20 inch vs 24 inch tikka 6.5 creedmoor

[Stevie/P]

This is my dilemma! Ballistically the 24” would be preferable from everything I’ve read and been told- no argument there. When my RFD told me he wouldn’t recommend it due to being too long, I asked why would Tikka put it out then!? I can always add a smaller/lighter mod to help compensate the balance? Possibly a Stalon x108 as opposed to the longer model. I’m a much bigger fella than he is- maybe he’s just pushing his preference a little more than I need him to.
The longer barrel I’m sure would be preferable during my trips to Scotland and Ireland too…

Go for it a moderator is not the be all end all I shoot a .270 Winchester with no moderator woodland and on the hill no problem whatsoever
Get what’s available and enjoy your stalking you won’t even notice the length of the barrel moderated or not don’t listen to anyone that says it’s easier getting in and out of a vehicle your not on safari you’re stalking uk.

 

[Parko]

Go for it a moderator is not the be all end all I shoot a .270 Winchester with no moderator woodland and on the hill no problem whatsoever
Get what’s available and enjoy your stalking you won’t even notice the length of the barrel moderated or not don’t listen to anyone that says it’s easier getting in and out of a vehicle your not on safari you’re stalking uk.

Thanks Stevie- I think I’m maybe suffering from analysis paralysis sometimes too much info can be detrimental! Also everyone’s opinion is only that- it’ll be me carrying it. Next step is to physically get my hands on one before I part with any hard earned

 

[JTO]

Normally yes, as all other things being equal, the 20-inch barrel load would have to be loaded to higher pressures to achieve the same MV. Throat and barrel temperatures are directly related to chamber pressures, and it's heat that kills barrels through throat and leade erosion.

Exactly as I thought! Something that might influence the OP's query, perhaps.

 

[Parko]

Exactly as I thought! Something that might influence the OP's query, perhaps.

Thanks JTO- another rabbit hole for sure!!
As a new stalker/rifle shooter I will be relying on factory ammunition for the foreseeable, although I can see the many benefits of reloading down the line.
The 20” or 24” barrel debate is absolutely polarising that’s for sure.
Given that the rifle I’m most keen on is only offered in 24” I’m swayed to still go for it and see how I get on with it over a year of varied stalking. If I do find it abhorrently muzzle heavy or find myself constantly hung up in forestry then the possibility of a pro chop job is always there

 

[SikaSeeker]

This is my dilemma! Ballistically the 24” would be preferable from everything I’ve read and been told- no argument there. When my RFD told me he wouldn’t recommend it due to being too long, I asked why would Tikka put it out then!? I can always add a smaller/lighter mod to help compensate the balance? Possibly a Stalon x108 as opposed to the longer model. I’m a much bigger fella than he is- maybe he’s just pushing his preference a little more than I need him to.
The longer barrel I’m sure would be preferable during my trips to Scotland and Ireland too…

20” barrel will be just fine here in Ireland

 

[Parko]

20” barrel will be just fine here in Ireland

Shame I can’t have one!

 

[dropmdead]

I'm going 18" and 30"

18 inch for stalking as in theory you will be close enough, and 30 inch for those "resting" shots on paper and steel.

 

[RCS Deer Management]

No they're not.

A ctr can be put in a standard stock and used with plastic mags, you just need to add a small magazine retaining clip that you can buy online

 

[jthyttin]

A ctr can be put in a standard stock and used with plastic mags, you just need to add a small magazine retaining clip that you can buy online

Yes but you need the standard bottom metal for this. The discussion was about swapping bottom metals (and magazines) between stocks.

All T3x barreled actions also work with CTR stock and bottom metal. They have the cut in the bottom of action that enables the mag to ride high enough. T3 actions, other than CTR, do not have this cut. It's a toss whether non-CTR T3 works with CTR stock and bottom metal.

And you also need to take bolt stop length into account. Actions with shorter stop i.e. longer bolt throw will work with shorter mags but not the other way around.

 

[jthyttin]

the possibility of a pro chop job is always there

Barrel fluting would probably interfere with the chop job.

 

[Rob-E]

I’m having a similar-ish quandary.
I currently own 2 Tikkas 308 with a 20” light barrel and a 243 with a 22” custom fluted varmint barrel.

I have space for a 300WM and can’t decide if I should get a third tikka (ace game 24” barrel) or Weatherby 307XP which has a 26” barrel. Adding a mod will add 4-6” on the end (I’m a Stalon fan) so I could end up with 32” including mod which seems excessive. But the 307 has a lot more features than the tikka

This would be used on foot on both the hill and lowland.

 

[Parko]

I’m having a similar-ish quandary.
I currently own 2 Tikkas 308 with a 20” light barrel and a 243 with a 22” custom fluted varmint barrel.

I have space for a 300WM and can’t decide if I should get a third tikka (ace game 24” barrel) or Weatherby 307XP which has a 26” barrel. Adding a mod will add 4-6” on the end (I’m a Stalon fan) so I could end up with 32” including mod which seems excessive. But the 307 has a lot more features than the tikka

This would be used on foot on both the hill and lowland.

All of a sudden I feel like 24” isn’t ridiculously long after all!

 

[RCS Deer Management]

I’m having a similar-ish quandary.
I currently own 2 Tikkas 308 with a 20” light barrel and a 243 with a 22” custom fluted varmint barrel.

I have space for a 300WM and can’t decide if I should get a third tikka (ace game 24” barrel) or Weatherby 307XP which has a 26” barrel. Adding a mod will add 4-6” on the end (I’m a Stalon fan) so I could end up with 32” including mod which seems excessive. But the 307 has a lot more features than the tikka

This would be used on foot on both the hill and lowland.

Look at action lengths if you plan on home loading longer high bc bullets in the win mag. Tikka actions are generally too short to load .300 wm to its true potential with long range bullets. If you are using factory hunting ammo you will be fine

 

[ASHCROFT9491]

Whilst not 6.5 creed, my initial 308 is 20" and was herring 2660 fps with 155gr and the deer definitely didn't like it, plus very effective on targets

My new 308 is also 20" and shooting 130gr copper at 3000fps 3 outings on deer and accounted for 5 deer just fine

I find 20" just more compact and handles fine, yes more velocity with longer barrels so always pros and cons and a personal choice for us all

 

[Rob-E]

Look at action lengths if you plan on home loading longer high bc bullets in the win mag. Tikka actions are generally too short to load .300 wm to its true potential with long range bullets. If you are using factory hunting ammo you will be fine

Thanks, yea I’m a factory hunting ammo guy.
Found some federal copper that seems good on paper for what I need.