[Ericbc7]

I used to be so paranoid about getting “scoped” that I consistantly mounted my scopes too far forward.  Not a problem if you can adjust the parallax, but played hell with snap shooting.  I look for eye relief numbers on all my new scope purchases first, tho not always the deal maker/breaker now.

[Ericbc7]

Good advice 7×57 and welcome have faith.

[Ericbc7]

Nice stock, I particularly like the modified hook on the buttstock!  Let's you adjust elevation with standard bags yet hooked for positive control.

[Ericbc7]

That is a sweet rifle…  But the bolt is on the wrong side… I could take it off your hands… You know as a friend?

[Ericbc7]

What kind of groups are you getting?

[Ericbc7]

Hi blue3golf , sorry for late reply, and even sorrier for not having a helpful reply… I think Jason McCann is working on a line of new mags that might help, but no word on how the new equipment he has to get working is at.  (Sorry for grammar)

Also welcome to the forums!

[Ericbc7]

Also very cool stock job!

[Ericbc7]

Ah I hear that Larkin, sorry if my post seemed bit “snarky”.  I just re-read it and apologize.  Back to topic… Doesn't putting flutes on a bolt attract grit?

[Ericbc7]

Any progress? I am keen to know how you fixed this.

[Ericbc7]

I am also interested in the results, please post pics!

[Ericbc7]

Very interesting results guys!  I plan to do load testing with the 80.5s as well.  My new plan is to start at .040 off the lands to do the charge weights initially. Then play with depth from there.

[Ericbc7]

Hi Jaegermeister, and welcome to the forum!
If I understand your preferences, you want a factory Tikka in one of the magnum calibers and you are leaning to the 300 WSM and 300 win mag.

In the Tikka line both have a 1:11 twist and shoot the same bullets with similar stabilization.  You will gain velocity with the 300 mag but won't likely be able to shoot heavier or more “vld-ish” bullets in one vs the other.  The 300 winmag has the advantage if you are using factory loaded ammo since it is widely available and you can get the ABM high performance rounds from Brian Litz, which use Berger bullets.  The 300 WSM has some advantages for the reloader in the Tikka.  Since all Tikkas are “long action” and the WSM is merely limited by the bolt stop and magazine, you can, with a few parts and no gun smithing, use a long magazine and a new bolt stop to seat long bullets like the ones you mentioned near the rifle lands.  This lets you play with seating depth for best accuracy.  If you use bullets like Barns Ttsx 180s you might find you don't need the longer seating depth, since they seem to perform well with a long “jump”.

I have used neither cartridges in a Tikka, but I see a lot of used Tikka 300 winmags for sale compared to 300 WSMs.  That may be a plus for you since you can pick up a used one and try it!

My recommendation is to research hand loading these cartridges and let your ammo interests dictate your choice.  Both will more than perform on the game you mentioned.  If I were in your position, I would consider a 6.5×55 se (but I may be biased since I would love one of those lol!

[Ericbc7]

Thanks Al, I will let you know!

[Ericbc7]

I think Most gunsmiths can fit a softer recoil pad like a kickeeze or limbsaver.  You may want to look into a muzzle brake instead of a softer pad.

[Ericbc7]

I have had no mag drops with standard mags