Thread: Tikka T3x Lite in .30-06, questions about barrel length

Hello,

I've decided on getting a Tikka T3x Lite in .30-06 as I want a cost efficient .30 cal rifle that still can do a bit of longer range shooting.

However, I'm not quite decided on barrel length. I was offered a 20 inch barrel in stock but I think this is too short to maximise longer range potential if I want it. I have enquired about getting a 22.4 inch barrel but am wondering if I should even go up to 24 inch? I'm more of an open area hunter but have been known to do some bush hunting. I'm looking for the rifle to be a bit of an all rounder but with ability to hit and kill at say 600 m if I want to. Will a 22.4 be good enough for a .30-06 while balancing the issues that come with longer barrels (weight, length in bush)? Bear in mind as well I'll be running a suppressor on the end. I heard 1 inch of barrel = 100fps of velocity and the suppressor adds maybe 30fps overall.

Are there any other considerations I should be aware of with barrel length and what are your experiences with barrel length on this calibre or similar rifles?

I could be overthinking this, but I want to make a decision that I'm happy with.

Cheers!