Husqvarna 385XP chain choice?

[Wash. Tinner]

Ive had a 385XP power head for some time and wanting to get a bar and chain for it soon. I know that I will get a 32" bar and run skip tooth, chisel. I am wondering what size of chain should I get, .050,.058,.063? Bar recommendations? Will be cutting mostly Douglas Fir. crosscut

[NCFarmboy]

Most that I know run .058 or .063 on bars longer than 28".  I like Carlton Pro Champ bars from Baileys 32" x .063 decent bar for the money.  It would also depend on whether it will be occasional use or used every day.
Shep

[Wash. Tinner]

Most that I know run .058 or .063 on bars longer than 28".  I like Carlton Pro Champ bars from Baileys 32" x .063 decent bar for the money.  It would also depend on whether it will be occasional use or used every day.
Shep

It wont be used every day but it will get a workout or two. Im thinking .058 chain and a Oregon Power match bar or maybe a Husky bar.

[sharkey]

If you have other saws that run 63 gauge chain, then you may want to continue on with it.  Otherwise, I would go 50 gauge because its most common.

[DR Buck]

I run my 385XP with an .050.  But then again I mostly use it with a 24" bar.

[barbender]

I bought a 24" bar in. 050 and ended up regretting it, a lot of varieties of chain only come in. 050 and. 060.

[mkjones32]

Hi,
I have a 385XP w/ 24" bar and run .050 chain, works just fine.  I buy loops of chain; only one loop to buy if you keep all your saws running 0.050.  Its easy to find at the local hardware store in an emergency.  I use the saw for bucking firewood (oak, maple and birch).  Also bucking big Eastern White Pine for chainsaw milling.  Chainsaw milling I run a 42" bar on my 395XP and that's .063 ripping chain.  I run .063 due to the demands of milling and using a long bar.  Hope that helps.

Kevin

[AdkStihl]

If you have other saws that run 63 gauge chain, then you may want to continue on with it.  Otherwise, I would go 50 gauge because its most common.

X2

[01crewcab]

I'm sure you probably already pulled the trigger on a bar and chain, but, .058 has never been popular here in the PNW. If it was me I'd go 3/8X .063.

[HolmenTree]

Different gauges of sawchain in different regions of the country, use what's most available whether it's .050,058,063.
But to throw a curve ball here.... seeing the standard .375 /3/8" rim sprocket and guide bar nose sprocket is .063 gauge..... a .063 gauge sawchain is the perfect match for optimum operation.

Take for example the high rated Stihl 33RSC .050 drive link gauge sawchain, which is .063 gauge between the cutters at the top half of the drive link. So why not just run 36RSC .063 and keep every thing even.... with a little more extra strength and stability of the chain in the kerf with all 3 points of contact in perfect match. ;)