Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako 85 Grey Wolf

Does anyone use this rifle and what is your opinion of it?

I would also be interested in any first-hand reports on this rifle.

I have one in .338 Federal. Awesome rifle. The trigger comes from the shop with an amazing pull...no adjustment nessecary. The bolt is smooth as glass. I'm not a fan of the lack of lightweight scope mounting optoins out there but, meh.

The general concencus with Model 85's seem to be they shoot anything, factory or home grown, into tiny little groups.

What groups best out of your rifle? Details, please...

And what's the scoop re. limited scope mounting options? Haven't really researched the rifle yet...

Not the biggest deer ever but:



I shot it with a great rifle.

Sako 85's have superb triggers, are guaranteed MOA accurate - most will do even better, feed smooth as glass and handle well. The Grey Wolf is a little heavier than the Stainless synthetic stock M-85 but I prefer the feel of wood, especially in cold weather and the laminated stock gives that to you in a rifle that is still pretty much weather-proof. I have several other rifles including other sako's but my Grey Wolf has pretty much become my go-to rifle. It just feels good and flat shoots great........................................DJ

I have a Grey Wolf model 75 in .308 win it shoots exstremely
well 1/2 groups at 100yds.I rarely use it because of weight.I
usually reach for my .280 rem in weatherby ultralight. I will
say it is well made worth every penny I paid I have a synthetic
stainless that shoots almost as good its a little lighter but I
usually pass on it as well.

When I was referring to lightweight scope mounts I meant a one-piece Talley style mount. With the Sako you're basically stuck with 150$ blocky Opti-Locks, Leupold ring mounts (a tad heavy) or Warne Ring Mounts (I had an experience with them were a set I had wouldnt fit worth a damn). I currently have Leupold ring-mounts on it, I think I might try the Warnes again.

With my VXII 2-7X33 on 6X I can shoot 3 round Sub-Moa, 100 yard groups with the following load combo's. Keep in mind that the Sako Short action allows you to load the bullets out much farther than factory, around 12 thou farther out.


160 TTSX over 50 grains of 8208 XBR
185 TTSX over 47.5 grains of 8208 XBR
200 SST over 48.5 grains of 8208 XBR (could go higher, no room
210 X-Bullet and H4895, can't remember the charge
225 SST over 46.5 grains H4895 (46 grn's went 0.6")

I'll be buying some 200, 225 grain Accubombs, 250 spitzer Woodleighs, and some more 225 SST's over the winter to set up as well.

If I remember right, the 250 pointed Woodliegh is the same length as a 210 partition??

Thanks for the info.

Tried any NPs?

Archie,

You can also try these bases, by IOR Valdada:

Sako Picatinny 2 PC base

Plenty of lightweight 1", 30mm, 34mm and 35mm aluminum rings about that fit the standard 1913 Picatinny rail. I use a pair of Nightforce 30mm Ultralight Titanium Rings on an older AIII with these bases.

Bob

Unfortunately I haven't....better put some 210's on the winter bullet order . I do know they're damned stubby....should be able to stoke them up pretty hot!

Let us know how that works out. Very interested to see how it shoots NPs.

Don't want to go off subject, but archie james c, what speeds are you seeing with 8208 XBR? Looking to get some now to try with the Fed due in part because it's supposed to be VERY temperature insensitive, but also provide good speeds. Thx.

I considered picking up a Grey Wolf but preferred the feel of the Ruger. Lots to like about the Sakos though. A better rifle overall probably.

Honestly I couldn't tell you, I don't own a chrony! I know, I know, a handloader who doesn't own a chrony...shameful. I plan to borrow a friends very soon. Hopefully I'll get some numbers up before this thread loses interest LOL

There seems to be a lot to like... but I've resisted thus far due mainly to weight and price. Still trying to rationalize why I should buy one, let alone decide on a caliber.

I do see a NIB rifle in .338 Fed on Gunbroker for an even $1,000. Too bad I already have one in a Ruger... Also see a NIB rifle in 25-06 for $1075, but my Wby. 257 would likely revolt. Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions...

One in 300 win mag would be classy for the style of the gun .

Mind you, my short action grey wolf with a 2-7 leupold and leupy mounts is easy as pie to "mountain carry" ie; in your hand under the magazine, with no sling. It would be ideal in a McMillan EDGE

Hmmm. Maybe you're right. A little extra weight in a 300 Win Mag wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Also, I don't have one... 300WSM, yes... 338 RCM, yes... so how would I justify this? Ammo availability? *laughing* But I wouldn't swap stocks. I really LIKE the looks of the rifle.

No worries, thx! By the way, the 210 NPs are very friendly with the 338 Fed since they are so short.

It is a gorgeous stock. I meant *I* would like an EDGE to make mine a little more "versatile".

I think you NEED a Grey Wolf .300 Win. Mag because it's classy, would handle recoil well, and is a ballistic [bleep] missle.

For the most part, I have owned American made rifles all my life and have paid little attention to the Sako rifles; though I am aware they are highly regarded. I have become interested in this model, but am a little taken aback at the asking price. I am accustomed to such prices on fine wood and blue steel rifles; but a stainless and laminate? Are these rifles really worth the money? If so, why?

Im hoping that because of the added seating length in the Sako mag I can stoke it up real nice...