optimum load for SAKO .308 85 ss

[adriandavidb]

Hi all

Don't want to reinvent the wheel here, so was wondering if anyone has done any load development on Sako .308 85ss (shorter barrelled version).

I intend to begin hand loading and any advice on bullet weights and powders/powder weights that work best with this rifle would be most welcome!

Not knocking 155 grain RWS, but I'm sure there are better options . . .

Thanks

A

 

[The tramp]

What you using it for ? 110gr vmax are great on foxes, but rubbish at 1000yds. 155 scenars are great at 1000yds but rubbish on quarry

 

[8x57]

You are asking a bit much Adrian, how can anyone suggest what will work in your rifle as every rifle is different. Sorry mate there are no shortcuts you will just have to experiment to find out what will work well in your particular rifle bearing in mind that there is no shortage of suitable loads for .308w and that the cartridge is almost a reloaders dream as regards info.

 

[adriandavidb]

You are asking a bit much Adrian, how can anyone suggest what will work in your rifle as every rifle is different. Sorry mate there are no shortcuts you will just have to experiment to find out what will work well in your particular rifle bearing in mind that there is no shortage of suitable loads for .308w and that the cartridge is almost a reloaders dream as regards info.[/QUOTE

Accepted, and thanks for the advice, but without wanting to seem ungrateful: is it not generally the case that certain rifle 'makes' and types in a given calibre favour certain charge weights and bullet weights/profiles?? I can't find any recommendations from sako unfortunately.

Of course if there is greater variation between individual rifles of the same calibre and type than between different types/makes in the same calibre, I bow to your superior knowledge. I fully expect to have to do some load dev here, but it but be useful to benefit from the experience of others in finding a ball-park datum point to start from.

Quarry is Red and fallow BTW

Thanks

Adrian

 

[adriandavidb]

I've just read my reply and think I probably have not been as clear as I could have been.

Of course to a greater or lesser extent, all rifles in a given calibre will favour different loads, but there is a reasonable expectation that that difference would be substantially smaller in the case of two rifles of the same make, type and calibre, (two apparently identical sako 85ss for example), than would be the case between two rifles of similar calibre from different manufacturers ( i.e. a .308 Sako 85ss and a Ruger Hawkeye .308 for example). But yes, no two rifles will ever be exactly the same . . .

Reasons are multitudinous : barrel length, twist, rifling, vibration harmonics; minor variation in chamber headspace etc. etc. The list is nearly endless.

I was just hoping for some advice on where best to start; the experience of other Sako 85 users might give me a useful starting point.

thanks

 

[The tramp]

Well, if it's any help, I find in every 308 I've tried it in, 150 nosler over 45gr vv n140 works well. Amax with the same load works very well too

Pete

 

[adriandavidb]

Thanks Pete; appreciated

Adrian

 

[8x57]

44gns of TR140 over a S&B primer with a 150 grn Pro-hunter shoots well out of my Sako 85 varmint. The same load with a SMK also shoots particularly well. I use mostly Lapua cases but have found using Privi Partizan cases give the same results.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Adrian

Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider too, including:

Your choice of brass and approach to brass preparation.
Your choice of target.
Your testing technique.
Your shooting ability.
Your cleaning regime.

Regards

JCS

 

[adriandavidb]

Thanks 8x57 & JCS