Thread: Sako 85 in 6.5x55 - should I?

If going with a short action then - as has been pointed out - the 6.5x47 gives the most flexibility for bullet seating. To provide some figures I load 140gr VLDs out to 71mm (70.6mm is just touching from 0.170" freebore) and Hybrids to 72mm if that helps, and that is already then at the limit of say a M700 short action mag even before any clearance is added. Increase the case length by going up to a CM or 260 and the bullet will likely have to be jumped or the rounds single-loaded. I think you'll find that the case head is std 0.473" / 12.01mm. And all this talk of the 6.5x47 only being good for the lighter bullets is of course utter nonsense.

@Bagheera I see a flaw in your info.....my 85 /S /260 is seated to mag length and its just over 2.900"

Originally Posted by Gibo

@Bagheera I see a flaw in your info.....my 85 /S /260 is seated to mag length and its just over 2.900"

yip I've had all 3 and the 260 get better speeds than a 47 and 55

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Originally Posted by Puffin

I think you'll find that the case head is std 0.473" / 12.01mm. And all this talk of the 6.5x47 only being good for the lighter bullets is of course utter nonsense.

Hmmm - I rechecked and you are correct, there was an initial diagram that I think I got from Accurate Shooter that showed it as .480 rim but for my own "update" I downloaded a new cartridge diagram and measured some unfired brass and it is indeed .473. I am now officially in that very large club of persons who have offered incorrect info on the internet!

The case capacity of the 6.5x47 is just slightly less than the Creedmoor but not enough to make much difference, and both the 6.5x47 and Creedmoor brass that I've struck has been very good quality and very tough, in a creedmoor in a modern rifle I've gotten more firings at max loads than with many older brass designs.

The 6.5x47l is designed to run a higher case pressure, this makes up a shortfall in case capacity, often overlooked.

Originally Posted by Timmay

The 6.5x47l is designed to run a higher case pressure, this makes up a shortfall in case capacity, often overlooked.

A point well made, and one of the reasons I went with the smaller case in the first place. However Lapua's recently released Creedmoor brass is non-standard with a small primer pocket to allow for comparable pressure limits to their own case. QuickLoad indicates there still won't be much between the two for equal higher peak pressure; about 60-70 ft/sec for a 3 grain increase of a given powder.

At 2860 ft/sec already with the 140 Hunting VLD from the 6.5x47, I'm not looking for more capacity myself. Long barrel though, and you'll need a drop tube.


@nak I think you will be very happy with the re-barrelled L579 in 6.5x47 with whatever finished length suits the hunting you are going to be doing.

I currently have 2 85 Sakos in 6.5x55
One doesn't get a lot of use but is a very good shooter the other a Finn gets used and is also a very good shooter, both are as the saying goes better than me.
I have never had a problem like those described above nak and on American internet forums and I have a rail on top of one of mine then the scope above that.

I also have no idea how anyone thinks they can better performance out of a shorter case when both are of equal brass and chambered in a modern action.

One needs to consider barrel length, pressure on brass and barrel life and what weight and length of pills you'll be using. The 'short action' 6.5's perform very well but you must consider all variables. For an out and out hunter the 260 and creedmore get my pick that's why I have and like 6.5x55 best now.


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Originally Posted by Gibo

@Bagheera I see a flaw in your info.....my 85 /S /260 is seated to mag length and its just over 2.900"

A FLAW in my info ?
Those were just specifications. Compared to actual measurements, they're not even wrong.
You are quite correct. The internal length of my sako 85 S magazine is 2.967".
In fact, I had to shorten my 7mm08 rounds to 2.775" to be able to eject a live cartridge.
My brass is 2.020" but its the full live round that limits useability for me.

I was just playing with the idea that, if for some reason you chose a sako 85 L action, then the 6.5x55 would give the most leeway to use long projectiles, seated well out, compared to say a 150gr .270 or a 200gr .3006. As people have been debating here, an apparently smaller, shorter case might paradoxically give better ballistics in a given action. To get the best out of a 260 or 7mm08 you might need a bit longer action. With a T3x lite in .260 of course, you're carrying an action long enough to take the 6.5x55 or even a 7mmRem Mag so why not go straight to that ?

All good Wolfgang

Thanks everyone for the response...a bit to consider in all that. Made a trip to the gunsmith today to have a look at the L579's suitability for a rebarrel and the discussion drifted towards going with a .260 rem instead of the x47L

In his view, in a 22in barrel hunting rifle ballistically there really isn't much in it. We also discussed the fact that brass, dies etc are significantly cheaper in 260 rather than 6.5x47. Also the 260 should feed and function flawlessly in my old 308 action, and given that I'd probably stick with 130 gr bullets or lighter COL shouldn't be an issue either.

So leaning towards a .260 again...and it will my nice to give my the old sako a new lease of life with a new barrel and a flash new fibreglass or carbon stock.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

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



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. .

Forgive if I'm wrong, it's late and I'm tired, but last time I looked at my '85 Sako 6.5 x 55 it had M for Medium length stamped on the side of the action.

L is for 7mmRM, 300WM, 375H&H ...........

B

Just be aware that Gunsmiths have been known to talk guys round to another caliber because they don't have the reamer in question - not getting at anyone but its human nature . . . . I always enquire as to what reamers they have on hand or are thinking of getting.

nah..it's all good. He had both reamers and had owned rifles in both cals as well. It was just a case of when we talked it through the 260 was going to fit the purpose and be cheaper to run.

So what happened to the 6.5x55? Has a mate still got it for sale??