatt Origin action. I always planned to reload for it so the complete lack of factory ammo is not a problem. But, even factory brass is hard to find and spendy.

Ultimately, I picked it because I didn't want to deal with reloading a belted case.

 

[NewsShooter]

Get the tikka for the cheapest option which is still a good option, 7RM is good, mine shot sub moa with 162 ELDx before I swapped it to a 7 saum.

 

[bwp86]

Any thoughts on a 1/8 twist in 270? I’d have to start reloading, but that would allow me to take advantage of the heavier bullets and I have plenty of brass. At that point it may make sense to just go to 280ai if I’m reloading

 

[acudaowner]

The Crusader | G.A.Precision

www.gaprecision.net

 

[LRI]

Well, I was all geared up to link to the LRI .532 replacement Tikka bolt but they’re sold out

LRI TIKKA REPLACEMENT BOLTS

The Tikka actions and rifles speak for themselves when it comes to quality and we have listened. LRI began this project in the fall of 2019 and we are finally able to offer an industry-first: Aftermarket direct replacement bolts for the Tikka actions! The case study on headspace...

www.longriflesinc.com

@LongRifles Inc. probably aren’t very busy. We should pester him to make one especially for you, op

We have more. Hundreds are in final production now. I should have them back on the store early next week.

C.

 

[The D]

We have more. Hundreds are in final production now. I should have them back on the store early next week.

C.

Boom! There you go, @bwp86. Magnum bolt, new barrel, stock/chassis of choice, dead animals

 

[CaptArab]

Ez button https://www.eurooptic.com/Sako-S20-Precision-7mm-Rem-Mag-24-Bbl-1-95-Rifle-JRS20P370.aspx

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

We have more. Hundreds are in final production now. I should have them back on the store early next week.

C.

Hi Chad,

Any plans for a .223 bolt? With the popularity of the .350 legend for strait wall cases, i think alot of us would like to buy them.

 

[LRI]

Hi Chad,

Any plans for a .223 bolt? With the popularity of the .350 legend for strait wall cases, i think alot of us would like to buy them.

Afraid not. The last batch we sold were overwhelmingly magnum bolts for guys stepping up to the bigger stuff. I didn't get much for guys asking about .390" diameter.

Sorry.

C.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

With used take off tikka bolts going for $400, I think people are starting to realize how good of a deal the LRI bolts are.

 

[LRI]

Were back up. Kaylb is running them now.

LRI TIKKA REPLACEMENT BOLTS

The Tikka actions and rifles speak for themselves when it comes to quality and we have listened. LRI began this project in the fall of 2019 and we are finally able to offer an industry-first: Aftermarket direct replacement bolts for the Tikka actions! The case study on headspace...

www.longriflesinc.com

 

[NewsShooter]

Ez button https://www.eurooptic.com/Sako-S20-Precision-7mm-Rem-Mag-24-Bbl-1-95-Rifle-JRS20P370.aspx

But probably not throated for heavier bullets.

 

[fdkay]

But probably not throated for heavier bullets.

OP doesn't handload, any factory ammo is going to be loaded to SAAMI length

 

[bwp86]

I’d like to get started reloading, but the cost to get in and the amount I shoot don’t really add up.

But I also spent a lot of suppressors. So I should probably shoot more

 

[Schw15]

I would say either a bergara or get a custom action like arc nucleus or bighorn origin. Get a prefit barrel and the stock you want and go for it. Nice thing about doing your own barrel swaps and prefits you can have multiple cals. Barrel for whitetail then throw your elk barrel on. But I say 300 win mag for overall hunting and good factory ammo.

 

[leclairk]

Forgive my ignorance, but what Tikka action/ bolt face is needed for a 30-06?

 

[fdkay]

Forgive my ignorance, but what Tikka action/ bolt face is needed for a 30-06?

I believe Tikka only has one action length.
The bolt face is .473, there are many cartridges that share that boltface including .308 and all of the cartridges based on it, the 7x57 and 8x57 along with the 30.06, .270, .280 etc...
There are many more, too many to list.

 

[triumph001]

Seekins HAVAK ph2 in 6.5 PRC would fit your price and barrel length. The speed at which the 6.5 PRC can push a 140+ class bullet makes it more than adequate for elk. I like to build stuff too but it can be difficult to bolt something together in your garage that will shoot as good as a Seekins. It will definately be a challenge to source a quality action, barrel, stock and the tools to put it all together for less than the $1800 a ph2 will cost you too.

 

[bwp86]

Seekins HAVAK ph2 in 6.5 PRC would fit your price and barrel length. The speed at which the 6.5 PRC can push a 140+ class bullet makes it more than adequate for elk. I like to build stuff too but it can be difficult to bolt something together in your garage that will shoot as good as a Seekins. It will definately be a challenge to source a quality action, barrel, stock and the tools to put it all together for less than the $1800 a ph2 will cost you too.

The ph2 looks like a lot of rifle for the price. Is that action as good as the Tikka?

 

[Junco Grande]

The ph2 looks like a lot of rifle for the price. Is that action as good as the Tikka?

The Gen 2 bolt is much smoother and only gets better with some use, it's a pretty damn nice improvement.

 

[triumph001]

The ph2 looks like a lot of rifle for the price. Is that action as good as the Tikka?

I’ve never handled a Tikka but the Havak is in the realm of most popular custom actions.

 

[Sogan]

I believe Tikka only has one action length.
The bolt face is .473, there are many cartridges that share that boltface including .308 and all of the cartridges based on it, the 7x57 and 8x57 along with the 30.06, .270, .280 etc...
There are many more, too many to list.

Decent link showing a majority of the calibers for each bolt face: https://www.loaddevelopment.com/bolt-face-action-database/