Thread: Sako 85 in 6.5x55 - should I?

First, check out reloading data for the 6.5x55 SKAN which is designed to be compatible with 6.5x55 SE but uses higher pressures for modern actions. Marginally higher velocity.
6,5 x 55 Swedish Mauser/ SKAN - Rifle reloading - Reloading Data - Vihtavuori

Sorry to hear you've made a quick decision about the Sako 85. True, it is only 50% better overall than the T3 and costs 150% more. Not a problem for some but of course you might quite reasonably like to own two rifles or spend more on a scope ...

There are plenty of threads explaining those several small superior features of the Sako but lets look at the availability in 5 action lengths.
As @gimp pointed out, many shooters like to reload long projectiles, whether heavy for caliber or made of copper, and they can't fit into the traditional action lengths. I've found that with my 7mm08 in the Sako 85 Short sized action. I had to load about .070" short of the lands and who knows how far now its worn by 2500 rounds. I had discounted the 6.5x55 because you need a .3006 length action but now I wonder if it might be a good idea.

Here's a table of cartridge / Sako Action / brass length / Cartridge overall length (Nosler Reloading Guide 6 Ed) :

260 Rem / S / 2.036" / 2.800"
6.5x55 SE / L / 2.165 / 3.150
3006 Spr / L / 2.494 / 3.340
9.3x62 M / L / 2.441 / 3.290

As you can see, the maximum COAL in the L action range is 0.490 longer than in the S action range so you are carrying an extra half inch of receiver, bolt and magazine action plus every cartridge you take.

However, the 6.5x55 SE is the shortest of the cartridges in the L action, which should give the option of loading longer bullets, farther out, in front of more powder. Brian Litz states that longer magazine and action lengths are a "significant advancement" in long range hit probability (Modern Advancements Vol 1). This will also translate into a small flat shooting advantage at typical hunting ranges. The 6.5x55 has 0.190" more clearance in the magazine than the .3006. The brass is also 0.329" shorter than the .3006 so ejection could be easier.