Sako S20 Hunter 6.5 PRC

[MCMXI]

There are plenty of reviews online for the Sako S20 Hunter and Precision models but I haven't seen much of anything for shooting results, load development, function etc. I have an S20 Hunter arriving today and plan on sharing real-world results and comparing this rifle to a custom Kimber 8400 Proof barreled 6.5 PRC that is proving to be an excellent rifle.

To get things rolling, the Sako S20 Hunter is $1,512 delivered. It's a lot harder to put a price on the Kimber since it's a custom rifle and I've done much of the work myself but it's probably at least a $3,500 rifle as it sits.

If you're interested in the Sako, there's a very good video made by Sako where a couple of project mananger/engineers talk about the development of the S20.

Complete Story of Sako S20 - YouTube

I started a thread about the S20 last year.

Sako S20 ... will this be a winner? | The High Road

 

[igotta40]

Not the Sako, but I have a 6.5 PRC. Mine is a JP Sauer 100 Ceratech. After I finally located some factory ammunition, I sighted the bore/scope at 25 yards then shot 4 three shot groups. The first two groups, I was unimpressed, then it started to tighten up. I’ve only fired 12 rounds so far, @ 100 yards, but it’s looking pretty good.

 

[MCMXI]

@igotta40, very nice! There are good options from Sauer with your 100, and the M18 from Mauser. In the $1,000 and up range there are even more options, but not many that have all the features I want.

I just received a call from UPS that the Sako has arrived and is ready to be picked up. I'm going to mount a scope today and will shoot some 147gr and possibly 143gr this afternoon, but certainly this weekend.

 

[Paul7]

Not the Sako, but I have a 6.5 PRC. Mine is a JP Sauer 100 Ceratech. After I finally located some factory ammunition, I sighted the bore/scope at 25 yards then shot 4 three shot groups. The first two groups, I was unimpressed, View attachment 972353 then it started to tighten up. I’ve only fired 12 rounds so far, @ 100 yards, but it’s looking pretty good.

Can't complain about #4.

 

[MCMXI]

@igotta40, did you happen to get any velocity data with those first four groups?

 

[MCMXI]

I watched a less than flattering video about the S20 this morning before I headed out to UPS to pick up my S20. This one was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor but it didn't look too good. Maybe if the reviewer had raised the adjustable cheekpiece while shooting he would have done better. Anyway ....

Sako "S20 Hunter" 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle (with accuracy testing) - YouTube

After unboxing the rifle I put it on my trusty kitchen scale and was suprised to see that it weighs 8lb 4oz which is only 12oz less than the Kimber in equivalent form. I haven't been able to find weight data on Sako's website but Eurooptic.com states 7.4lb.



Next up was to install a scope. I have a spare Vortex Viper PST in NF rings and it took all of two minutes to get it installed. I also screwed on an AREA419 Hellfire universal adapter and to be consistent I threaded on the Omega 300 with 6.5mm end cap.

 

[MCMXI]

By the way, the Hunter I received has the standard 24" fluted barrel with 18.5mm muzzle. I measured trigger pull five times and the average was 3lb 0oz with a very low SD so I left the trigger alone. So how does it shoot? Well, you be the judge.

It's cold today (~20F when I was shooting) so I didn't want to be out at the bench for too long. I bore sighted the scope and probably had the best first shot result ever. I shot factory Hornady 147gr ELD Match ammunition. Velocity for the 13 shots was all over the place with an average of 2,753 fps, an ES of 173 fps, and an SD of 46.9 fps!!! I marked the first four shots on the target below. I made a scope adjustment after shot #3 dialing right 0.3 milrad. After watching an F-Class shooter on YouTube talking about load development targets I decided to aim at the bottom of the top left diamond for the first 5-shot group. Shots #5 through #8 made me think that this rifle is going to be a shooter.



I didn't like using the bottom of the diamond as an aiming point so reverted to my usual center of diamond hold. This next 5-shot group amazed me.

 

[MCMXI]

The fit and finish of the S20 is outstanding. It's kind of heavy for what it is and heavier than I expected but it's a very soft shooting and easy to shoot rifle. The forened rolls around on the bag but it didn't seem to adversely affect my ability to shoot it well. The action is fantastic, and feeding/ejection is effortless. The single stage trigger is also excellent and something I'd only swap out for a two-stage (my preference). My only annoyance at the moment is having to remove the magazine and reload it in order to shoot a 5-shot group, but 7-round magazines are or will be available. Overall I'm really liking this rifle. I like thumb hole stocks so this model doesn't present a challenge for me. I think a S20 Precision forend is in my future along with a much lighter suppressor. The Omega weighs 15.15oz which isn't terrible but I'd like something around 10oz if possible. @Gtscotty has me looking in the right direction with a TBAC option.

I'll shoot some 143gr factory ammunition this weekend and see how this rifle does at 500 yards.

Here's a list of the salient features of the S20:

• Three lug bolt with short 60 degree bolt lift
• Push feed with Sako style extractor and bolt face plunger ejector
• Smooth bind-free action
• Locking bolt handle
• Three position safety
• Stainless steel action and barrel with Cerakote finish
• Hammer forged barrel
• Detachable double stack magazine (3 and 7-round available)
• Magazine internal length optimized for the reloader
• Adjustable comb height
• Adjustable length of pull
• Adjustable recoil pad position
• Adjustable trigger both in terms of pull weight and position (2-stage trigger available)
• Threaded muzzle 5/8-24
• QD cups on both sides of the stock
• Modular
• Adaptable (stock, trigger, barrel channel etc. can be swapped out)

 

[mshootnit]

Nice work! That 6.5 PRC round looks like a 270 WSM in profile. Certainly reminds me of it.

 

[MCMXI]

Yeah, the shoulder is different compared to the WSMs. I'm not sure if I'd ever use the S20 for hunting but it's very early days. I'm going to brave the cold since it's warmed up to 32F and go shoot some 143gr ELD-X groups. Maybe even take a few shots at the 500 yard target. I'll report back.

 

[rayatphonix]

That last group may do some serious damage to my wallet. Very nice review

 

[igotta40]

@igotta40, did you happen to get any velocity data with those first four groups?

Ni sir, I left my chronograph at home.

 

[igotta40]

That’s a great review, great shooting! You’re probably feeling Less recoil than I am, given the weight you listed. My Sauer kicks about like a 270 Winchester, and jumps up off the bags. I may add a clamp on muzzle brake, like I did with my 300 WinMag.

 

[MCMXI]

I shot seven rounds of Hornady 143gr ELD-X at the 500 yard target. First five shots look to be around 0.5 moa but shot #6 went right and #7 went high. Shooter error, load error or a combination of both, I'm not sure. The 143gr ELD-X shoots about the same as it does in the Kimber, not terrible, not great but certainly good enough for many hunting scenarios. Overall I'm impressed with this rifle and look forward to working up a load for it once the Redding dies show up.

No excuses here but from day one the target has been partially obscured by some fir tree branches and was for the group below. That's no longer an issue so I can now see the entire plate from my shooting position vs. 50% of it.

I'm going to clean the rifle tomorrow to see if there's much copper in the bore and then maybe I'll check zero at 100 yards with 147gr ELD Match followed by one shot on steel at 200, 400, 500 and 700 yards to see how it does. Then I'll leave it alone until I can work up a load for it.

 

[MCMXI]

That’s a great review, great shooting! You’re probably feeling Less recoil than I am, given the weight you listed. My Sauer kicks about like a 270 Winchester, and jumps up off the bags. I may add a clamp on muzzle brake, like I did with my 300 WinMag.

I'm shooting suppressed which helps, and the 8lb 4oz of rifle helps too. It's a pussy cat to shoot though and the pistol grip is very comfortable for me so I could shoot it all day long. I'll try to order the optional thumb rest for it plus more magazines. I was able to see my hits on the plate at 500 yards so that gives you some idea of how tame it is. This rifle is definitely a keeper even if I never take it hunting.

 

[MCMXI]

It's been a challenge finding any official data re the weights of the S20 models so I sent an email to Stoeger Canada since they're a Sako dealer. Here's the response I received. I added the weights in pounds for completeness but don't know if the weights listed are the heaviest, lightest or average for each model. It shouldn't be this hard to get accurate weight data but it's a common problem with firearms companies that either don't publish weights, or publish the wrong weights, or make it inordinately difficult (Sako) to find the information.

S20 Hunter 24” BBL = 4kg (8.82 lb)
S20 Precision 24” BBL = 4.2kg (9.26 lb)
S20 Hunter 20” BBL = 3.6kg (7.94 lb)
S20 Precision 20” BBL = 3.8kg (8.38 lb)

 

[igotta40]

Next time I have my Sauer out of the safe, I’ll put it on the scale. Of course that weight will include the optic, etc.

 

[LoonWulf]

It's been a challenge finding any official data re the weights of the S20 models so I sent an email to Stoeger Canada since they're a Sako dealer. Here's the response I received. I added the weights in pounds for completeness but don't know if the weights listed are the heaviest, lightest or average for each model. It shouldn't be this hard to get accurate weight data but it's a common problem with firearms companies that either don't publish weights, or publish the wrong weights, or make it inordinately difficult (Sako) to find the information.

S20 Hunter 24” BBL = 4kg (8.82 lb)
S20 Precision 24” BBL = 4.2kg (9.26 lb)
S20 Hunter 20” BBL = 3.6kg (7.94 lb)
S20 Precision 20” BBL = 3.8kg (8.38 lb)

Definitely run towards the heavy side for a hunting gun, but still not too bad. Most of my guns run 10-12lbs scoped, and these would be right in there.

 

[Sniper66]

Good dialogue about this rifle. I, too, prefer a bit more weight in my rifles. Having a lifelong tremor, lighter rifles give me fits. You're right that weights should be easier to get. When I'm following auctions on GB, I frequently have to ask the seller for the weight and many of them do not know.
Sounds liker you have a winner!

 

[MCMXI]

I've done some more digging into this and the configurator seems to be spitting out the weight for the lightest version. For example, Hunters in 6.5 PRC and .300 Win with 24" barrels are shown as 3.7 kg (8.157 lb). If I calculate the difference between a .308 cal and .264 cal barrel and add the weight to the 8.157 lb I get 8lb 4.7oz which closely agrees with the weight of my rifle. Using the same method for the Precision model, a 6.5 PRC works out to be 8lb 11.7oz. So the numbers above are probably for the heavy non-fluted barrel models with 20mm muzzles.

Sako S20 - Create your own Sako S20 rifle, exactly how you want it

 

[MCMXI]

Good dialogue about this rifle. I, too, prefer a bit more weight in my rifles. Having a lifelong tremor, lighter rifles give me fits. You're right that weights should be easier to get. When I'm following auctions on GB, I frequently have to ask the seller for the weight and many of them do not know.
Sounds liker you have a winner!

I like this rifle a lot and will be better able to compare it to the Kimber once the Redding dies show up. I will say that it would be awesome if the S20 had a Proof barrel for aesthetics if nothing else, but that would almost definitely add weight. I still haven't figured out what role these two 6.5 PRCs will fill, and perhaps they'll just be fun toys and nothing more. I'm fairly sure that I won't work up the same type of load for both. I'm thinking 142gr ABLR for the Kimber and 127gr LRX for the S20.

 

[Sniper66]

Fun to experiment, eh? Thanks to your tip on VV powder, I loaded some .223 loads for varmints, mostly prairie dogs, with Nosler 50gr Varmint tips. Shot 3-shot group of .25" and another .40" with my Rem 700 VSF. Best groups I've ever shot with that rifle. Now working up loads for my Kimber 84M .204. I haven't jumped into longer ranges like you, but am trying to get bullets for my Savage 6.5CM. The bullets I found is not what I want, so I have a long way to go. Your rifles would be a joy to shoot. There are so many rifles I want,. buyt like the sayong. goes, I have a champagne appetite and a beer budget. Thanks for sharing the info.

 

[MCMXI]

@Sniper66, is that the N530 I mentioned ordering? Great to hear that you're getting good results. I'm a fan of VV powder.

 

[Sniper66]

Yes, N530...good stuff. They didn't have other powder I would have ordered, but bought 10 lbs of N530, so will be good for awhile.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I like this rifle a lot and will be better able to compare it to the Kimber once the Redding dies show up. I will say that it would be awesome if the S20 had a Proof barrel for aesthetics if nothing else, but that would almost definitely add weight. I still haven't figured out what role these two 6.5 PRCs will fill, and perhaps they'll just be fun toys and nothing more. I'm fairly sure that I won't work up the same type of load for both. I'm thinking 142gr ABLR for the Kimber and 127gr LRX for the S20.

Good god man...

Where are you finding components, ammunition, dies and rifle in stock to buy nowadays? You are truly a magician.