Gents, what kind of accuracy are you guys getting with your SAKO 85 with 1 in 8 twist and the heavy 156gr- 160gr bullets? I really want a Swede and I want the SAKO but apparently it is designed to stabilize 140gr bullets? Curious if it handles the heavy bullets very well or will I have to rebarrel with the traditional 1 in 7.5 twist?
Thanks in advance.

A finish rifle has of cause no problem with shooting heavy 156-160gr bullets as they are needed to make the 6,5*55 suited/legal for mooose and bear in the nordic countries. As long as you talks about ordinary roundnose or semi pointed hunting bullets.

Vihtavuori test barrel 8,5 twist.

http://www.lapua.com/en/produc...g-data/relodata/5/56

Hard to get those bullet weights in the USA.
Peter.

You should have no problems with those bullets as long as they are not extremely long, when using a Sako I think.

I have a old Tikka M65 in 6.5x55 and it shoots Lapua 155 grains Mega factory loads very well.

It shoots sub 1" 5 shot groups at 100 meters with that ammo.

Thanks Gents. Nordic2 I plan on using ONLY heavy bullets in the SAKO so was hoping to find out if sub 1 inch groups are possible with this twist? Maybe an AR member can post some pics or tell us how his/her SAKO 85 SWEDE shoots with the heavies? When I do switch to a lighter bullet for speed I plan on using GS CUSTOM HVHP bullets. For smaller plains game. Thanks

Sub inch are possible but not garantied you need a custom rifle for what. Those heavy bullets are used mostly for biggame (20-400kg) up to ~200m 1-2moa are good for that kind of use. If you use a stout 120-140gr bullet you are suited for most medium game situations and have good trajectory and chance of precission. A heavy 156gr bullet do less damage on smallgame and you dont have to sight in for change of ammo.

I own a Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 Swede...It's very best accuracy comes with the 156gr. Oryx factory loading...i am about to begin handloading to push the same bullet about 100fps. faster in my rifle and maintain hopefully the same accuracy...the factory loads give about 2460-2510 from the Tikka 22.3" barrel...I have no doubt that that is plenty to 200yds...but i'll try to take it to 275yds.....regards....bearit....

I had a Sako Hunter and a Winchester N 70 push feed in this great caliber. they both shot very well and Hornady 160gr RN were very accurate.

I used VV N160 for 2550 fps and 1" accuracy at 100 meters. IMR 4831 also gave great results.

Heck, just find a Swedish Mauser and drill&tap it for mounts. I had both carbine and musket length and they both stabilized the 160gr roundnose perfectly. Shot pretty damn good groups too. 1" regularly at 200yds.

I'll admit I do like the ultra smooth SAKO actions though.

Thanks dewhenrytnt but a man must own atleast one SAKO in his life! If I find a military rifle I WILL buy it.
Regards