jumpinjoe
Hellcat
I'll try to respond to both your questions in one post .... I inherited a Sako 'Fin Bear', (mfg around late 50's-early 60's in 30/06 from my uncle several years ago. He bought it while stationed in Germany many years ago. It shoots like a tack driver and I've taken many WhiteTails with it over the years. I typically used 160-168grn PBT's in it. A really fine rifle but a tad heavy for everyday carrying through the woods. Always shot factory ammo in it. Just never took the time to develop a home brew ..... didn't seem to need it. It shot everything I fed it very well, the 160grn better than most.
I also have a Remington 700 Classic in .270 that I bought in about 1980+- and also have taken many, many WhiteTails with it. I've also shot much factory ammo but did take the time to work on a home brew favorite. Best loads came from IMR4350 (55.3 grns IIRC) w/130grn SPBT Sierra 'Game King' bullet. My personal preference, but as KillerFord said .... ask 100 shooters about the .270Win and you'll get 100 answers. I found the 150grn way overkill for anything in North America with possible exception of Moose and/or Brown Bear, and it can be loaded light enough to hunt grey squirrels. Bullet choices are almost limitless.
Of all the loads I tried, this was without question the best and most consistent, both in velocity and accuracy. On a good day off a bench/bag, I could usually cover a 5 shot group at 100 yds with a nickle. It (the Remington) was/is considerably lighter than the Sako and has seen much more use over the years. It'll shoot 140 and 150grns almost as well as the 130's, but never quite as well. Avg would be a quarter sized 5 shot group at 100 yds.
These were typical groups in my younger and better days. I'm only offering the info as that ..... just info comparing the rifles and calibers. BTW, looks from here like you got a real deal on a superb rifle. It will serve you well for a long time I'm sure. And tell your friend if it's still available I'll relieve him of the Kimber. You wouldn't have gone wrong with either choice, but 'you done good'.
I also have a Remington 700 Classic in .270 that I bought in about 1980+- and also have taken many, many WhiteTails with it. I've also shot much factory ammo but did take the time to work on a home brew favorite. Best loads came from IMR4350 (55.3 grns IIRC) w/130grn SPBT Sierra 'Game King' bullet. My personal preference, but as KillerFord said .... ask 100 shooters about the .270Win and you'll get 100 answers. I found the 150grn way overkill for anything in North America with possible exception of Moose and/or Brown Bear, and it can be loaded light enough to hunt grey squirrels. Bullet choices are almost limitless.
Of all the loads I tried, this was without question the best and most consistent, both in velocity and accuracy. On a good day off a bench/bag, I could usually cover a 5 shot group at 100 yds with a nickle. It (the Remington) was/is considerably lighter than the Sako and has seen much more use over the years. It'll shoot 140 and 150grns almost as well as the 130's, but never quite as well. Avg would be a quarter sized 5 shot group at 100 yds.
These were typical groups in my younger and better days. I'm only offering the info as that ..... just info comparing the rifles and calibers. BTW, looks from here like you got a real deal on a superb rifle. It will serve you well for a long time I'm sure. And tell your friend if it's still available I'll relieve him of the Kimber. You wouldn't have gone wrong with either choice, but 'you done good'.
