I personally have never heard of a Tikka. (But that doesn't mean much.) I shoot a .308 win and feel really comfortable at up to 300yrds with it. Take the ballistics from a .270, 30-06 and a .308 and there isn't a nickle's worth of difference. I shot a .243 for years and always got my deer. It is a bit faster than the others and flatter shooting for sure. You are right about the knock-down, or the lack there of, but still a very good gun. The newer calibers on the market, 7mm win short mag (7mmwsm and a 300wsm) are the newest and greatest as far as flat shooting and ballistics (IMO). If I were to buy a brand new deer rifle, I would personally go for a 7mmwsm in a remington or savage. That is just me though. Take my opinion and 50 cents and someplaces, you might buy a cup of coffee.