First rifle - Sako 75!
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alexjoneill
Well-Known Member
Many thanks
Not fussy on ammo would be the dream!
I'm hoping it will handle copper well which is one of the reasons I chose 308
Jim W
Member
My first rifle was just the same as yours. I love it! If you’re thinking of going lead free, I’m finding Sako Powerhead Blade 120gr in .308 very accurate and effective.Many thanks
Not fussy on ammo would be the dream!
I'm hoping it will handle copper well which is one of the reasons I chose 308
I’m on the other side of the Plain to you, and I’ve a feeling the Widdington Shoot range might have closed down. I’ll DM you Jeremy’s number. Alternatively, the Wiltshire Shooting Centre in Devizes has a 100 yard tunnel range, which is also within your reach.
Congratulations, .308 is a brilliant choice. It has excellent barrel life, powder efficiency, accuracy, hitting power and is affordable. If .308 was invented today it would be regarded as a wonder cartridge. I find it comes alive with heavy bullets such as 180gr Hornady SSTs running at medium velocities of about 2,500fps.
I got 308 as my first calibre too. It's working well and I can't see me changing it, just expanded upon (just got slots for 223 & 22).
My ammunition choices were somewhat limited by my local shop only stocking Federal Power Shok 150gr. Since that's all I could get, that's all I've been using and my Tikka certainly doesn't seem to mind them. Zeroed on them and therefore haven't switched, although there's a 9cm odd drop between 100m and 200m but my furthest shot was 137m so far.
They've accounted for 5 deer so far though.
I do love a wooden stock on a rifle. Mine is synthetic but I may have to.go.wooden for my 223 as they're a thing of beauty
My ammunition choices were somewhat limited by my local shop only stocking Federal Power Shok 150gr. Since that's all I could get, that's all I've been using and my Tikka certainly doesn't seem to mind them. Zeroed on them and therefore haven't switched, although there's a 9cm odd drop between 100m and 200m but my furthest shot was 137m so far.
They've accounted for 5 deer so far though.
I do love a wooden stock on a rifle. Mine is synthetic but I may have to.go.wooden for my 223 as they're a thing of beauty
alexjoneill
Well-Known Member
Thank you very much for the lead free suggestions, I will take note
One of my friends mentioned that they heard it had closed but I wasn't sure if it was possibly just the clay shooting side - thank you for sending me a message though, much appreciated!
Thanks also for the suggestion on devizes, I have called them and Saturdays are the only day you can book the 100m range so just trying to plan ahead - weekend seem to get so busy at the moment!
alexjoneill
Well-Known Member
Thank you for the bullet suggestion, I will take note
- it would be nice to compare a lighter one to a heavier one 308 certainly ticks a lot of boxes looking at the reviews I have read - seems like a great all rounder that is very flexible
alexjoneill
Well-Known Member
I am glad to hear you are liking it and not planning on changing!I got 308 as my first calibre too. It's working well and I can't see me changing it, just expanded upon (just got slots for 223 & 22).
My ammunition choices were somewhat limited by my local shop only stocking Federal Power Shok 150gr. Since that's all I could get, that's all I've been using and my Tikka certainly doesn't seem to mind them. Zeroed on them and therefore haven't switched, although there's a 9cm odd drop between 100m and 200m but my furthest shot was 137m so far.
They've accounted for 5 deer so far though.
I do love a wooden stock on a rifle. Mine is synthetic but I may have to.go.wooden for my 223 as they're a thing of beauty
That is my plan also with other calibres to compliment the 308, I was very fortunate to have everything asked for on my first fac
Thank you for the bullet suggestion, I will write this one down also
5 deer is great going! - happy hunting
antsa
Well-Known Member
IIRC the OP recommended a mixture of 1/3 each of raw linseed oil, turpentine (not mineral turps) and metho. This is used for the initial clean up. After this use a 80% linseed oil, 20% turps mix for the continued maintenance.
Cheers
130-150 grain in lead . Less in copper as a rough guide . Dont swap out the stock , if anything get the stock bedded - but shoot it a while first and see how well it can shoot without more spend ! Big fan of the Sako 75 ( i have a few ) . Remember these guns are of an age now and some will be brilliant and others might need work at the start or in the near future .
Stick to factory buy a box of 20 rounds of various and have a few range sessions to test what the rifle likes best
Stick to factory buy a box of 20 rounds of various and have a few range sessions to test what the rifle likes best
You've gone out and bought what is, in my opinion at least, one of the best rifle and calibre combinations you could possibly have. The 75 is a stunning rifle and the .308, well there isn't much it can't do.
I've had a good collection of 75's over the years. A .223, .25-06, 6.5x55, 7STW, .35 Whelen - soon to be a .375H&H too. They really are fine rifles and I suspect I'll always have at least one in the safe.
I've had a good collection of 75's over the years. A .223, .25-06, 6.5x55, 7STW, .35 Whelen - soon to be a .375H&H too. They really are fine rifles and I suspect I'll always have at least one in the safe.
alexjoneill
Well-Known Member
Thanks & yes, that feeling of the first rifle is incredible!Congratulations!! That feeling, picking up your first rifle
That was me two years ago...
As others have pointed out - you'll only want more and then start the reloading journey (which I'm about to embark on)...
After what felt like such a long wait it all fell into place perfectly at the end like it was meant to be!
Next priority is a 22lr & a thermal device of some description but have a few additional slots on my fac to fill over the coming years!
alexjoneill
Well-Known Member
Reading all the reviews and researching this model leading up to the purchase & now reading all the amazing thoughts people have about this rifle first hand I am so pleased with my purchase - very well balanced and feels perfect! Looking forward to getting to know how she shoots at different ranges and start going out deer stalking with her!
You have had quite the variety! 375 sounds a bit fierce!
alberta boy
Well-Known Member
One of my hunting partners has the same rifle and cartridge combination . It's accounted for a lot of Deer , Elk , Moose and Black Bears over the years , a really good all round choice . I've owned a few 75's over the years as well , reliable and solid rifles . I'm sure you'll be happy with it .
AB
AB
Mate, the best stalking rifle ever built. Look after it and rebarrel it if you ever manage to shoot it out.
I have had sako 75s since circa 2007, i had a brand new finnlight in .308 (sweet lord I should never of parted with it) and a 25-06 finnlight, which is now a 6.5x55 semi custom. Bomb proof actions, excellent barrels, crisp sporting triggers. One of the best features is the box mag, easy to top feed whilst culling numbers, mine wears a wee canvas 2 round holder for this purpose. Great choice, good luck in your stalking.
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