Tikka .30-06 Replacement Barrel

[Rack]

If one were looking for a Tikka Super Varmint in .30-06 and there are non to be had, is there another caliber that would have the same size case head as .30-06, so that the barrel could be replaced?

The Super Varmint is available in 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .308, but the .308 has a spacer in the receiver and different mags. Not having seen one, I don't know if those are removable. The .300 Win Mag would be too big and I assume the 7mm Rem Mag would be too big (the bolt recess).

I'm sure this is passing insanity, as the cost of a 24" threaded replacement barrel is probably incredibly expensive, I'm guessing.

Is the spacer block in the .308 model removable? I'm sure this whole thing is delusional. I've never even seen one of these, so might would even be disappointed in the quality of the Super Varmint stock, I don't know.

Thanks.

[Rack]

Never mind - it was an impractical idea. If I wanted a 24" Tikka .30-06, with a slightly heavier barrel, so it could be threaded, it would make more sense to just do this with a standard T3x. Then, maybe replace the stock with a B&C or some such.

[Duelist]

Replacing barrels is a common thing, and .30’06 is the most common case head size in U.S. hunting rifles: the .270 Winchester, .25-06, .280, and other cartridges that length share not only case size, but parent case in the .30’06, plus the entire .308 family and many others.

Your case length issue is probably the larger one for the project, and I think you picked a more practical rifle to begin your build with.

[mmc45414]

Also depends if you would be OK with a Savage style locknut, then might be simpler.

[OlongJohnson]

Tikka receivers and magazines are all the same. They have different length bolt stops, magazine followers, and spacers at the back of the magazine. Stops and spacers are easily replaced or customized.

[okie john]

There’s more than enough meat on a T3x Lite barrel for threading.

124353

To switch a Tikka from a long-action cartridge to a short action cartridge, you swap the bolt stop and the magazine. That’s it. There are no spacers.

https://jaoutdoors.com/product/tikka-bolt-stop-assembly/

https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3-magazines.aspx

Lots of guys use a LA mag and bolt stop with a SA cartridge so they can use high-BC bullets. Disassembling and reassembling the rifle takes longer than switching the bolt stop.

The Super Varmint stock is not much different than a standard stock. It has a higher cheek piece, a broader forend, and a different paint job. As factory stocks go, the Tikka is superb. If you’re going to shoot with a tight target-type sling then it might be a little too flexible but otherwise it’s good to go.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish?


Okie John

[Rack]

There’s more than enough meat on a T3x Lite barrel for threading.

To switch a Tikka from a long-action cartridge to a short action cartridge, you swap the bolt stop and the magazine. That’s it. There are no spacers.

https://jaoutdoors.com/product/tikka-bolt-stop-assembly/

https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3-magazines.aspx

Lots of guys use a LA mag and bolt stop with a SA cartridge so they can use high-BC bullets. Disassembling and reassembling the rifle takes longer than switching the bolt stop.

The Super Varmint stock is not much different than a standard stock. It has a higher cheek piece, a broader forend, and a different paint job. As factory stocks go, the Tikka is superb. If you’re going to shoot with a tight target-type sling then it might be a little too flexible but otherwise it’s good to go.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish?


Okie John

I thought a muzzle needed to have at least about ~.680 diameter to thread? I think the standard Tikka barrel is ~.663?

My thought was initially, just the opposite - I didn't want to go with a shorter round. Was just trying to think of a way to get an available Super Varmint and convert to .30-06. It's obviously more expensive than is practical.

If I just go with something like the stainless laminate model in .30-06, I was thinking I could have the barrel replaced and threaded. Project would be complete. I'm actually not looking for a heavy barrel, just wanted a slightly heavier contour than a lightweight contour.

I'm assuming the stainless laminated model uses the same barrel as the Lite and Super Lite models? Just guessing.

This is just for hunting black bear from a blind, with up to a ~270 yard field of fire. Will be using Barnes TTSX bullets. 168-180gr. Ultimately, would be using 130-180gr weights for other things, if the barrel will stabilize the 180s and the mag will allow that length. (The gun will also at times be used for whitetail, hogs and coyotes.) My main desire is to be able to completely perforate a black bear from up to 300 yards.

I know it's not a big difference to go from 22" to 24", but if I swap the barrel, I would go with the longer length. This isn't a stalking rifle. I'm speaking way out of school here - have not had a Tikka before.

[okie john]

I thought a muzzle needed to have at least about ~.680 diameter to thread? I think the standard Tikka barrel is ~.663?

I stand corrected on that. Lost River will have some insight on threading Tikka barrels and I’ll defer to him.


This is just for hunting black bear from a blind, with up to a ~270 yard field of fire. Will be using Barnes TTSX bullets. 168-180gr. Ultimately, would be using 130-180gr weights for other things, if the barrel will stabilize the 180s and the mag will allow that length. (The gun will also at times be used for whitetail, hogs and coyotes.) My main desire is to be able to completely perforate a black bear from up to 300 yards.

Why not get a Tikka CTR? It’s already threaded and the .308 will do 90% of what the 30-06 will do, and the Barnes TTSX in 130 or 150 grains will more than carry the freight for the game you mention.


I know it's not a big difference to go from 22" to 24", but if I swap the barrel, I would go with the longer length. This isn't a stalking rifle. I'm speaking way out of school here - have not had a Tikka before.

The Super Varmint is a specialty rifle. Unless you’re going to spend your entire hunting career in a blind, I’d go with something more versatile like the CTR or one of Lost River’s 20” 308s.


Okie John

[JimLob65]

If there is a Bass Pro or Cabelas nearby you may want to check out the Lite D18 with a threaded stainless Cerakote fluted barrel. Although the length is only 22.4” you are giving up only 1.6”, and the rifle is on sale to boot for $150 off plus a $75 rebate from Beretta. They come with plenty of upgrades and are excellent rifles for the price.

[Lost River]

Rack
okie john


So, you want a 30-06 with a heavier than standard (sporter) profile barrel around 24" in length. You were thinking of getting a Super Varmint in .308 and replacing the barrel.


Go the easy/simple route,

Get a 24" 308. Have a competent gunsmith punch out the chamber from .308-to 30-06. It is not hard.

Swap out the bolt stop and swap mags. If it was a CTR version, you may need to use a traditional T3X stock (if you don't want to buy an aftermarket stock) but used T3X stocks can be found online easily.

Pretty easy way to have long, heavy barrel 30-06 Tikka and not pay really big bucks.

I have considered doing this myself for quite some time.

[Rack]

Rack
okie john


So, you want a 30-06 with a heavier than standard (sporter) profile barrel around 24" in length. You were thinking of getting a Super Varmint in .308 and replacing the barrel.


Go the easy/simple route,

Get a 24" 308. Have a competent gunsmith punch out the chamber from .308-to 30-06. It is not hard.

Swap out the bolt stop and swap mags. If it was a CTR version, you may need to use a traditional T3X stock (if you don't want to buy an aftermarket stock) but used T3X stocks can be found online easily.

Pretty easy way to have long, heavy barrel 30-06 Tikka and not pay really big bucks.

I have considered doing this myself for quite some time.

That's a thought. Thanks.