So I finally got a chance to try out my "new to me" M81 Classic in 308 Norma Mag. Started with the 180 Partition, and also loaded a number of rounds with the 195 Grain Chinchaga Bonded core. I was out yesterday and shot several groups with it. Conclusion.......I Have a winner!! Three shot groups with the 180 Partition and 79 Grains of H1000 or 80 grains of RL25 are well under 1" [best group was .52", this at 3095 fps avg!] The Chinchaga was not quite as accurate, but no group went over 1¼ moa, and I tried 75, 76 & 77 grains of H1000 only, so another powder may do better. I am all ready to take this thing elk hunting this fall. My 300 WSM was pretty decent also, with the smallest group using the 180 Partition right on .625" and the largest at .945" This using 68 grains of Norma MRP. [3015 fps avg] Another "Thumper" that will do just fine. Regards, Eagleye.
My Parker-Hale M81 Classic 308 Norma Mag
- Thread starter Eagleye
- Start date
Eagle eye, I also have a p/h 308 norma it also shoots under 1" about average .75" with 200gr noslers. In my opinion Parker/Hale is a very desirable Mauser action which seems to be underated. What is the m81classic version? I am not familiar with it.
OF; The P-H Model 81 Classic, is for all intents and purposes, the identical action/barrel that is seen on the Safari Deluxe and the Model 1200,[24" sporter barrel, action and barrel smooth and deep blue] but the action has been lapped to make it smoother and the stock is in the Classic design [Looks Just like a Ruger 77 or Remington 700 Classic stock] It has no cheekpiece and no contrasting forend, however, it does have a layer of darker wood on the pistol grip cap. Inset into the bottom of the pistol grip is a faux ivory circle, not a diamond as in the Safari Deluxe. The "wundhammer swell" is on the RHS of the pistol grip, and the cut checkering is quite well done around the bottom and sides of the fore end and on each side of the grip. The wood is usually a cut above plain wood, and mine has some pleasing figure in it. The original butt plate is a hard rubber, rather thin red pad in the British style [I have replaced mine with a brown Decelerator pad, for obvious reasons] These usually come with plain barrels, but are drilled and tapped to install iron sights, if one so wishes. I will try to take a few pictures and post them in the next few days. Regards, Eagleye.
