Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting Advice Needed: Sako L61 Action (Belted Mag face)

Hey folks,

Looking to build on this action, but want to keep it "carryable" with the action in mind.
I'm thinking a McMillan Sako Varmint stock; maybe an A-series.

I'm thinking something 308 or 338. Cartridge suggestions? Like to know the merits of your favs.

Mostly a steel shooter, but needs the weight ability to take it out for speedgoats.

Forgot to add: The gunsmith I'm looking at uses Brux tubes.

Thanks!

308 Norma Mag or the 30-338 will work perfect on the bolt face and mag box. Gives you something you can't get at Walmart and yet performs to 300 Win Mag levels. That Sako action is classy so pick a classy cart to go with it.Leave the Brux at 26+ for the extra vel. Magnum Man

30-375 Ruger. Caseless, Weatherby velocities, and soon to be a factory cartridge if I understand correctly.

Thanks for the input fellas.

The 308 Norma has my attention and the 30-375 Ruger would be neat too.

Bbl contour?

Light Palma or #5.

Thanks guys.

My 308 Norma was a std 03A3 until sporterized they left the barrel full 24" and polished it for a bright blue its .636 at the end. I wouldn't want it any thinner but the std Springfield barrel config seems to work fine and it shoots well. Magnum Man

I have that action and that stock- chambered in 340 WBY. Barrel is a #4. With a soft recoil pad and a scope with 4" eye relief it isn't bad to shoot at all. Just go for it!

Mine is .338 WM and I'd be reluctant to change it to anything other than the possible exception of a 375 AI. I'm liking the terminal effects of a 225 grain NAB and a b.c of .551 doesn't suck either......

Dennis,

You have a bbl length and weight on that critter?

Stock?

Thanks!

26" barrel and about 8#

Thanks!

here is what i did... l61r mag action 24 inch benchmark 3gr fluted with brake. melonite coating chambered in 300 wby with mpi stock weigt is 7.25 shoots ragged holes with 200 gr ab at 3050fps.

http://4-dproducts.com/display.php?group=Rifle+Calibers



30/375R - 375 Ruger




300 win mag - 30/375R - 375 Ruger



beltless
7 more gr capacity than 300 win mag
should be able to keep rifle weight at 8 pounds and no muzzle brake
200 gr bullet at 3000 fps


Things you would need to do:

1. Find 375 Ruger cases (not always easy to do)
2. Get 338 RCM Full Length die
3. Get 300 RCM Neck die
4. After fireforming to your chamber you can send fireformed case to die manufacturer to get die to your liking (example Lee Collet Neck Sizer & Redding Body Die)


JMHO

No prob.

I appreciate the input!

.300 wby, 26".

Hi, I would follow magnum man on using the 30-338, it is an accurate round and use a 26" #4 barrel. I have been shooting the 300 Wby for over 30 years but think that the 30-338 is just cool. Randy

Lightweights!!! I have one in 338 RUM with a 1400 contour Lothar-Walther and Vais brake. It is in a HighTech Specialties stock and
weighs in at 9# w/scope, loaded. Shoots 225TTSX's at 3160 or 210TTSX's at 3300. With that brake it feels like a 30-06 and hits
like a Mack truck!

A great action, classic Sako...have you considered a 300 H&H?
As for weight be careful or you'll end up at 9 pounds +.

I have an AV action that I had built into a 338 Win. Mag w/ a 24 inch Shilen tube on it. Certainly no featherweight but a great shooter.

The 30-338 is another good choice, had several made when I punched paper at long range.

Cant wait to see the finished rifle.

Having problems figuring this out !!