6.5CM Sako Blade 120gr - duplicate factory loads

[Jagged77]

I now have to shoot factory copper on certain permissions and being someone who likes to get out, shoot groups and check zero, it’s going to get expensive fast. The idea being to duplicate the factory at a lower cost with Lapua brass to allow practice and use when non factory is permissible.

I’ve got some bullets on the way to reload but wondered if anyone has tried to do something similar and has first hand experience on what powders work. Viht is usually my powder of choice and N150 looks to be in a suitable range, also have RS60 (well Elcho 17) to hand as well as some H4350. I’ve had a play around with Gordon’s RT and I’m sure with the above will get close but interested to hear if anyone has already tried something similar.

From the box:
6,5 Creedmoor 7,8g/120gr BC G1 0,348
Sako Blade vo 875m/s / 2870fps; E100 2425) / 1822ft-lb

 

[Brian243]

If you look online at the 2025 Vihtavouri reloading tables there is load data for the 6.5 CM and the 120 Blade bullet with five Viht powders three of which should get you close to the velocity you are wanting.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Have you chronographed the factory ammo? That same factory load averages just 2700fps from my rifle, so you need to know what you're aiming for (if you'll pardon the pun) and what the handloads are doing.

If it was me, I'd probably just load up something that shoots nicely and make a note of the required scope adjustments between my load and the factory load for times when you have to use factory.

Having looked at loading the 120gr Sako myself, all the Sako-provided data is for viht powders and the other Powder-makers I've checked don't have data for the
Sako bullet.

 

[Donkey Basher]

Have you chronographed the factory ammo? That same factory load averages just 2700fps from my rifle, so you need to know what you're aiming for (if you'll pardon the pun) and what the handloads are doing.

If it was me, I'd probably just load up something that shoots nicely and make a note of the required scope adjustments between my load and the factory load for times when you have to use factory.

Having looked at loading the 120gr Sako myself, all the Sako-provided data is for viht powders and the other Powder-makers I've checked don't have data for the
Sako bullet.

Do you have the Sako data? - I can’t find the bullet anywhere… seems the Sako bullet data on QL hasn’t been updated for a loooong time!

I’ve got some 120gn Powerhead Blade bullets to load in my 6.5x47 when I can ei5er find the data or sit down & do some measuring myself. As I use N140 for all my other 6.5x47 loads from 120gn Pro hunters to 142gn SMKs I’ll be using that for the Sako bullets too.

 

[Jagged77]

Thanks all, didn’t catch the Sako load data or think to check for it!

Looks like N550 is the closest looking at the published velocities, will see if I can get hold of a small tub to try.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Do you have the Sako data? - I can’t find the bullet anywhere… seems the Sako bullet data on QL hasn’t been updated for a loooong time!

I’ve got some 120gn Powerhead Blade bullets to load in my 6.5x47 when I can ei5er find the data or sit down & do some measuring myself. As I use N140 for all my other 6.5x47 loads from 120gn Pro hunters to 142gn SMKs I’ll be using that for the Sako bullets too.

I think there was only data for creedmoor and 6.5x55, sorry

 

[Donkey Basher]

I think there was only data for creedmoor and 6.5x55, sorry

Thanks - just the online reloading data then & not the bullet data Looks like I’ll be getting the calipers out then… really annoying that Sako are happy to sell the bullet for reloading but don’t put the bullet data out there for reloaders to use