Rem woodsmaster 81... 300sav

MW65

Wetside, Oregon
Gents, I couldn't help myself at the local club sale. An older gent had a rem 81 in 300sav. Very good condition... had a side mount weaver scope on there. Was able to get it for a steal. Looking for advice for reloads... I already have brass & loads developed for my 99f... what do you think... would cast mid range loads cycle the action? Keep it for a fun toy to shoot/backup?
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I'd be keeping it! I don't know what it takes to cycle the action. I think I'd try the 99 loads and see what happens. I don't think there's any easy adjustment on them. Nice old rifles! Use to hunt with an old millwright who had one.
 

Mowgli Terry

Active Member
I kinda go along with the suggestion of following book data. I have not shot my 81 lately, However, I do have new brass with ; plans to get back with it shortly, I'll not hot rod this recoil operated rifle.
 
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richhodg66

Well-Known Member
A model 8 or 81 is on my bucket list and, despite being a fan of the .300 Savage, I want a .35 Remington.

Just a thought, because they are recoil operated, they should do well with cast. I know I read a guys post on the other sight who hunts with cast in his .35 Model 8.
 

richhodg66

Well-Known Member
If I recall correctly, the .35 Remington was introduced in the new Model 8. Somehow, I just always put those two things together. Kind of like the Model 94 Winchester; yes, it's chambered in other things but it just seems right in .30-30.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I remember seeing 8's and 81's near regularly in the late 80's and early 90's... 325's and 340's too.

I decided I needed a 8 in 35. The next one that came in... Two or three all had buldged barrel shrouds!! (Not uncommon)

I never did get one.

CW
 

Rushcreek

Well-Known Member
Congratulations on the purchase of an American Classic. It will work fine with 30-30 level cast loads. The .300 Savage loads will let you know its there from the bench- the long recoil action feels different. My first one was an 81 .300 that had been rechambered to .308 Winchester! It worked just fine with whatever fit in the magazine but the recoil was fierce. Unfortunately it got stolen from my brother's house. I've owned two 81 .300 Savage since then, plus a model 8 in .30 Remington- all excellent guns.
The .30 Remington model 8 shot cast very well and dropped the brass right by my feet when they fell back down.
They are solid and dependable( after all, JMB invented them) and I predict happiness for you.
The scope affects the value but not by much.
I think I've never kept one because my "woods gun" duties have always been my 94 Winchester's domain.
Be sure to check out the " Great Model Eight" site for all things 8 & 81.
 

MW65

Wetside, Oregon
Congratulations on the purchase of an American Classic. It will work fine with 30-30 level cast loads. The .300 Savage loads will let you know its there from the bench- the long recoil action feels different. ...
They are solid and dependable( after all, JMB invented them) and I predict happiness for you.
The scope affects the value but not by much.
I think I've never kept one because my "woods gun" duties have always been my 94 Winchester's domain.
Be sure to check out the " Great Model Eight" site for all things 8 & 81.
Have checked out the site and all things rem81. My buddy's grandpa had one in 35, which I've seen used to good effect on all sorts of critters. The 300 for me is good, because I already have all the components for reloading.

I knew the scope would affect value, but at the price, I couldn't pass it up. It also has a recoil pad attached, but I have the original metal buttplate.
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I'm envious, I've always wanted on in 300 Savage. I have a Model 8 35 Remington that shoots very well. It's not much to look at any longer but functions as it should.
Well I wouldn't be turning my nose up at a 35! I think every 5th rifle that was owned in the Adirondacks was a M8 or 81 in 35 Rem!
 

MW65

Wetside, Oregon
Update....

Rcbs 30-180 fn @.311 with 28gr of 3031... good thumping power, pretty accurate out to 200yd silhouettes.

Issue: ejection is 50% positive, with the balance hanging up in the chamber....

I'm planning on trying Rel7, or upping the powder chg by 1/2gr to see if there's any improvement on ejection. Any other thoughts??