Thread: Sako 85 in 6.5x55 - should I?

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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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.

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??

Originally Posted by Kudu

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

I was thinking same thing

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Originally Posted by buzzman

I was thinking same thing

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No good for you.....its not 7mm.....

Originally Posted by Kudu

No good for you.....its not 7mm.....

lol I'm 6.5 now

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Dale has a 260

Originally Posted by Gibo

Dale has a 260

me to lol

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Originally Posted by buzzman

me to lol

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But what will it be next week?

Originally Posted by gadgetman

But what will it be next week?

a sako

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