SAKO 6.5 Creedmoor TRG Precision 136gr Scenar-L

[balarneystone]

Hello, new member here hoping some reloading guidance.
I live in the US and was able to try some SAKO TRG Precision with 136gr Scenar's in my new TIKKA CTR.
I have tried 6 different factory ammos, Multiple weight Hornady Match, as well as some others and this one was the best.
I think I may have got the last 4 boxes in the US. Looked everywhere.
I am thinking I may just get into reloading and wondering if anyone knows what SAKO was using for their Powder and Primers as well as any load data.
I took one apart and weighed the powder at 38.6 grains, just not sure what powder. I suspect they are using Vihtavuori, powder based on color and size. but not sure if its N555, N550, N160, etc.
Anyone with information to help me closely duplicate this load would be much appreciated.
Dan

 

[Jagged77]

Hi Dan, glad you managed to find a good factory load for your rifle. I’ve found sako factory extremely good in everything I’ve tried. If you check Sakos website they list reloading data, also check out vihtavori to try and figure out the closest match. I shoot sako blade 120gr 6.5cm and figure the closest match is N550 - yet to try it though.

I think my approach would be to use whatever primers and powder you can get hold of that is suitable for the job. I’m sure there will be a Hodgdon or Alliant powder that will be close. Looking at Hornadys reloading guide they list 18 different powders suitable for that weight of bullet! (Non of them Viht). Good luck and have fun reloading, it’s a great hobby in its own right.

 

[Demetrius]

FWIW, I use 136grain Scenars in my 6.5x47 with RS60 powder, which according to the RS data book has a similar burn rate to N550 & Alliant Reloader 17.

Excellent bullets...

D.

 

[sauer]

FWIW, I use 136grain Scenars in my 6.5x47 with RS60 powder, which according to the RS data book has a similar burn rate to N550 & Alliant Reloader 17.

Excellent bullets...

D.

Can I ask your powder charge weight for the 136 scenars ?
And what jump / off lands aee ypu seating ?

Cheers
Paul

 

[phildsmith69]

For my Tikka 6.5CM CTR I have had good results reloading 136 Scenar-L with 36gr N150

 

[Demetrius]

39 grains, 0.5mm jump, 71.0mm COL. Barrel is 750mm 8 twist Lothar, MV 859m/s.

Usual caveats apply.......if you try this combination, remember that what works in my rifle may be unsafe in yours.

D.

 

[Demetrius]

Also might be worth having a look at this:

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D.

 

[phaedra]

Try the standard Scenar 139's easier to find and cheaper!

I run 2 Creedmoors with them, (Tikka TAC-A1 and a Bergara BMP) same load (36gr N150) and both produce 5 shot groups about .3 - .32" between centers.

139's (for me) are very tolerant of seating depth, mine are at a COAL of 2.717" (Vhit load data), I've found no difference in group sizes moving them any closer to the lands.

 

[sauer]

Also might be worth having a look at this:

You are being redirected...

D.

Cheers for that

 

[Tarquin]

Dont discount the lapua 123gn scenars.

 

[Demetrius]

They're my second favourites.....with 2.5gms RS50 powder.

D

 

[balarneystone]

Thanks everyone for their input. I think everyone knows that great feeling when you have found the combination of components that your rifle loves. It's just so satisfying to know that the rifle can perform better than me, but when I'm on my game and shoot 1/2 MOA or better, its such a thrill.
I found some comparisons on YouTube (ultimate reloader) that compared H4350 to N555 and the powder from a disassembled round had the same characteristics of the N555, so that is a good starting point.
I also found that SAKO lists the MV on the box as 2822. Vihtavori reloading data for the Scenar-L 136g lists the maximum load of N555 @ 44.1 grains (compressed) at a velocity of 2822. Coincidence? I don't own a chronograph, but Ill start at the low end of the loading data of 40.1 grains and go from there, watching for pressure signs. Ill also have to take another look at my measurements of powder weight from a sacrificial round and compare again to powder options.
Lots of great results from H4350, N160 as well as many others out there also, so those are options as I work up some loads.
Likely just start with CCI 200 Primers and down the road look at BR2's. Almost impossible to really tell what SAKO is using there, but the color, anvil shape look like CCI.
I love building things and very mechanically inclined so I look forward to the reloading adventure, my wife, probably not so much
I can see this getting expensive. Starting with the 6.5, but also have a nice Savage .270, and a few .223 rifles that might love some reloads.
Now onto making the equipment list, reloading manual purchases.