Sako 6.5x55 (Almost) RTG!

[ExAgoradzo]

So, I have an old Japanese Tasco 6-18x40 on it. The glass is clear but I don't know how well it will sight in yet. If it works it may last a while. Someday I'll get a Nikon or a Leupold on it, but for now...

This is a gun that has been 2 years in the waiting. I ordered it at the beginning of December and am only just now ready to actually fire it. I had problem after problem getting mounts, rings, the gun itself...my goodness this was a hassle!

I only have one box of ammo (read that: still can't hunt with it because it isn't 'copper' for our dear CA Condors that live 80 miles south or 200 miles north!!!). I have some boutique all copper loads coming soon.

I bought this thanks to THR. I did a lot of research and what I wanted was:
1. A light kicking gun that I can shoot till I'm 80.
2. Something that will nevertheless take some venison or pork.
3. Something 'odd' without going wildcat.
4. This has the bonus of being historical as well.
5. Someday, I want to get into shooting long range.

This does all of those (so, I'm told: next Sat I'll get to the range!). (Runner's up included the 257 Roberts--still would love one, and the 7x57--that is still on a list that may take a while to get...)

Swede is definitely on the list before those though!

Thanks for reading/commenting!
Greg

 

[sdj]

ExAgoradzo,

Got the same rifle on my short list! Looking forward to hearing about the range report, and many thanks for the pics. Great looking rifle!

Safe shooting.

 

[viking499]

That is nice. I have looked at them. But, I can only afford the poor mans Sako, a Tikka T3.

 

[squarepants33889]

Nice iron! Looks like its ready for a walk in the country. Any idea how much it weighs with rings and a scope?
I hope to add one of those to my collection one day.

Is there any weight difference between the finnlight stock and the plain synthetic stock?

 

[4season]

Is that the Finnlight? Does it have the set trigger? Always wanted one of those but never found one in stores to fondle for myself.

 

[Hokkmike]

I have shot the Finnlight in 6.5x55 for years. The 6.5x55 in other guns for MANY years. As close to ideal as you can get.

 

[viking499]

Right now, I only have 3 6.5x55 rifles. Those pics are whispering #4..........#4...........

 

[Kachok]

NICE!!

 

[viking499]

NICE!!

And that comes from the 6.5 King.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Not a 'set' trigger. IDK re: the stock.
It is a Finnlight.
The story on me buying this is a little funny:
I ordered a CZ and was very excited re: the wood stock (I had said 'I don't want a 'plastic stock' until I get my M1A'). But I quickly learned that the twist rate was too slow to shoot the longer bullets and since one of my main points in this rifle is someday to engage those 600 yard gongs up north of here, I didn't want to give that up. At the cost of serious ire from my wife I had to change the order before they sent the gun and the 'only' choice I had was this (or the Bavarian for almost 5 bills more...not really a choice). I definitely over extended my budget and I am paying for it now: but like I said, I want this gun for 40 years. My youngest has his eyes on it. I'm now trying to get my pistol buddy to go to my range next Sat and we can throw some lead down range with the 1911s and this.
Back to the stock. OMGoodness!!! I am in love with this stock! It fits, it handles very well in terms of no slipping. I am absolutely confident that I can carry this in all weather. I was not looking for the fluted barrel, but from comments I got from my one other friend who fondled this (my wife swore me to secrecy among my larger group of friends: I only have a couple I go hunting with) the fluted barrel should be great when I do try the longer shots.
I really can't say too much about it: now I just need to prove it ASAP. I may try to get off work early one day this week. I have a membership at our Base range that I can go any time sunrise-sunset 365 (as long as they are not in a 'launch window'). So, there are benefits of having a Uncle Sam!
I have some copper bullets on order from a friend who is loading them. I now own a set of dies, but I am in school until next year and then I'll get set up to load my own...
Thanks for the comments,
Greg

 

[stubbicatt]

Very nice rifle, nice choice of chamberings.

Let us know how she groups.

 

[6.5swede]

Congrats on a nice rifle/combo! I think you'll really enjoy it.

 

[CB900F]

ExAgo;

I wouldn't get too concerned about the Tasco. The Japanese ones were actually pretty good glass & well built according to the vast majority of reports. Though I've never had one myself. The 6.5 is not a heavy hitter, you should be fine. I've got a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10X with the #43 reticle on my 6.5 & it works very well with the cartridge. It sits in Talley rings.

Given that you've got a modern action, something in the 2700 - 2750 fps range is certainly possible when reloading using 140 gr bullets. There are reports of getting well beyond that velocity-wise, but that's territory that you most assuredly work up to, and I don't feel the need to myself. I'm using the Sierra 140 gr Gameking, Winchester brass, CCI Primers and Ramshot Magnum powder, 52.6 grains. This is a load beyond book maximum and you don't want to start there. However, most factory ammo and book data is predicated on the 19th century actions. Your Sako action is certainly strong enough to tiptoe beyond book - carefully young grasshopper, carefully.

Mine's a custom gun, with a Lilja barrel, but your Sako should easily be able of excellent accuracy. I'd be surprised if it didn't shoot well under MOA given good load development. The absolute best mine's done with a three-shot 100 yard group is .261", but it consistently shoots under .500".

900F

 

[gunner69]

Way back when my son turned 16 I bought him a Swed Model 38 Sporter 6.5x55 Mauser that has "cock on opening." The rifle will group under an inch most days. Best group was a tite cluster of five. He has killed several deer and a hog with the rifle over the years.

Way back I bought a Remington 700 the year it was offered in 6.5x55. Gun would not shoot under 2 1/2 inches at 100. It became a safe queen for five years. I had one guy in our gun club that used to go to South Dakota to shoot prairie dogs. He let me shoot his 6.5x284 at the club range. He also used this gun in 1,000 yard matches. I had my 700 converted to 6.5x284 and the conversion did the trick. It shoot better than 1" at 100 yards. Several deer have made the trip to Valhala from that rifle.

Three years ago I got a deal on a Model 38 Sporter Mauser so I bought it. Damned if that gun doesn't shoot under an inch at 100 too! I enjoy shooting the 6.5x55 because there is so little recoil for the performance you get. When the stand is less than 300 yards I use the Swed in 6.5x55. The reason the 6.5x55 is so popular in Europe is because the rifle is usually lite, the recoil is light, and bullet performance is more than one would expect. Enjoy that rifle and save up for a Leopold or better scope. Optics will "milk" the optimum performance for you.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Thanks guys,
Thanks for the recipe! I know how to walk slowly!
I hope you're right about the Tasco. I've heard the same thing about the Japanese variety: I'm hopeful that this will be a winner. If not, I will save my money for a great scope.
I found out today that I'm going to be right next to the range tomorrow morning: oh how I wish I could bring her with me .
In a few years, I plan on being the guy along with several of you that people call a 6.5 guy. My expectations are high!
Thanks again guys,
Greg

 

[CB900F]

Gunner69;

I do believe that the year Remmie offered the 700 Classic in 6.5 Swede was 1994.

900F

 

[ExAgoradzo]

BTW: Viking, I love guys like you. I want to show my wife your post of wanting #4 so I can help her understand why I need more guns...For example: I don't own a single magnum caliber...Isn't that shameful for a THR member...don't you think I owe it to our group to own a 338 WM or at least a 7mmRM?

Greg

 

[viking499]

I have/had a 7mm mag, but gave it to my son because he wanted it and it was my first centerfire rifle. Great for deer and a hoot on groundhogs at 300 yards. But, I am just getting to old for that.....at least with that caliber........

In return for my 7 mag, I got my sons Howa 6.5x55. Good gun, but prefer Tikka # 2 I got to replace the Howa.

 

[CB900F]

ExAgo;

I have a .338WM, on a Tikka platform. Wonderful gun.

900F