Thread: Sako 85 in 6.5x55 - should I?

I'm a after a 6.5 cal at the moment. It's a toss up between 6.5x47L and 6.5x55, I think it'll depend on what rifles come up.

I've found a swede in an 85 Finnlight, the only sako I've ever owned is an old L579 .308, it's a great little rifle.

The new 85's look pretty nice and they do come with a great reputation but I've heard there's been some issues with quality control and in some cartridges in particular the ejected case gets spat right out into the wind age turret on the scope, often ending up landing backwards in the action.

Has anyone owned a 85 in 6.5x55 -positive or negative experiences?

All positive. 6.5x55 is a fantastic calibre, well suited to NZ shooting conditions. It was one of the first I learnt to shoot with after the 22LR. Very forgiving with recoil that is manageable. Great potential when handloading as well. I cannot comment on Sako having never had the pleasure of using one but their reputation is that Tikka are what you buy when you cannot afford a Sako so I figure they are pretty good.

The 6.5x55 is a very accurate, hard hitting and yet mild mannered calibre which has stood the test of time. My particular rifle is better suited to the longer 120gr + bullets which the cal was originally designed for as it needs the longer length bullet to stabilise in flight. I tried some lighter bullets for smaller species over in the UK and found the bullets were unstable in flight and tumbled, you may find this with others if it's specific to the calibre.

I owned one of the earlier Sako 75 models in stainless synthetic a few years back, there was a problem with it which I never got to the bottom of and I evevtually traded it in for a Sauer which is just fantastic!

Great caliber in a modern action where you can tap into its potential via reloading.
Because of the older Mauser actions around (like the one I had), factory ammo tends to be restricted pressure wise, which limits it full potential.

I've got a Sako M995 Stainless in 6.5x55. Shoots anything and extremely accurate. Nice calibre

If you are dead set on a Sako, you might as well go short action: 260. Otherwise it's an overpriced Tikka T3 (long action) in a different stock.
Anything 6.5mm is a fine choice.

Originally Posted by Timmay

If you are dead set on a Sako, you might as well go short action: 260. Otherwise it's an overpriced Tikka T3 (long action) in a different stock.
Anything 6.5mm is a fine choice.

As the owner of a .260 Sako I'd suggest a 6.5x55, as I think that .260 is a little bit too long for a short action - I'm at max mag length to seat out near the lands, as my throat wears I'll be unable to seat out further.

Originally Posted by Timmay

If you are dead set on a Sako, you might as well go short action: 260. Otherwise it's an overpriced Tikka T3 (long action) in a different stock.
Anything 6.5mm is a fine choice.

You are so full of it

Originally Posted by Gibo

You are so full of it

You've drunk the Sako Kool aid.

Originally Posted by gimp

As the owner of a .260 Sako I'd suggest a 6.5x55, as I think that .260 is a little bit too long for a short action - I'm at max mag length to seat out near the lands, as my throat wears I'll be unable to seat out further.

Now there is some thoughtful input, how long is the shank? Able to cut it back a few mill, re tap and chamber?

No but I have owned both. Not even close once you match them up.
@nak go for it mate you will not be disappointed. They are a tad heavy compared to some others though so keep that in mind.

Shit I agree with you for once @Gibo, My Sako a step above my Tikkas, really lovely rifle, action is about 500mm I think?

As above and I'd prefer the 6.5 over the 260 as imo it does tend to open a few more options.
The 85 is an excellent piece. I've owned a few and a 75, all superb rifles.


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Don't do it Nak. I don't know how something that feels so cheap can cost so much. Theyre not half the gun your forester is. Don't fall for the marketing.

Now wait for the hordes of sako fan boys to start whining

Birds of a feather.....

Bought my 75 in 308 and kicked myself for not going 6.5x55 as I have a CG and Husky in 6.5x55

End of the day go with the combination that you mentally feel most comfortable with