You'll probably find that any of these factory barrels will not give you consistent 1/2 MOA's "running factory loads," though they are capable of doing that with highly tuned hand loads. Be aware, that factory barrels can be somewhat hit or miss for their accuracy due to the nature of mass production. I've got a RPR in .308 and consistently get 1/2 MOA (or a little better) with precision hand loads. Note too that though barrels can be easily changed out on a chassis like the RPR, there are limited selection of barrels comparatively. I tend to agree with the consensus I see around here that the Tikka is the better choice of the three due what appears as higher quality manufacturing standards. If barrel life is an issue at all for you, keep in mind that a 6mm barrel tends to have a substantially shorter life span than a 6.5CM. Though I am far from an expert, I feel the 6mm is a great round, but the 6.5CM gets my vote as it seem to be a more practical choice (IMHO).

 

Great point about the quick-change barrels being a smaller selection to choose from... with that in mind, it's a bit of downside along with the upside.

 

Might I suggest finding a way to fire about 40 rounds through each of the three candidate rifles and go with the one that suits your look and feel. All three are pretty accurate. Tikka is well known and a good choice, Bergara is known for their barrels and has just started manufacturing rifles, and Ruger - well Ruger's reputation speaks for itself.

 

Great suggestion on looking for opportunities to shoot some of my choices. I've been looking into ranges nearby (within a couple hours drive of Northern NJ) that host events with medium to long range shooting that I could get into... but maybe I'll try to get out to an event before making the purchase to see if anyone might be kind enough to let me take a test drive.

 

My recommendation would be that you go with the 6.5CM. You said that you will be starting by shooting factory loads and it will be much easier and cheaper to shoot the 6.5CM. While you are correct that the 6mm will have less recoil, it not going to be a game changer. The difference is minimal and 6.5 already has very little recoil, especially out of a heavier rifle like some of the options you are looking at. If it is still a concern, use a good muzzle break. Both rounds are going to be more than capable for shooting competition here in the Northeast or most other places. As mentioned before, you will get more barrel life from the 6.5 as well.
I always recommend the Tikka as the best budget precision rifle. It is certainly not cheap, but inside of that price point it will be the best option. The barrels are in my opinion the best production barrels in the industry. They are cold hammer forged in the Sako factory along with the Sako barrels. You could look at the Tikka Tac A1 but I would not rule out getting a Tikka CTR and then just upgrade the stock. For example, we have seen some very good shooting rifles come out of that rifle paired with a GRSstock.

 

From what I've gathered so far, there are a bunch of good factory 6.5CM loads to choose from now... but I guess 6CM is still pretty new, so fewer options (only Hornady that I've seen so far). I was wondering whether the recoil of the 6CM would be enough lighter to make it a significant consideration. If the difference is minimal, then I would certainly lean toward 6.5CM. I would probably run a muzzle break to mitigate recoil regardless of the caliber (unless there's a compelling reason not to, e.g. huge noise increase?) - not that I'm recoil sensitive as a shooter, but I figure less recoil will make it easier to see bullet impact.

Sounds like the Tikka has a pretty consistently solid reputation. Do you think there's an advantage to going with a CTR and changing the stock, over just starting with the TAC A1? It seems like the TAC A1 chassis checks most of the boxes that I'd want... other than having a zero MOA pic rail. (Should I plan on getting a 20 MOA mount for a Kahles K624i scope, or will there be enough adjustment to reach out to 1000yds with a 100yd zero?)

 

Since your goal is PRS, you need to buy a rifle with considerations to that shooting game.

6CM is faster, flater, and has recoil. Making more hits easier. I don't know where you got your info on the 6CM making bigger splashes, but thats wrong. 6.5CM will make bigger splashes making it easier to see misses. The bigger the bullet, the bigger the splash. Also since your not reloading yet, 6.5CM is going to offer you more choices when it comes to factory ammo. More choice means a better chance of finding one round that works best in your rifle. Being a beginer, your going to miss targets and have bad shots. The adaantages of the 6CM won't help you as much as it would a seasoned PRS shooter.

Now on the rifle, again consider the game your playing and buy a rifle that best fits that game. Magazine changes, smooth bolt operation, and the most modular chassis system is going to help you the most. All three rifles have buttstocks that are going to be a PITA to use with a rear bag. Nest you need something on the chassis/stock to use against barricades for a stop. All 3 rifles have a small area at the back of the handguard that might work. I would test that in the store before I bought any of them. Can you add an Arca Swiss rail or or other accessories to the handguard? What gun can you reach the magazine release the easiest on? How easy is it drop a mag? How does the action operate?

Personally, I would look at the Howa Bravo. https://www.legacysports.com/catalog/howa/howa-krg-bravo/ At least with the Bravo chassis you get a buttstock that will ride a bag, the forend will take a ARca Swiss rail or other MLok accessories. Howa actions are pretty smooth too.

Now you may have noticed I didn't say anything about one rifle being more accurate that the other. And that because they're not. Any factory rifle in the $1000 range is going to be a 1/2-3/4MOA gun all day everyday. Any of them will shoot small enough for you to learn on. Its more a matter of what rifle is going to fill your needs the best.

 

I didn't mean to say that 6CM made a bigger splash than 6.5CM, just that the lighter recoil would make tracking impacts easier... or so I've understood. But now I'm gathering that the difference in recoil may not be enough to really provide an advantage.

Of the rifles I mentioned, I've only handled the Tikka so far... and I was very impressed with the mag engagement/release and smooth/precise bolt action. Also, I believe the chassis has an M-Lok fore end - isn't that a system with lots of options for accessories? Great point about considering how the stock will rest on a rear bag though... I would not be averse to changing out the stock (perhaps to a PRS?) In terms of accessories, I would certainly start with a good bipod. I have a couple of Harris bipods already, but I was thinking about getting something specific for this rifle... anyting in particular you'd recommend? Any other accessories?

The Howa is a nice rifle too, by the way - I checked it out based on your recommendation.

 

Thanks guys for the great responses! I'm new to this forum, and I'm really impressed with the membership so far... I can see spending a lot of time here to learn and (hopefully) contribute.

 

Thanks again for all the helpful info, guys. Today I called EuroOptic and ordered a Tikka T3X Tac A1 in 6.5CM, and a 20moa Spuhr cantilever mount for my Kahles K624i.

What's the best way to mount a Harris Bench Rest bipod to the fore end? On my AR, I just installed a backing plate and sling stud to the hand guard... Being that there's a small section of pic rail on the bottom/front of the Tikka fore end, is there a better way to mount it on this gun?

 

Depends on what you want to spend. Masterpiece arms has a Harris bipod adaptor that has a pod lok knob with it.
https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/mpa-harris-bipod-interface/

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

 

First off, thank you for you purchase!
In regards to the bipod for it, I would second Gunguy308 if you want to stay with a Harris. If you would like to upgrade the bipod to an Atlasor Long Range Accuracy, they will attach directly to the pic rail.

 

You're welcome! I've ordered a couple times from you over the years, and I've always been happy with the price and service.

Now that I've been doing some research on bipods, I've learned a few things...

1) my current bipod shooting technique is crap (which hasn't been an issue shooting 3 gun/tactical rifle matches out to about 350yds, but it needs work for longer range)

2) I'd like to add to my bipod collection with something from Atlas or LRA, either of which I can see will help with stability and preload technique

For this Tikka in 6.5CM, which specific model do you recommend that will work well from a bench (mostly) and prone... and occasionally from odd shooting positions in PRS matches?

 

I have shot a Ruger RPR in 6mmC which belongs to a friend, and a Tikka T3x Tac A1 in 6.5C which is mine. I have found the recoil to be almost indistinguishable, the difference is minimal. Accuracy of both guns is excellent, comparable. The Tikka has a better trigger and smoother action. It costs about $300 more in this neck-of-the-woods. Good quality factory ammo for the 6.5 is much easier to find, less expensive, and much more varied. I am not familiar with the Bergara.

I had never owned a Sako before. I've had a number of Rugers. The Ruger No. 1 is my favorite hunting rifle, a real class act. But I have to say that I really like this Tikka better than the Ruger RPR. I am also sold on the 6.5 C round.

 

Thanks - it seems like the difference in recoil would not be enough to favor the 6CM.
The Tikka in 6.5 is what I really wanted anyway, so I'm happy that this combo is so highly regarded among everyone who's responded in this thread.

 

You will have to let us know how it shoots. I am sure it will perform!