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.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

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

On post #63 I offered an online reference for a fine used Sako rifle in 30-06 for $899.

I am getting too close to being 80 years old. Hopefully getting my second knee replacement surgery next Wednesday will make big game hunting more possible for me again. Time will tell.

Starting when I was in my later teens, about say 17, I began buying centerfire rifles. That was 60 years ago. During that time, I have probably averaged one rifle/year = about 60 rifles bought and most sold.

During my lifetime of buying centerfire rifles 3 brands stand out with great satisfaction. Sako, Belgium Safari grade Browning's and Pre-64 Winchester Model 70's. My hunting needs have charged. Over the decades I have sold two, 338's and two 300 Win mags that I really never needed. That was during the magnum craze era. They were all from the brands/models above. Really fine rifles.

The pleasure of ownership of such fine rifles never goes away. For foul weather I have a Sako SS Finnlight carbine in 308. There is a limit to blue steel and walnut, but there never is a limit to appreciation.