[Ericbc7]

Get the mountain tactical rail -either 0 or +20 moa.  I use the DNZ Freedom Reaper one piece and there is more than enough clearance for my 6-24 Vortex Viper PST.  The rail adds significant height so even low – med rings seem to work pretty well.  Just to be clear, I have not tried low rings on the mtn tactical rail with a 30mm scope with a 50mm objective.

[Ericbc7]

I am not familiar with the steinart, I use a Harris for hunting (mounts on sling swivel).  If Larkin recommends it, I would lean to his advice.

[Ericbc7]

I re-read this thread and you would be hard pressed to beat the .284 shehane or 7mm-08.  I have not used either but the print is positive.  I would still lean toward the 6.5×47 or .260 .  Good luck and sorry if I sounded like I knew when I only “thought” lol.

[Ericbc7]

Sorry my last advice was a bit pedantic. Larkin is very reliable, and I missed the “floating” issue.

[Ericbc7]

Congratulations on a fine rifle and scope.  My only change to your build would be the barrel twist rate.

Please don't take my opinion to be a criticism as we all have our preferences.  I would build a long range 22-250 by starting with a 1:8 twist barrel.  You could be launching 80.5 gr Bergers or 75 gr A-max bullets at high 3000 fps speeds and be engaging targets relatively easily at over 800 meters.  A 1:14 twist limits you severely in bullet choice.  The great advantage of starting with a Tikka is the fact that you can use the inherent long action to your advantage when planning a long range build.  Get your new barrel throated for longer than 50 gr bullets, including the VLD offerings.  With a fast twist you have more options. 

With the Tikkas' long action and aftermarket magazines you could have a incomparable varmint rifle that will shoot every bullet weight between 50gr and 80.5 gr. Also go with the longer barrel unless you want portability. 

[Ericbc7]

Got the Sightron yesterday and I am very happy with it (not having mounted or used it lol). It included sunshade and a neoprene scope cover (like wetsuit material).  The cover won't work with the shade on but at least I won't have to purchase a cover immediately.  Reticle looks great and I can't imagine I will find issues with it.  I will update with comparisons to my Vortex viper 6-24 when I can.

First impression is I'm glad I did not buy the SWFA 16x for this application (compounded interest be dammed).

[Ericbc7]

J is right, don't worry about the action length with the Tikkas.

The short is limiting, the long is forgiving.

Go with the long and work out the smithing details from there

[Ericbc7]

I am curios, what does a trigger shoe help with target shooting?

[Ericbc7]

We need to embrace gunsmiths that work on Tikkas.  Personally I will do business with mountain tactical.  But the more the merrier.

[Ericbc7]

The mountain tactical rails are perfect for your build.  They are hard beyond belief and wil serve you for life

[Ericbc7]

Ok now that Dogdown has weighed in I fee comfortable in suggesting you have a fireings spring problem.  Get an aftermarket spring and tell us the results

I am curious now how since the round head spaces on the belt, how did it misfire on factory loads?
And Dogdown, what is your evaluation?  How did this happen?

[Ericbc7]

Sorry I sounded a bit pedantic.

Choose your fav cartridge and work with it

[Ericbc7]

+1 to Dogdown you will own a fine .308

[Ericbc7]

So sorry you experienced this.  I had same problem in 1986 with a Ruger m77.

The firing spring was bad, and after each firing a pieced primer locked up the bolt.  I am nOt sure how you get a new spring but that should solve the problem

[Ericbc7]

Ok if I had unlimited funds or coin

6.5 creedmore is weak compared to .260 factory standard.

For crying out loud, get the .260