I'd like to build two rifles (223 and 6mm)

[Billmanweh]

I'm about to drop my Tikka T1X in a KRG Bravo stock. I'd also like to put together a couple of centerfire rifles, one in .223 and another in 6mm. I'm thinking of getting Tikka T3x rifles, then adding prefit barrels and Bravo stocks. There are a couple of ranges near me; a 100-200 yard paper target range, one with steel out to 800.

I just have a couple of questions...

I plan to shoot both suppressed the majority of the time. So, would a 22-23" barrel make sense? In terms of balance, ballistics, maneuverability, etc?

And in terms of cartridges, would I see any noticeable difference between .223 and .223AI, or 6BR/BRA/Dasher? I want to use both to learn to shoot precision rifle and load precision rifle ammo (I've loaded pistol for years).

FWIW, I've got plenty of primers, powder and bullets, so that's not really a consideration.

 

[Clancy]

6BR will outshoot the 223 at 100/200 7 days a week and is real handy at 800. Go with a no turn with .003-.004 clearance. 108 BT is a good place to start.

If you’re set on 2 rifles a .222 and 6BR would be ideal.

 

[Billmanweh]

The .223 just seems a good choice for inexpensive practice, which I'm planning to do a lot of

 

[Clancy]

The .223 just seems a good choice for inexpensive practice, which I'm planning to do a lot of

I hear ya, but if you’re reloading, a 222 is technically cheaper

 

[jelenko]

On the actions, there are some very nice triggers available for Rem 700 pattern actions. Just saying.

 

[Twdmar]

On the actions, there are some very nice triggers available for Rem 700 pattern actions. Just saying.

Very true, there are good triggers for the tikka now too.
I've got a XTC tikka in a tubegun, with a Barnard trigger from whidden. That's a 6xc.
I've also got a palma rifle on a tikka, that now needs a new stock. It's got a KRG trigger. Both are 2 stage triggers and pretty good. Probably not quite as good as the bix'n andy on my atlas, which is a 700 copy.
To the OP, you're on the right track. I did a 6xc over a 6br variant just for magazine feeding. I love my tikkas and if you put a different spring in them, the factory trigger is excellent. I just like 2 stage for target rifles.

 

[Billmanweh]

I'm sure I'll build something on a custom action at some point. But I'm really happy with the trigger on my T1X with a reduced power trigger spring. It's nice and crisp, about 1.5 pounds.

 

[NETim]

222-old school cool.

223-ultimate in practicality.

 

[Matt_3479]

I cannot comment on the barrel length/suppressor as we aren’t allowed them in Canada. That said I prefer long barrels for bench and prone/target shooting. Heavy long barrels keeps velocity’s at max and stability at max.

the 223 vs 223 ai there’s the added advantage in velocity and virtually no trimming on the ai. The 223 has the added advantage of just easy button. The 222 I have super low experience with but it’s recorded speaks for itself. The limited experience I have with it I highly regret selling it and was blow away with how stupid easy it was to load for.

the 6br/bra/dasher argument, I lean heavily on the br or bra. The dasher with the shorter neck and harder to tune doesn’t interest me. The br and bra is the same benefits as the 223 vs 223 ai. I run the bra and a buddy runs the br. We are very similar in velocity actually on this barrel, and number for both are great. The bra is slightly sexier in my mind but realistically they are both amazing.

 

[Clancy]

222-old school cool.

223-ultimate in practicality.

222- held and still holds multiple records in short range BR

223- cool because they chamber the AR for it

 

[lb-ft]

If you go AI, make sure the smith properly sets up your chamber. Then buy factory Lapua 55 FMJ Ammo in 223, shoot it in your new AI and you’re off to the races.

honestly though, do you want to tinker or shoot? I enjoy the tinkering but there’s nothing wrong with going straight 223 and calling it good.

Same with the 6BR. Nothing wrong with the original design.

if you’re into tinkering you could go 6x45 aka 6mm-223, use it for short range and the 6BR for long range work. 6x45 is fantastic and added bonus is you can shoot it at silhouettes that prohibit 223.

 

[drover]

I'm about to drop my Tikka T1X in a KRG Bravo stock. I'd also like to put together a couple of centerfire rifles, one in .223 and another in 6mm. I'm thinking of getting Tikka T3x rifles, then adding prefit barrels and Bravo stocks. There are a couple of ranges near me; a 100-200 yard paper target range, one with steel out to 800.

I just have a couple of questions...

I plan to shoot both suppressed the majority of the time. So, would a 22-23" barrel make sense? In terms of balance, ballistics, maneuverability, etc?

And in terms of cartridges, would I see any noticeable difference between .223 and .223AI, or 6BR/BRA/Dasher? I want to use both to learn to shoot precision rifle and load precision rifle ammo (I've loaded pistol for years).

FWIW, I've got plenty of primers, powder and bullets, so that's not really a consideration.

223 - fast twist

I'm about to drop my Tikka T1X in a KRG Bravo stock. I'd also like to put together a couple of centerfire rifles, one in .223 and another in 6mm. I'm thinking of getting Tikka T3x rifles, then adding prefit barrels and Bravo stocks. There are a couple of ranges near me; a 100-200 yard paper target range, one with steel out to 800.

I just have a couple of questions...

I plan to shoot both suppressed the majority of the time. So, would a 22-23" barrel make sense? In terms of balance, ballistics, maneuverability, etc?

And in terms of cartridges, would I see any noticeable difference between .223 and .223AI, or 6BR/BRA/Dasher? I want to use both to learn to shoot precision rifle and load precision rifle ammo (I've loaded pistol for years).

FWIW, I've got plenty of primers, powder and bullets, so that's not really a consideration.

A 223 fast twist (1-8) will allow you to shoot heavy enough bullets to get out to the limits of your range.
There are tons of inexpensive brass for the 223, lots of good bullets and available data - another plus.
By the time you have shot enough through the 223 to use up the barrel you will have a better idea if you want to build a 6mm or not.
I like the 6BR but IMO you will only confuse yourself by switching back and forth between the 223 and 6BR - use one caliber, learn the drifts and drops and you will be a better shooter.

Barrel length - cut it to where the balance of the centerfire matchs the balance of the rimfire, so that in effect whether you are shooting the 22 LR or shooting the 223 both rifles feel the same.

drover

 

[Dgd6mm]

I shoot my .223's 3-4 times more than I do my 6br. Honestly I wouldn't be without either. I'll stick with these, the performance is plenty good for what I do with them. 800 yards is doable with the right combination. The Tikka's are nice and there's plenty of affordable customs out there.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

" I'm thinking of getting Tikka T3x rifles, then adding prefit barrels and Bravo stocks."

Why - the Tikka CTR and especially the UPR will will probably outshoot a "custom" build - well, a prefit. The UPR stock is superb - carbon fibre and the right shape. I find the chassis gun a bit clumbersome compared to the UPR which has the same components. Obviously the 24in barrel, but if you are set on a can, the 20in. The Tikka triggers are fine and can be adjusted. I suggest that you look carefully at a factory 223 Tikka - they are 1-8 twist -before committing to the custom route.

The BR - well, you should look around. The BR cartridge may be difficult to feed from a Tikka magazine, unless you are only planning to shoot single shot, I would consider a different route and using a different stock that takes the AICS pattern may be the only option. ( others may chime in here - who have managed to sort this!) But there are a lot of 6mm cartridges out there,