Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only 375 H&H - Sako 85 Classic or Sako 85 Brown Bear

Hi All,

Thinking of buying a 375 H&H as an all rounder big game gun.

Im located in Australia.

I figured I could go bigger etc 416 Rem Mag in a Winchester Safari Grade for a bit cheaper, but for the amount of big game shooting that I will be doing, I think a 375 H&H will be a bit more versatile.

I will be using it primarily on Scrub Bull (Feral Cattle that has a much nastier temper than Asiatic water buffalo in Australia), and also Sambar Deer, which are maybe a bit smaller than elk, and found in very hilly country.

Now my main question with the 2 Sako options I have, is the 85 Classic has a longer barrel (24 inch), whilst the 85 Brown Bear has a 21.5 inch barrel.

Will there be any noticeable difference in performance due to the differing barrel lengths. Shots will primarily be taken within 200 metres of the animal I am pursuing.

Both animals are found in fairly thick country, but Sambar Deer hunting will provide options for longer shots. Both rifles weigh approximately 3.5 kg's, so it is only the barrel length that is a matter of question to me.

Also, will the stock on the Sako 85 classic (more of a sporter design), be weaker than the stock on the Brown Bear (more of a safari design).

Thanks for your help,

Reece

P.S - one day I hope to make it over to Alaska or Africa to hunt bear, elk, plains game etc.

Will the 375 H&H adequately take these animals?

Thanks

It's more than adequate for anything in Alaska. I would say it's more than enough for plains game as well although I don't have any experience with critters in Africa.

The 375 H&H is more than adequate for any animal that walks on this planet, though it has become fashionable to hunt buffalo and elepehant these days with the 416s, 458s, 500s, etc. There are no flies on those, but few folks really shoot to their potential. The truth is, however, that most folks find it MUCH easier to become proficient with a 375 than with a 416 or a 458.

Either Sako would be great (I have an 85 myself). I really like that barrel band on the Brown Bear, but you would eek a little more velocity from the 24" barrel, and I've never felt the need for a barrel band on a 375. Either one is a good choice. If you can hold them both, one is going to feel better in your hands. No wrong choice here.

I'd load up some Barnes 250 grain Tipped TSX or the 270 grain TSX, and I'd feel confident that I'd just put together a legit 250-300 yard gun. A 2.5-8x36 Leupold on the Brown Bear, and you've also just built a gun that's suitable for dangerous game as well (with the 270 or 300 TSX). I have it on good authority that RL-15 and the 270 TSX is a WICKEDLY accurate combo in my rifle.

Have just placed an order for a Sako 85 Classic in 375 H&H.

Should hopefully have it within the next 3 weeks.

I will be putting a swarovski z6 1.7-10x42 on it with a number 4 reticle.

I decided to go with a gun with a longer barrel just to maximise performance of the calibre.

Will keep you posted as to how it performs.

Thanks

Sounds like a great choice. I have a Sako Kodiak in 375 H&H on order, so I'll be interested to hear your impressions of the rifle when you receive it.

If I was buying a new Sako in 375, I'd buy one of these Kodiaks.

Yeah I just figured the extra length barrel would be a better performance issue. The classic I am getting is 3.5 kg whilst the kodiak is 3.6 kilo.

I figured the classic would tame recoil just as well.

My buddy has one of those. Awesome rifle.

These are CRF rifles right, guys? FWIW Aussie I'm using a 24" barrel on the 375 I'm having made up with a M70 action since, like you, my anticipated uses are vaired though if I were thinking a rifle dedicated to use on bear in very tangly throrn I might opt for a shorter tube.

Yeah Bluefish, I agree with you there. I think for versatility, a longer barrel will serve well.

Will try and post some pics when I have it collected in the next few weeks.

I don't think they are a true CRF althought Sako do claim them to be CRF.

I love my 85's.

.

Well, I was having the same doubt as the OP.

Then I just ordered a Sako Kodiak .375 H&H and an extra Sako Classic stock for it. I am sending the Kodiak to my gunsmith to have it Cerakoted in black satin (I like a more traditional look).
I will use the Sako Classic stock most of the time, but when going on heavy brush and wet, I will put back the Kodiak stock.

I hope I made a good buying on the Sako 85, as I ordered a Sako Classic rifle in 30-06 to make a "pair" of very similar rifles.

Intelligent minds think alike - about rifles and scopes!

No Animal is going to know the difference of 100 feet per second in a 375 H&H. Just choose which ever model you prefer

my barrel came out at 23 1/8" according to Redneck who did the work.