Gunsmithing Sako 85 bolt face conversion?

[5RWill]

I have a sako 85 chambered in 260 that I'm going to rebarrel at some point to a #4 either carbon (if this ragged hole blank works out) or maybe a fluted 3B. However I'd really like to open up the bolt face to move it to a 6.5 SAUM, since we already have one. Alternatively I guess I could chamber in 260AI or terminator to get similar performance.

 

[5RWill]

What type of ejector and extractor does it have?

Extractor is a Sako Extractor which would have to be replaced. I had forgotten the ejector is a springfield style, so slotted inertia.

 

[RPN]

I redid a 75 in 243 to 300 saum.
The original extractor worked perfectly

 

[5RWill]

I think it will be more of a challenge with a 3-lug i presume

 

[RPN]

The 75 is a 3 lug bolt. All I had to do was open the bolt face up a little - the extractor sits very slightly more to the outside (.030') when it grips the SAUM cartridge, but before I altered anything there I thought I'd try it, and it worked perfectly. Photo from the interwebs

 

[5RWill]

The 75 is a 3 lug bolt. All I had to do was open the bolt face up a little - the extractor sits very slightly more to the outside (.030') when it grips the SAUM cartridge, but before I altered anything there I thought I'd try it, and it worked perfectly. Photo from the interwebs
View attachment 8329207

Ah i didn’t realize thought it was 2-lug like a tikka. I’m gonna give Chad a call then and rechamber in 6.5 SAUM

 

[Scotch_egg]

If you went 6.5 PRC you can use a Tikka T3 prefit.

Unbeknownst to most the tenon is the same on both rifles. Proof research state this on their website.

Tikka Pre-Fit

proofresearch.com

 

[iceng]

Theres 2 types of salo bolt faces. Control round feed and push feed.

You can convert either, ive done the CRF a few times. You need to open the face in a lathe and also open the side a bit to allow it to feed in easily, or! Do the whole job in a mill, which i found easier in the long run.

Sako trg top, 85 bottom.

 

[5RWill]

If you went 6.5 PRC you can use a Tikka T3 prefit.

Unbeknownst to most the tenon is the same on both rifles. Proof research state this on their website.

Tikka Pre-Fit

proofresearch.com

Yup i knew that but am trying to keep the 85 hunter walnut stock. So even a sendero lite will be too big. I’ve got a Wilson #4 carbon wrapped coming that i think will work. Gonna chamber in 6.5 prc Sherman improved. So i can just fireform factory ammo and role with it.

Theres 2 types of salo bolt faces. Control round feed and push feed.

You can convert either, ive done the CRF a few times. You need to open the face in a lathe and also open the side a bit to allow it to feed in easily, or! Do the whole job in a mill, which i found easier in the long run.
View attachment 8340635
Sako trg top, 85 bottom.

I ended up calling LRI and sent it their way. Also ordered a larger extractor just in case. But needless to say it’s being opened.