Sako 75 Finnlight 300WSM Advice

[Lonewolf72]

Any suggestions for elk loads? The gunsmith recommended H1000 or H4831SC for powder and the 168 Berger VLD Hunting and possibly the Hornady 178 ELD-X. I'm also interested in the 180 grain Accubonds and Partitions, as well as the 165 TTSX. What kind of brass are you using?

 

[LoonWulf]

for something the size of an elk id probably go with the 190ablr, or the 180 abs or parts. Ive never shot elk, but we did some cow shooting recently, and Id go with a heavier than med weight bullet....tho the ttsx and other monos are probably good in the med weight range.

 

[Lonewolf72]

Can I throw a 190 with an 11 twist barrel?

 

[Paul7]

I really like the stock...with the Monte Carlo cheek piece and the palm swell in the grip. I also like the overall feel with the grip panels. My stock is showing a little wear, but the previous owner hunted with it, and I have no plans to make it a safe queen.

Agreed, I never understood the complaints about the Finnlight stock, very grippy, comfortable material and the Monte Carlo cheek piece is the perfect size. Yes, wood is prettier, but this is a rifle you can use in any weather and not worry about it, or a few scratches. I also find it holds zero better than a wood stock rifle, which can change a bit depending on the temp and humidity.

Which Zeiss Conquest scope are you running, and which reticle? I'm interested in mounting a Euro scope on this rifle, and a friend of mine with a Sako 75 swears by them. I am also considering a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x with CDS or maybe a Vortex Razor HD Lightweight Hunter 3-15x. Realistically I can't afford to spend much more than about $500, but I may be able to get a deal on those.

It is a Zeiss Conquest 3x9x40, I believe now discontinued, don't ask me why. I have another on a 1968 Sako Finnbear in .30-'06, see photo in post #7. One of them I got a deal used on Gunbroker, so you might want to look there. Definitely a better scope than a Vortex I tried, and better than the current Zeiss Terra. Really good in low light conditions.

 

[Captcurt]

At $500 I would have melted a credit card getting it out ofmy wallet too fast. Sako makes excellent rifles. As for the 300WSM, I have a Savage 10 Sierra that weighs 6 1/4#. It is not much worse than a hot 30-06. In fact your 30-06 would do anything you need to do, but a Sako for 5 bills? You did good.

 

[LoonWulf]

The 190ablrs (and other vlds) will be right on the edge of stability for a 1-11 I think. Taking that into account id probably try a box, and if they shoot good great, if not id go down to 180s.

 

[Hokkmike]

What I don't like about my SAKO Finnlight 75 is that prior to every deer season it takes me, at best, two shots to sight-in and I am done. Where's the fun in that?

Seriously, for the price you stole the gun. I wonder why so cheap?

SAKO or Leupold rings work good. I use a Leupold Vari-x-II silver lightweight scope in 3X9. (Looks good on the gun and keeps the lightness theme going)

One thing, after many years, I still have yet to do and recommend it for you is to buy another magazine. My in 6.5x55 will cost about $125. But I think it is an important back-up.

One last thing.....way back they had trouble with Finnlight barrels coming apart (exploding) so check the serial number on yours and make sure it is not on the effected list. That MIGHT account for its lower price. (I doubt it)....

 

[Paul7]

What I don't like about my SAKO Finnlight 75 is that prior to every deer season it takes me, at best, two shots to sight-in and I am done. Where's the fun in that?

Seriously, for the price you stole the gun. I wonder why so cheap?

SAKO or Leupold rings work good. I use a Leupold Vari-x-II silver lightweight scope in 3X9. (Looks good on the gun and keeps the lightness theme going)

One thing, after many years, I still have yet to do and recommend it for you is to buy another magazine. My in 6.5x55 will cost about $125. But I think it is an important back-up.

One last thing.....way back they had trouble with Finnlight barrels coming apart (exploding) so check the serial number on yours and make sure it is not on the effected list. That MIGHT account for its lower price. (I doubt it)....

The bad barrels were about 2004, supposedly they contacted 90% of US owners of them. It also impacted Tikka.

 

[Hokkmike]

The bad barrels were about 2004, supposedly they contacted 90% of US owners of them. It also impacted Tikka.

Called SAKO with my serial # and all OK. Not a bad thing to do if buying a model 75 that you know has not been cleared. Didn't know about the Tikka's... Thanks.