Sako 85 Hunter in 30-06 or .308?

I’ve had Sako 75 and 85 in Finn Lite I shoot a 7 mm never had a problem with ejection. They’re great rifles half-inch Group and 100 yards all day long. I would buy the 3006 .
 
I had 30/06 and 308 model 75 stainless synthetic action models and while I dont recall their exact weights the medium action 308 ‘felt’ lighter and faster handling. Also - as mentioned before - the short action is easier to scope properly.

So given a choice of similar price and condition buy the 308 … but both action lengths are desirable imo.


As an aside the issue of cartridge cases not ejecting properly from model 85 actions seems to be a popular concern although many people suggest they’ve never experienced a problem.

Fwiw The one person I recall that complained quite a bit about this problem also showed pictures of the rifle and scope combination he was using and I couldn’t help noticing that the scope he had mounted had significantly extended target style, windage and elevation knobs. And it was pretty evident that the windage knob protruded significantly over the ejection port. creating an obstruction to the proper ejection of the cartridge.
 
Last edited:
As far as caliber goes pick which ever you find the deal on, the game you shoot at won't be able to tell the difference
And for the sako 85 I've had 3 medium actions in 30-06, 6.5x55 and 9.3x62 as well as a long action in 338 win mag and never had any issues with ejection using low rings with 30mm scopes, no big bulky turret caps tho, a great rifle in my opinion.
And if your concerned about scope mounting using optilocks they do offer an extended base incase your using a realy short scope.
 
I prefer 308 myself but 30-06 is a solid choice too. 308 less recoil so that’s nice . I have both cartridges and some of their derivatives. When you can’t choose just get both lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: AP
Get both if possible, that's an easier choice. If not, 308 would be my choice, less recoil so can shot more and very often. You literally can hunt anything in here with 308.
 
I was using a Sako 85 with no problems when I heard about this ejection problem.


Go and look at my gun and you can see little brass marks on the windage turret of my scope from the spent brass hitting the cap 🤣🤣

Only had it fall back into the action once when i was unloading it while not looking. I've fired 5 or 6 shots in succession without any problems - multiple times.

Oh ya I would not care if it was .308 or 30.06. If I had a choice I'd probably go .308 as I'm a short action fan.
 
Been there, done that. No question, it's the .308 for me. In that particular action and with those cartridges, the .308 wins. Based on experience. The .308 is a "just right" cartridge. Combine that with the M85 inability to handle "standard" length cartridges without ejection problems, it's a no-brainer. If you feel the totally irrational need ( like I have) to shoot 200 or 220 grain bullets out of a standard capacity .308" bore, don't do it with a Sako M85. They don't have the correct barrel specifications. Action doesn't handle the longer case well. Twist is too slow.
 
A little late since this is a 6 month old thread but I can attest my Sako M85 hunter in 300 win mag shoots 220 grain Sako Hammerheads very well. The 1:11 twist is fast enough for those heavy stubby bullets.

It suffers from the ejection issue though and spent cases usually hit the scope. Only one in ten I would say may fall back into the action.
 
Max-4 said:
I do not reload so 150gr for deer and 180gr for moose would be my jam.
Click to expand...
That was my Dad's thought with his 30-06 for many years - towards the end, he used 165 grain for everything - I was with him when he got an elk with that, and he took many white tail and mule deer with 165 grain. I used a Winchester XTR in 308 Win - also with 165 grain bullets, although mine were hand loads and his was store-bought factory ammo. Around 2800 fps for each rifle - Multiple times with Shooting Chrony over the years - not any difference at all. But I read that 30-06 would pull away with 180 grain, 200 grain, 220 grain and 240 grain - more case volume for slower powders than the 308 Win - but it appeared to us that up to 165 grain they were pretty much the same.
 
Be interested in gearing what the OP chose, and the scope he mounted on it...
I too own Model 85s in SA and LA configurations and have had great performance from them, with factory ammo, out of the box. Handloads just allow me to tailor a specific bullet and/or weight in each for optimal performance desired. And I too use scopes without large turrets on both the SA and LA rifles and have experienced no ejection issues.

For his desired hunting species, and hunting environment/shooting distances, I would also suggest the 308 as being everything he will need, and also like the recommendation of going to a 165 gr bullet that shoots well in his rifle, as he will not have to rezero his scope between bear, moose, and deer seasons. He will have all the retained velocity and energy to reliably take his game mentioned, at the distances mentioned, with this combo, if the bullet is placed accurately in the vitals. (While moose are larger, they are the wimp of the deer species, and do not have the tenacity of life of whitetails or elk.)
The SA will provide a slightly more compact rifle that will be a little lighter, a little handier to carry, mount and shoot, whether he be still hunting, spot and stalk, or sitting in a blind. And will accommodate those shorter tubed scopes he may choose. And even then, there are the offset rings that can be used to mount those scope properly, if needed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom