Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 08:06:05 AM
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 30, 2022, 08:11:11 AM
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 08:14:33 AM
The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.
Did you have much trouble finding that load?
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 30, 2022, 08:26:04 AM
The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.
Did you have much trouble finding that load?
Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing :chuckle:
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 08:38:32 AM
The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.
Did you have much trouble finding that load?
Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing :chuckle:
Thats reassuring thanks for the info. What coal did you settle on if you don't mind me asking? I have a 8 lb jug of ramshot magnum I was going to give a go with whatever I end up with.
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 30, 2022, 08:54:16 AM
The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.
Did you have much trouble finding that load?
Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing :chuckle:
Thats reassuring thanks for the info. What coal did you settle on if you don't mind me asking? I have a 8 lb jug of ramshot magnum I was going to give a go with whatever I end up with.
Boy, I'd have to look. I think I'm somewhere in the 3.380 neighborhood with .100 jump. They barely fit in a MT mag
Post by: opdinkslayer on November 30, 2022, 08:55:41 AM
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 08:59:15 AM
The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.
Did you have much trouble finding that load?
Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing :chuckle:
Thats reassuring thanks for the info. What coal did you settle on if you don't mind me asking? I have a 8 lb jug of ramshot magnum I was going to give a go with whatever I end up with.
Boy, I'd have to look. I think I'm somewhere in the 3.380 neighborhood with .100 jump. They barely fit in a MT mag
Nice. What Gen of MT mag you get and how has it performed for you? Sorry for all the questions....
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on November 30, 2022, 09:00:52 AM
So I'm buying a 7rm just can't decide what to get. I've already got 400 162 grain hornady eldx for load development. I own and love a tikka t3x in 6.5cm and wouldn't mind owning another chambered in 7 mag but i understand there my be challenges/limitations in a long action magnum cartridge. So for those of you that hand load a long mag cartridge in a tikka I'll take any advice you got and if the general consensus is go with something else what do you all recommend? Oh and I'd like to keep it under $1500.
I’ve got a browning x bolt hells canyon LR in 7mag and I love it!!
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 09:04:45 AM
I load 168 Berger classic hunters over H1000 to magazine max length & it shoots phenomenal. If you want to shoot heavier than that maybe look elsewhere. Tikka’s are accurate with a good trigger at a bargain price in my book. :twocents:
Thanks for the reply good info. Couldn't agree more on the tikka comments that why I'd like to go that route just want to make sure I'm going in the right direction considering the cartridge and not missing something that would work better.
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 09:08:00 AM
So I'm buying a 7rm just can't decide what to get. I've already got 400 162 grain hornady eldx for load development. I own and love a tikka t3x in 6.5cm and wouldn't mind owning another chambered in 7 mag but i understand there my be challenges/limitations in a long action magnum cartridge. So for those of you that hand load a long mag cartridge in a tikka I'll take any advice you got and if the general consensus is go with something else what do you all recommend? Oh and I'd like to keep it under $1500.
I’ve got a browning x bolt hells canyon LR in 7mag and I love it!!
You hand load for that by chance?
Post by: Sneaky on November 30, 2022, 09:31:06 AM
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072
Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.
Post by: opdinkslayer on November 30, 2022, 09:33:35 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on November 30, 2022, 09:48:58 AM
Post by: idahohuntr on November 30, 2022, 10:00:22 AM
It would be a little over your $1500 budget.
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 10:03:06 AM
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072
Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.
Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 11:03:18 AM
Why not buy something American? One flagship model of bolt action is as good as another and 99% of factory rifles shoot better than their owners, so why buy foreign?
No brand loyalty here I just want something that will do what i want it to do at a reasonable price
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 11:06:06 AM
I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.
It would be a little over your $1500 budget.
Awesome looking gun maybe hard to find one especially if a guy wanted to fondle one before he bought? Do you have experience with one by chance?
Post by: idahohuntr on November 30, 2022, 12:18:30 PM
I think Scheels, Sportsmans Warehouse, bass pro carry them as far as getting your hands on them. If you find yourself in Lewiston, ID - just go to their factory...they'll walk you right back to where they are being made and let you handle whatever you want.I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.
It would be a little over your $1500 budget.
Awesome looking gun maybe hard to find one especially if a guy wanted to fondle one before he bought? Do you have experience with one by chance?
I have experience with several, but not a 7RM specifically. All three I've shot have produced .25 moa 3 shot groups with factory ammo (all were 6.5PRC's)...and unless I screwed up I don't recall anything over 0.5 moa out to 700 yards (which is the furthest I ever shot where I measured 3 shot groups).
They are a well-built rifle, they shoot very well, and the company is hands down better than any other rifle manufacturer I know of in terms of customer satisfaction.
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on November 30, 2022, 12:49:47 PM
Too bad Browning doesn’t put a nice adjustable trigger in their rifles like Tikka does
The trigger is adjustable (3-5lbs) or are you saying the trigger itself isn’t a nice one? I’ve never had any issues with mine whatsoever.
Op, I don’t currently hand load for it, but it likes the Barnes vor-tx and the 150 grain Nosler expansion tips just fine.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 30, 2022, 01:09:57 PM
https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/howa-carbon-stalker-7mm-rem-mag-bolt-action-rifle/FC-682146210910.html
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on November 30, 2022, 01:10:32 PM
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 01:35:47 PM
I think Scheels, Sportsmans Warehouse, bass pro carry them as far as getting your hands on them. If you find yourself in Lewiston, ID - just go to their factory...they'll walk you right back to where they are being made and let you handle whatever you want.I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.
It would be a little over your $1500 budget.
Awesome looking gun maybe hard to find one especially if a guy wanted to fondle one before he bought? Do you have experience with one by chance?
I have experience with several, but not a 7RM specifically. All three I've shot have produced .25 moa 3 shot groups with factory ammo (all were 6.5PRC's)...and unless I screwed up I don't recall anything over 0.5 moa out to 700 yards (which is the furthest I ever shot where I measured 3 shot groups).
They are a well-built rifle, they shoot very well, and the company is hands down better than any other rifle manufacturer I know of in terms of customer satisfaction.
Thanks for the insight. From what I've read the ph2 in 7 rm has a 1:8 twist and long action magazine length to seat bullets out to 3.94" which smokes the stock tikka
Post by: Sneaky on November 30, 2022, 02:10:35 PM
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072
Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.
Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.
My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.
Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.
Post by: craigapphunt on November 30, 2022, 02:48:27 PM
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072
Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.
Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.
My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.
Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.
Something to be said about great customer service. I've never heard anything good about the CS for tikka.
Post by: thinkingman on November 30, 2022, 03:15:27 PM
I rarely hear of anyone need CS for Tikka.https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072
Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.
Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.
My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.
Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.
Something to be said about great customer service. I've never heard anything good about the CS for tikka.
That's why I own three of them.
Post by: kselkhunter on November 30, 2022, 06:33:07 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on November 30, 2022, 09:05:59 PM
Post by: Alchase on November 30, 2022, 09:26:48 PM
https://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-finnlight
I own two, one 7MM mag, the other in 300 win mag: both came with sub-MOA guarantee and a target with 5 shot group. One 0.6” the other 0.5” with round used, and the shooter’s name.
They also have a note to call for load data if you prefer handloads.
Post by: huntnphool on November 30, 2022, 11:10:40 PM
Post by: craigapphunt on December 01, 2022, 05:21:43 AM
I rarely hear of anyone need CS for Tikka.https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072
Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.
Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.
My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.
Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.
Something to be said about great customer service. I've never heard anything good about the CS for tikka.
That's why I own three of them.
Very true. Any of those three happen to be long action magnums by chance?
Post by: craigapphunt on December 01, 2022, 05:26:13 AM
Are you dead set on a bolt action? What about a T/C Encore Pro Hunter in 7mmRM. I'm not into long range stuff but I sure do like how mine shoots. Single shot makes you a better shooter :chuckle: therefore saving on ammo. :chuckle: E. A. Brown makes some nice precision barrels for the Encore and offer action jobs on the frames. Just my :twocents: Good luck.
Yeah I'm pretty partial to bolt gun for hunting purposes.
Post by: craigapphunt on December 01, 2022, 05:51:08 AM
Post by: opdinkslayer on December 01, 2022, 06:54:22 AM
Post by: craigapphunt on December 01, 2022, 08:07:37 AM
If you decide you want to spend more money take a look at doing a HCA Tikka Carbon Killer in one of the short action 7mm options he offers. $2500 if you have a donor action & an extra $750 for an action. It’s the least expensive way that I’ve seen to have a custom built on a factory action & they shoot really well. Just a thought if you want to shoot heavier bullets with better performance than a factory 7RM & own a very nice semi custom. :twocents: :tup:
If I didn't already have a 150 pieces of virgin adg 7RM brass I might consider such a thing
Post by: opdinkslayer on December 01, 2022, 08:14:48 AM
Post by: Fidelk on December 01, 2022, 08:32:16 AM
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 01, 2022, 08:44:26 AM
Well those could be easily parted with im sure :chuckle: Just a thought & I have one in 300wsm shooting 215 Bergers so I can testify on the quality of the build for the money.
Where'd you end up for velocity on those 215's?
Post by: opdinkslayer on December 01, 2022, 09:36:07 AM
Post by: Alchase on December 01, 2022, 07:31:59 PM
I’ve never needed more than one shot from my Ruger M77, and it’s tagged several trophy quality critters! You don’t need to break the bank! :twocents:
I still have my M77, mark II, 3 position safety, in 7 mm mag. Love that rifle. Have killed many deer and elk with it.
I bought it at an Ace Hardware up by where the Muckleshoot Casino is now in 1990, before there was a casino.
It is now a safe queen with some well earned road scratches on that beautiful wood. It has a special place in my heart.
Fantastic rifle :tup:
Post by: craigapphunt on April 14, 2023, 03:38:59 PM
Post by: Dan-o on April 14, 2023, 03:46:43 PM
Post by: Geoduck Duck Goose on April 14, 2023, 03:52:36 PM
looks like a well organized work bench too!
Post by: craigapphunt on April 14, 2023, 04:14:47 PM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on April 14, 2023, 04:15:14 PM
Thought I'd follow up with what I ended up buying. Tikka t3x roughtech in 7mm rem mag and a Ziess v4 4-16x50. Thank to everyone who responded and gave recommendations.
Clean the grease out of the bolt assembly. Few videos online. My buddy has the same gun he loves it.
Post by: blackymaster20 on April 14, 2023, 04:19:38 PM
Post by: craigapphunt on April 14, 2023, 04:30:21 PM
Thought I'd follow up with what I ended up buying. Tikka t3x roughtech in 7mm rem mag and a Ziess v4 4-16x50. Thank to everyone who responded and gave recommendations.
Clean the grease out of the bolt assembly. Few videos online. My buddy has the same gun he loves it.
Already done. Went through the whole rifle top to bottom, cleaned and lubricated.