I've narrowed my decision to 4 Sako rifles. They are either 7mm or 338 WM and would rebore. One is a 300 WM and would require a rebarrel or live with some unslightly setback.

Also, I believe the Sako A and AV are both 4 rounds down.

All are in great shape except the L61R, would need to refinish the stock and recut the checkering.

Any recommendations on # of groves? JES said 3 work fine.

Question:
Which would you select:

Choices:
Sako 75
Sako 85 Finnbear
Sako V Finnbear (the 300 WM)
Sako AV
Sako L61R pre-Garcia

 

I don't care for a detachable magazine.

Why to push to rebore? If I was spending the money I'd start with a new barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
I don't care for a detachable magazine.

Why to push to rebore? If I was spending the money I'd start with a new barrel.

I added one more option.

Re-barreling isn't going to solve set back. roger

quote:

Re-barreling isn't going to solve set back

I "think" he was concerned about setting a 330Wmag barrel back on a factory rifle and the looks Either shorter shank forearm gap or both.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:

quote:

Re-barreling isn't going to solve set back

I "think" he was concerned about setting a 330Wmag barrel back on a factory rifle and the looks Either shorter shank forearm gap or both.

Exactly. It would leave a gap between the barrel and stock. Oh, but I love the way the stock on the 300 WM looks!

I would built it on a AV magnum. I would rebarrel so I could have a 3 or 4 contour barrel.

Wow Just noticed Norma doesn't even list 358 Norma ammo on their site.

I got an earlier SN# L61R today, in the 30K range. Definitely Pre-Garcia, "Bofors Steel" marked on the barrel and 3rd rear lug.

Will need to redo the stock, though it's pretty good for a rifle this old. I want to copy the deluxe checkering at the time and recreate a Finnbear grip cap.

I ve always thought the 358 Norma to be about the ultimate all around caliber, I would not hesitate to shoot Buffalo, Lion, elephant with proper bullets with it...and it would make an excellent antelope, deer bear, and coyote rifle.

The .375 and .338 could give it a run for the money but if one studies this scenario with care he will arrive on the .358 Norma..I guess that's the reason Ive never had one, I simply must have more than one rifle.

My thoughts on the 358 Norma, a very good design for standard length actions, revolve around bullet choice and intended game.

What bullet are you thinking of using, and for what? While contemplating bullets, don't forget some of the smaller companies for specialized bullets, like GSC and CEB.

Both versatility and specialized bullet choice has always led me to .338" or .375". And the .375 Ruger (a standard length cartridge)provides an extra 10 grains of powder capacity, useful in the heavier medium calibers. The Nosler 33 (also standard length) will now provide the same increase for .338".

The AV "Hunter" stock is the most beautiful rifle assemblage in History. They were sold from the early eighties through the mid nineties (I believe the Beretta company bought Sako about then). From the model 75, and going forward, Sako's have not been worth the money charged. I got all of my post 1992 rifles sold off, and reinvested in AV Hunters.

One of the Joys of Sakos is that by carefully choosing add on barrel contours, you can end up with a ten barrel action. If that is the plan, get the action blue-printed before fitting barrels, and enjoy.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
My thoughts on the 358 Norma, a very good design for standard length actions, revolve around bullet choice and intended game.

What bullet are you thinking of using, and for what? While contemplating bullets, don't forget some of the smaller companies for specialized bullets, like GSC and CEB.

Both versatility and specialized bullet choice has always led me to .338" or .375". And the .375 Ruger (a standard length cartridge)provides an extra 10 grains of powder capacity, useful in the heavier medium calibers. The Nosler 33 (also standard length) will now provide the same increase for .338".

250 gr Norma Oryx (3.300") and 250 gr Northforks (3.325") are what im testing first with RL -16. If that doest wotk, will try 203B, Varget, and H4350.

How much freebore, if any, do folks recommend for the 358 Norma?

Perhaps consider a Schultz & Larsen in 358 Norma Mag.

I've had several 358 norma rifles over the years. The only one I have left is a Husqvarna 1600. Accurate and easy to carry. If I were building another I would install a new barrel contoured to the existing barrel on the action you choose.I would get a barrel with 1 in 12" twist so you can handle all of the longer heavier bullets. As already mentioned, bullet selection is not as great as with some calibres BUT there are some very fine bullets available.
Ones I have used with success include
1/ for lighter game & longer distances....the 225 gr Barnes TSX. Holds together and is v accurate in my rifle.
2/ Nosler Partitions. The 250 gr bullet is seldom the wrong choice.
3/ For larger game the 280 Swift A-Frame. These bullets penetrate. I would make sure the throat and magazine would accept this bullet.