New Bolt Action Rifle Recommendations

[Wind Gypsy]

I'm a huge Tikka/Sako fanboy, but aren't the Sako 85's known to have extraction issues? I thought that was the single model from that company that has ever not been up to par from a reliability standpoint.

Could be wrong though.

I've never had one either but my recollection is the issue is usually a ejection angle thing not extraction. Cases hitting scope and bouncing back in chamber being primary problem.

 

[MTLabrador]

I've never had one either but my recollection is the issue is usually an ejection angle thing not extraction. Cases hitting scope and bouncing back in chamber being primary problem.

I’ve used my Sako 85 .300 win mag a lot and I’ve never had this issue, though I have heard of it. With larger turrets it could see it happening.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

Put a new recoil pad on it

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/sako-rifles/sako-l61r-finnbear-30-06-springfield.cfm?gun_id=103739405#gallery-103739405-lg-1

 

[Stcknstringer22]

Now, time to start a thread for ammo recommendations, haha.

Federal terminal ascent, norma Bondstrike, these shot best in my 308's bolt actions. Cva cascade and a weatherby vanguard compact. Heavy for caliber bullets with good BC

 

[BobT1105]

Now, time to start a thread for ammo recommendations, haha.

I have 3 good loads for my .308, mine are all hand loaded. I have a 125 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip load for our local woods whitetail. Another Ballistic Tip 150 grain for longer ranges and a 150 grain Partition for black bear. Take a look at Federal Fusion in factory ammo, I know several people who swear by them. Everyone makes ammo for the .308, just buy a few boxes and find one your rifles like and then buy the entire lot

 

[shootbrownelk]

I’m open to other choices as well. My main requirement is that the .308 needs to have a barrel length of at least 22”. And I’d prefer to keep it around $1000 or under. I also don’t want a threaded barrel. I was almost willing to stretch it on a really nice Sako .30-06 (out to $1300 for a used one in great shape), but I don’t really need that much firepower. I have a .35 Whelen for that.

Go with the Sako. You won't regret it.