Sako Finnlight vs Hell’s Canyon vs Cooper laminate sporter

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Apr 3, 2018
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NC Montana
Hey there guys wondering if I could get some advice on a new hunting rifle. I’m currently looking at the Sako Finnlight SDX33NL1AMT 300wm, threaded barrel, set trigger; browning hells canyon speed in 300wm, or cooper laminate sporter 300wm. Asides from the 1-11 twist I really like the sako, and I wish the cooper was lighter. This rifle will be used for deer and elk in Montana 100-700yds and will be topped with a Vx6hd 4-24. Does anyone have any experience with these rifles they can tell me about? Thanks!
 
While I haven't owned the specific models you are asking about I have owned rifles in all three brands and IMO Cooper makes the better rifle. Cooper makes lightweight rifles and heavy rifles. The backcountry is one of if not the lightest production rifle chambered in a belted magnum. The timberline might be getting added to my collection soon as well.
 
While I haven't owned the specific models you are asking about I have owned rifles in all three brands and IMO Cooper makes the better rifle. Cooper makes lightweight rifles and heavy rifles. The backcountry is one of if not the lightest production rifle chambered in a belted magnum. The timberline might be getting added to my collection soon as well.

Oh trust me I’d love to have a back country but the 2700 is a little more than I’d like to swing. The laminate sporter at 2k is bout my max but it weighs in at 7.75lb
 
I can easily recommend the HC speed, very nice rifle and both of mine shoot great with basically anything I throw at them. 3.6" mag box will allow longer heavier bullets if that's what you want to shoot. The 60 degree bolt is very nice also.
 
I can easily recommend the HC speed, very nice rifle and both of mine shoot great with basically anything I throw at them. 3.6" mag box will allow longer heavier bullets if that's what you want to shoot. The 60 degree bolt is very nice also.

Sweet that’s good to know. I think I’m basically narrowed down to the cooper laminate sporter, xbolt long range laminate (I like monte Carlos) or the speed if I decide to go light weight.
 
I bought a Sako Finnlight in 300 WSM around 10 years ago. The first time I picked up my Sako I could tell it was quality made. I've used mine for sheep, mtn goat, elk, antelope, and deer. The 300 WSM hardly kicks and is great for all the species listed. I originally had a 300 Weatherby mag in Remington action. I've gotten tight groups with my Sako 300 WSM that I never had with my 300 W. Another nice thing about the Sako is the weight! It sure is nice hauling around a lighter rifle in the backcountry! I'm not a long range shooter so not sure how that would go...but....knock on wood.... I've had all 1 shot kills at 350 or less yards with my Sako Finnlight 300 WSM!
 
I really like my Sako 85 Finnlight. Everything I've pointed it at has hit the dirt with the exception of one missed jump shot at a mule deer at 15 yards (unprepared). It's chambered in 7mm Rem Mag. It groups very nice with handloads. I have rung steel out to 1200 with it but it can be tough. 800 and in is doable if I do my part. Super nice to carry and smooth as butter. I have zero experience with the others you mentioned.
 
I love my Finnlight as well, cant comment on the other two although im sure you cant go wrong.

don't let the 11 twist mess with your head, mine (11 twist) shoots Hornady 208's and 212's into .5 moa.

I have shot mine to 800yds and got 5"-7" groups.
 
I can't comment on the Browning or Cooper, but I would look at something other than a Finnlight. I have one that had to be turned into a custom due to a bad barrel and crappy stock. The recoil lug design is sketchy at best. It works, but only after I threw the action in a McMillan and had it glass and pillar bedded. Of course, Beretta said it was just fine after sending it in and charging me for an evalution. The soft touch stock is soft and too flexible and the coating will come off if you actually use it. The barrel was too muzzle light and was difficult to hold on target for such a light rifle. I also had to replace the barrel, which is a challenge, because most gunsmiths won't work on Sako 85's.

I realize that every maker has bad apples. However, after going down the road of solving the issue for over a year, I learned a lot about the design of the rifle. You don't get something for nothing and there is a reason it's so light.

My rifle is accurate, well balanced, and handles well now. However, it cost almost twice more than the initail purchase price to get it there. I didn't dump it on someone, because I couldn't sell a dog to someone else and sleep well.

It's your call, but I would at the least do a little research on Sako 85 issues. If you go into it with eyes wide open and an open mind, you may be surprised what you find out there.
Good luck.
 
I have a hell's canyon speed and it is awesome. It shoots everything well. However, I wouldn't want to shoot a 300win out of it. Mine is in 30-06 and it recoils harder than my 300 win mag. It weighs in at 7lbs 10oz ready to hunt. If I was going to shoot 300win mag and the goal was to shoot out to 700, then I would look at the long range, or even better, the long range mcmillan. I think 7.5lbs for a 300win mag is around where I would want to be
 
Whoops auto correct, meant *looks. I need to go to scheels and handle one some time Soon

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I was gonna say, If so I have some questions for you. They sure do look sweet. The cerakote and stock look to be nice touches as compared to the previous model. I'd like to get my hands on one too!
 
Cooper fanboy here. With a Burris Euro Diamond 3X10X42, sling and a loaded magazine, my Model 56 in .300 Win Mag, weighs in at 8.8 pounds. Does it have recoil? Yes, but I don't find it unmanageable. I have put 25 rounds through it at the bench several times this summer and didn't feel beat-up. I have plenty of "lightweight" rifles that would have definitely made me feel way worse.
 
I shoot an older Finnlight 75 in 300 wsm. Shoots lights out. It's a joy to carry and shoot. There's a reason why you don't see many for sale.
 
Cooper fanboy here. With a Burris Euro Diamond 3X10X42, sling and a loaded magazine, my Model 56 in .300 Win Mag, weighs in at 8.8 pounds. Does it have recoil? Yes, but I don't find it unmanageable. I have put 25 rounds through it at the bench several times this summer and didn't feel beat-up. I have plenty of "lightweight" rifles that would have definitely made me feel way worse.

You mind if I ask which model you have? I’m guessing with my Leupold 4-24 I’ll be just shy of 10lb without Ammo, bipod or sling if I go the cooper laminate sporter route.
 
I picked up an xbolt long range laminate in 6.5 cm a couple days ago. I am very impressed with the fit, finish, and feel of the rifle. Although set a little heavy from the factory for my liking, the trigger is excellent. I plan to shoot it this weekend and can give a report.
 
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