I have a L579 Sako in .243 that my dad bought in 1955 from sears-Roebuck, so far 3 generations have killed their first deer with it however it is in need of a new barrel and I would like to re-do it in 6.5/55. is this doable? Thanks Bill

My guess would be no: too long a cartridge, but 6.5x47 Lapua or .260 Remington would be fine.

I'm not sure if it will work without mods. The Swede case is only 4 mm longer. Your best bet is to go with the .260 Rem for a sure thing. What makes you say it needs a new barrel? Many older guns end up with copper fouling or a worn muzzle which are easily fixed.

The J.C Higgins barrel would be suspect to me but I will give it a good cleaning and try to zero it again, good point. The real deal is, I have several .243-6mm and don't have a 6.5 and really want one. I'll look into .260 Rem, Thanks , Bill

Do a 260 Remington or a 6.5-284....the 6.5x55 Swede is too long for the medium Sako action.

I love the Sako actions and I've owned about 20 of them..all sizes and models...

The L579 was introduced in 1960...the L57 was introduced in 1957..not sure what you have there but it wasn't bought in '55...

Now that i think on it 1957-8 was probably the bright time frame, I remember they had just came out in the fall catalog. I love it too slick as owl s**t

7mm-08, perhaps?

There is precious little room to make the mag well longer up front and the rear is about as bad. Stick with a .260 or 7-08. The 6.5x55 simply will not fit.

Thanks guys, I guess that means I'll have to use the VZ-24 I've been saving for the Swede.

Bill, the 6.5x55 is too long for that action. Sako uses the AV/L61R action for that round. The 260 will work great in your action. I have an AII that wears a Hart 260 barrel. You won't be disappointed. Lou