looking at getting a .300 win mag in either the sako 85 finnlight or the browning x-bolt composite stalker. I;m hoping somebody out there has good insight on both products and could share that knowledge so i can go pick one up asap! money isn't an issue either. i'll use it for mostly moose and elk hunting, and the occasional grizzly encounter if needed. on that note, would the .338 be a better option than the .300 win mag?
sako 85finnlight or browning x-bolt
- Thread starter benevs
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Mighty Peace
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Land of the Mighty Peace
If strictly moose and elk with grizzly the Sako 85 gets my vote. I'm partial to Sako's myself. I have a few including 300WM (first Sako rifle I ever bought in 1997) and built a 338-06AI on a Sako m75 Greywolf plus a few more. Cant comment of the browning X-bolt but from previous experiences with Brownign products I wont buy one.
300WM will work using premium 180-200gr bullets..(I'd go with 200gr bullets then)....might want the 338WM if strictly elk and moose with the grizz with 225-250gr premium bullets. The new Sako m85 Kodiak or Brown Bear model in 338WM might be up your alley. OR maybe the Black Bear model in the 9.3x66 (370 Sako Mag). There would be nothing wrong with either on the two calibers you choose in any Sako m85 rifle. Myself I prefer the Sako m75 rifle...but that new Brown Bear rifle I LIKE !!!
Take a look at Sako's website for more info. Here is the Link
Sako m85 Rifles
300WM will work using premium 180-200gr bullets..(I'd go with 200gr bullets then)....might want the 338WM if strictly elk and moose with the grizz with 225-250gr premium bullets. The new Sako m85 Kodiak or Brown Bear model in 338WM might be up your alley. OR maybe the Black Bear model in the 9.3x66 (370 Sako Mag). There would be nothing wrong with either on the two calibers you choose in any Sako m85 rifle. Myself I prefer the Sako m75 rifle...but that new Brown Bear rifle I LIKE !!!
Take a look at Sako's website for more info. Here is the Link
Sako m85 Rifles
Homesteader
CGN Regular
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- In a Wallow West of Edmonton.
Get the one that you like out of those two, you won't be wrong. I went X-bolt, and am very impressed with it, cheaper or not. I know the Sako will be quality +, you get what you pay for. I just preferred the feel of the X-bolt. I went 300 WSM, because in the x-bolt you will get a 26" barrel with the regular mags, some will see this as a bonus, I didn't. I recently tried 3 different powders all with the 168ttsx, and all 3 loads went in under 3/4" @ 100m. Top load clocked 3080fps 15' from the muzzle. I think the plain win mag is likely the better cartridge, but I liked the more compact platform on the x-bolt. Recoil will likely be fairly equal, with maybe a little more out of the 338 with a stiff load. If I were actually hunting Grizzly, I'd go 338 no question, but a "chance encounter, any of these 3 cartridges won't really matter"
If money is not an issue go for Sako. Don't get me wrong, X-bolt is very nice and accurate as well. I just added an x-bolt in 270 to my Browning collection.
300wm is a good round for elk and moose.
Reading between the lines, I somehow got the feeling that you may be a first time hunter. If that is the case, a 300wm or 338wm may be a little hard kicking for you. Just my $0.02.
300wm is a good round for elk and moose.
Reading between the lines, I somehow got the feeling that you may be a first time hunter. If that is the case, a 300wm or 338wm may be a little hard kicking for you. Just my $0.02.
thanks for all the feedback fellas. I ended up ordering the .338 sako synthetic stainless. unfortunately its on 3-6 month back order so i got some time to get into hand loading and looking for a scope. i was thinking the Z4i swarovski unless anyone has something comparable in that price range(or cheaper). thanks again!
Mighty Peace
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Land of the Mighty Peace
