Rifle recommendations

[bobcat]

I'd go with the 270 Win or 7/08 Rem over the 6.5x55, unless you really just want to be different. Factory ammo will be more consistent and probably just as cheap, or cheaper, especially with the 270. Even handloading data is very inconsistent for the 6.5x55, I have heard, and it just seems like for someone who is going to be getting into reloading for the first time, it would be much simpler to have reliable and consistent data to use. Recoil and ballistics will be very close with any of the three. 260 Rem is another option if it's available in the Tikka.

You do know that 6.5x55 has been in production for well over a hundred years? That there is extensive loading data available and is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in the world?

Most of the factory ammunition is loaded pretty light as it can be chambered in one of the hundred of thousands of military Mauser based rifles that were built for that chambering.

Yes, and that's why loading data and factory ammo is inconsistent. Some is intended for old military rifles, some for modern rifles, and then there are apparently differences between European and American made factory ammo.

I'm sure it's a great cartridge and none of the things I mentioned are a real big deal, but just something to be aware of. I used to like oddball cartridges myself, but as I got older I have gravitated towards making my life simpler.

 

[aclapper]

I'd go with the 270 Win or 7/08 Rem over the 6.5x55, unless you really just want to be different. Factory ammo will be more consistent and probably just as cheap, or cheaper, especially with the 270. Even handloading data is very inconsistent for the 6.5x55, I have heard, and it just seems like for someone who is going to be getting into reloading for the first time, it would be much simpler to have reliable and consistent data to use. Recoil and ballistics will be very close with any of the three. 260 Rem is another option if it's available in the Tikka.

You do know that 6.5x55 has been in production for well over a hundred years? That there is extensive loading data available and is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in the world?

Most of the factory ammunition is loaded pretty light as it can be chambered in one of the hundred of thousands of military Mauser based rifles that were built for that chambering.

Yes, and that's why loading data and factory ammo is inconsistent. Some is intended for old military rifles, some for modern rifles, and then there are apparently differences between European and American made factory ammo.

I'm sure it's a great cartridge and none of the things I mentioned are a real big deal, but just something to be aware of. I used to like oddball cartridges myself, but as I got older I have gravitated towards making my life simpler.

The reason I'm eyeing the 6.5x55 over the 270 & 7-08 is recoil, both of the latter seem to generate at least 15 lbs of energy in most rifles, a level that is hard to tolerate for more than a few rounds. The 260 and the 6.5 generate about 20 percent less.

[Alchase]

In these threads it is always stated that the lighter the rifle the worse the recoil. In general this is accurate, but in a well designed well balanced rifle the "recoil is minimized".
I have had many stainless and composit rifles in belted magnums, and have a few with wood stocks. I can tell you my Sako Finlight in 300 win mag has Substantially more manageable recoil then my browning A-bolt in 300 win mag, or my Ruger M77 mkII in 7 mm mag both a couple pounds heavier with wood stocks.
I can't say that with the other composit/synthetic stocked rifles though.

[aclapper]

In these threads it is always stated that the lighter the rifle the worse the recoil. In general this is accurate, but in a well designed well balanced rifle the "recoil is minimized".
I have had many stainless and composit rifles in belted magnums, and have a few with wood stocks. I can tell you my Sako Finlight in 300 win mag has Substantially more manageable recoil then my browning A-bolt in 300 win mag, or my Ruger M77 mkII in 7 mm mag both a couple pounds heavier with wood stocks.
I can't say that with the other composit/synthetic stocked rifles though.

That's the hard thing about buying guns in general - so much of it comes down to personal preference and fit. It's crazy to think about these tools launching projectiles accurately hundreds of yards when people are all so different.

[Alchase]

In these threads it is always stated that the lighter the rifle the worse the recoil. In general this is accurate, but in a well designed well balanced rifle the "recoil is minimized".
I have had many stainless and composit rifles in belted magnums, and have a few with wood stocks. I can tell you my Sako Finlight in 300 win mag has Substantially more manageable recoil then my browning A-bolt in 300 win mag, or my Ruger M77 mkII in 7 mm mag both a couple pounds heavier with wood stocks.
I can't say that with the other composit/synthetic stocked rifles though.

That's the hard thing about buying guns in general - so much of it comes down to personal preference and fit. It's crazy to think about these tools launching projectiles accurately hundreds of yards when people are all so different.

For the most part almost all will launch projectiles fairly accurately.
Sub-MOA (0.5 or better)  is a different kind of accuracy.
I would suggest you find a range and go shoot a few different rifles, preferably in the same caliber for comparison. Compare the fit, finish, and action, then price. To be honest, I have never considered recoil when buying a rifle.