[Ericbc7]

The question is why do you want a shorter barrel?
If you plan to hunt deer at 3-400 yds there is no reason you should not cut the barrel down to 20” or even 18”.  I have debated this with myself since I use a suppressor and shorter would make handling much easier with an 8” suppressor attached.  The checklist might include:
1 range at which you wish to ethically shoot a deer (ex)
2 do you reload? You can tailor your reloads to minimize the short barrel penalty.
There might be others but handling and transport are important also.
Interestingly, shorter stiffer barrels tend to be more accurate, all else being equal.

There are several internet postings of barrel length vs velocity out there and a quick search might give you the answer for you.
Good luck!

[Ericbc7]

You are correct!
The 1:11 twist of the 30 calibers are somewhat limiting.
I have a 30-06 with an 11 twist and I don’t load over 185 grns
If I had a stock 300 WM I’d keep the Bullet weight below 200 grns.
Same is true for the 7mm
Keep the bullets lighter, maybe 160 max which will perform well.  The 7mm heavies will not shoot well.

[Ericbc7]

The chetac is an extreme long range round.  If you are looking to hit paper at 1 mile I would encourage you.
My longest target it 930 yds and my longest game target is about 6-700 yds with high vel 6.5 cartridges.

[Ericbc7]

Thanks billy, we will verify

[Ericbc7]

I am looking for a lightweight hunter stock also.
The only bell & Carlson stock I’ve tried was on a friends rifle and it seemed to be a bit difficult to wrap my thumb around.  I don’t know which model I was trying but I would like any feedback regarding a B&c stock with a more vertical grip

[Ericbc7]

That 260 will shoot to 700 yds and still perform on game with the right Bullet.  I would get a mill dot type scope variable to 16 at least
Just my preference

[Ericbc7]

Cabin and gun
https://imgur.com/gallery/4BNodV3

Cabin

[Ericbc7]

Here is the deer
https://i.imgur.com/Y1YD83n.jpg
https://imgur.com/gallery/ePNSrSg
And the rifle
Rifle is Tikka t3 7mm mag
In Berserk stock
With light trigger spring
Note the background, it is wide open and I wanted a gun that would reach out to 700 yds.  Which is not even close to limit of property.
I will post pics of our cabin to let you know how we hunt

View post on imgur.com

[Ericbc7]

Don’t get the heavies for the Tikka 7mm mag – 168 is prob the upper limit given the factory twist and good accuracy. Not sure about the monolithic bullets but lighter is usually better accuracy wise

[Ericbc7]

Hey Larkin, if you want to go to the magnum cartridges, I would recommend Larry willis’s collet die which will let you use random once fired brass
http://www.larrywillis.com/
At least research it

[Ericbc7]

Damaged Bullet tips are not generally the fault of the magazine in the sense that other magazines would prevent damage.  If for example a magazine was designed to prevent forward movement, it would be so tight it would not feed properly in a Tikka action.  I have never had this problem in my Tikka’s and would like to hear more about your symptoms

[Ericbc7]

Mountain tac is a good source for mags.
Also David waters in AU has very clean and tested mags for Tikka’s for a bit more.
http://www.watersrifleman.com/magazines/

[Ericbc7]

I shot my deer this year with my Tikka T3 (new but old stock) 7mm rem in a berserk stock.  I didn’t have time to work up a load so used factory federal 150 gr ammo.  Terrible ammo but could still do 1” once at 100 yds.  Usually 2”
Shot my deer at 230 yds and through grass.  Was dead rite there and didn’t damage much meat so I can’t complain.  I realize this doesn’t help you much but I am looking forward to getting some load development data.  The cartridge is excellent, some short mags do as well with less nonsense reloading wise.
I’ll post pic soon.

[Ericbc7]

David waters in AU has possibly the best aftermarket magazines for Tikka’s that I have used.
http://www.watersrifleman.com/
They are the best

[Ericbc7]

I have 2 suppressors from the newly named silencercentral. What I have is the same as the “banish” line made by mak bro’s I believe.  Totally happy with my supresssors from them. I have 3 including a rimfire one.
Do not go through the hassle of getting a tax stamp for a cheap suppressor. Get a good one on the first go-round is my advise