Re-Chambering a Factory Tikka Barrel

[MTLIVIN]

I have a Tikka factory 6.5 Creed barrel I'm considering re-chambering to 6.5x284. I don't think there would be any issues with chamber size that would require a setback of the barrel.

When I posed this question to a gunsmith they recommended I do not try this. They said any inconsistency with lining up to the bore on a factory barrel could cause poor results in accuracy. Does anyone on here have experience with this? I would expect this is done quite a bit, but maybe I'm wrong? I already have the barrel off so no worries there w these tight buggers.

 

[Tiny Tim]

It can be a crap shoot. Your gunsmith is likely speaking from experience (and may be clouded by other action manufacturers with looser tolerances). If it shoots well now, there is a good chance it will shoot well after rechambering. Its a chance you have to be willing to take.

Question is, what is the price difference between rechambering and a prefit in your caliber of choice that only requires installation and a headspace check?

 

[FEENIX]

I have a Tikka factory 6.5 Creed barrel I'm considering re-chambering to 6.5x284. I don't think there would be any issues with chamber size that would require a setback of the barrel.

When I posed this question to a gunsmith they recommended I do not try this. They said any inconsistency with lining up to the bore on a factory barrel could cause poor results in accuracy. Does anyone on here have experience with this? I would expect this is done quite a bit, but maybe I'm wrong? I already have the barrel off so no worries there w these tight buggers.

This depends highly on who is doing the work. A reputable and experienced gunsmith with the right equipment/tooling should not have any issues with it unless the barrel is way out of tolerance.

I did something similar to yours. I had a .30-06 rechambered to .30 Gibbs. Good luck!

Question is, what is the price difference between rechambering and a prefit in your caliber of choice that only requires installation and a headspace check?

It has been a while (2020), but it cost me $250 to have a factory Kimber 84L Hunter in .30-06 re-chambered to .30 Gibbs, including muzzle threading, bead blasting, and installation of MB.

Pre-fit barrels are $450 and up, depending on the source and options.

 

[Highvoltage]

What is your reasoning behind the rechamber? For what it is worth, if your a hand loader you can load rl26 and maybe a few other powders and be very close to the same performance. I was able to get 3000 with a 143eldx, rl26 and a 26" barrel. I know the tikkas are 24" but it might be not be worth the headache to gain minimal gains. For the cost of a rechamber I think you would be ahead calling preferred barrel and getting a shouldered prefit for a little bit more money. You can get it however you want Best wishes

 

[Sockeye66]

This is the same project I've been mulling over for several years, partly because I already have a 6.5/284 with plenty of brass, dies, etc., and partly because the Tikka SL is so easy to pack around. That said, the half dozen deer and Antelope I've taken or have witnessed taken with that rifle have all been taken cleanly with no extra horsepower needed at ranges to 400+ yards. I simply just like the cool factor and performance of the 6.5/284. If you go ahead with the project keep us posted, wouldn't take much for me to follow suit.

 

[med358-boise]

I have had 5 barrels re-chambered, contemplated another 5 or 6 more, know probably 1/2 dozen gunsmiths across the country quite well and I have never heard any of them mention this issue. They all shot better than the original chambering.