Tikka T3 260 Remington ?

[DarrylDB]

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[steve-r]

Sorry for not getting back...I've been off the grid due to the windstorm we had here...many trees came down, bringing powerlines & the Shaw internet cable with it. Just got back online tonight.

steve-r:

260 to 7-08 are very good deer rounds. They are marginal for bear and IMO too light for moose if that is on your horizon. If you are not considering many rifles in the future stay with you .308.
Danny

The target is smaller coastal blacktail deer....No bear or moose planned at this time.

I have the feel that you want to get rid of you Savage 99c and get a new toy.
Danny

I will be keeping the 308 for larger critters. Yes, a NEW TOY is what I'm after...one can never have enough toys!!!
Plus, I want to practice more. I hear you on the ammo availability...if that becomes an issue, then maybe I have to get serious and learn how to load my own as many here already do. I learned how to make my own golf clubs as a hobby, besides, hobbyists don't usually worry about the cost! LOL

Once again, thanks everyone for all the valuable input. I'm shopping now, will let you know the outcome.

 

[steve-r]

Now I get why you guys were suggesting handloading vs more expensive factory ammo. I used Wholesale Sporting Goods web prices for some analysis of factory ammo...here is what I found:
243 Win - factory loads available(all sizes & types) 19, Avg price/shell $1.31
260 Rem - 7 factory loads , Avg price/shell $1.58
7mm-08 - 11 factory loads , Avg price/shell $1.47
308 - 42 factory loads, Avg price/shell $1.43

243 is the best price performer
308 has the most variety

I see some other posts indicating the 243 is a decent multi-purpose varmint/plinking/deer round if the shooter does his/her job......previously I was rejecting it for being a tad light, but the ammo cost is an obviously important factor now that I see the math.

 

[catnthehatt]

Go with one in 6.5x55 over the .260 if you can. Because the Tikkas only use one action length you are going to lose any advantage the .260 offers (it's a short action cartridge compared to the long action length of the 6.5x55). If you are a reloader the 6.5x55 is going to give you just a bit more usable case capacity.

One big advantage many don't realize is the fact that the Tikka action lets you load big bullets farther out to hit the lands.
Cat

 

[bisonhd]

One big advantage many don't realize is the fact that the Tikka action lets you load big bullets farther out to hit the lands.
Cat

I can load a Rem. 260 short action magazine with 139 scenars or 142 Sierra's without any problems. They don't get much longer than that.

 

[JEC]

Send an e-mail to stoeger canada to ask about the tikka 260....they are the tikka importer. If they have what you want in stock, have your local gunshop order one for you. I've done it a couple of times and got the rifle within 10 days.
jim

 

[lejarretnoir]

I own a custom made Rem 700 in .260 and a Swede Mauser in 6.5x55. At this time rolling your own ammo is the way to go. Factory fodder is tough to find for both of these calibres in Canada.

Do I love these calibres? You bet, 100%. The Swede has better options though. Better brass like Lapua and slightly bigger case so you can juice it some more with handloads. I'm actually considering getting a T3 in 6.5x55 for this reason. The problem with the .260 is getting good brass.

If you don't handload then skip these. Stay with the .308. Still the best all around calibre going and will knock down anything in Canada you hunt.