Sako 85 xs .223. Best factory ammo?

[Dan🦊]

Good morning all.

I have recently bought a brand new sako 85. Xs .223. The rate of twist is 1-12.
I’m looking for everyone else’s experience with these rifles as to what ammunition you’re using through it? I don’t home load and never have, so it’s factory ammunition recommendations I’m looking for please.

Before purchasing my new 223 I had a sako 75 .243 which I used federal ammo. Federal is a make of ammo I trust after years of use and wondered weather any of you’re sako 85 223s take federal well?

Many thanks for your help

 

[Gary123]

I find my 85 in 243 likes Hornaday

 

[springbok787]

Sako .223 55gr for a Sako rifle would seem like a smart place to start. I have a part box you can have for free if you are passing my way and want to try.

 

[antsa]

Can't help you much as I'm sort of too far away, but for what it's worth....You need to buy a selection of factory ammo and give them a run. I have two Sako 85 XS's in .223, a Varmint and a Sporter both in 1:12" twist. I handload for the Varmint and use mostly a factory in the Sporter. This is a domestic product with a Sierra BlitzKing 55gr projectile. Groups nicely at around 0.25 - 0.30 MOA off the bipod and bench. I use this round predominantly for culling kangaroos under the spotlight (with a side-dish of foxes).

Cheers

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Has any RFD split up factory rounds and sold them in 5s in a 20 pack ie four different make in one 20 pack for testing what works in different rifles. It would be cheaper than buying 80 and wasting 60 even with the RFDs markup.

 

[Olrob]

I've been using norma 40g vmaxs, shoot well with good effect on foxes I've found.

 

[Len the dog]

Has any RFD split up factory rounds and sold them in 5s in a 20 pack ie four different make in one 20 pack for testing what works in different rifles. It would be cheaper than buying 80 and wasting 60 even with the RFDs markup.

A bit like a 10 penny mix that you used to get from the sweet shop?

 

[Len the dog]

The Sako has the same barrel as a Tikka, mine loves Norma Vmax, a close second would be Hornady and Sako. Even PPU perform excellently.
It doesn’t seem to like 55grn Federal SP but does like the same in a 40gr Vmax.

 

[DVS1]

I used Norma 50gr VMax prior to reloading, very consistent and well made round. Did .5" quite easily

 

[Pellet Pinger]

Give 53gn Hornady Superperformance a whirl, my .223 Tikka 1 in 12 loves them.

 

[mathieson]

I’ve found the rws 55gr work best in my sako I see your in wiltshire if you’re in reading at any time I’m sure I could sort you a few rounds to test with