A few weeks ago I came across an amazing deal on a Sako 85 stainless with a fluted barrel in 6.5x55 Swede and grabbed it. I purchased a set of 30 mm Sako Optilock ringmounts (the ones that dont require the bases) and yesterday topped it with a Leica ER 2.5-10x42 with the IBS reticle.
Today I had a chance to get out to the range and sight it in. First, the scope is amazing! Clarity is spectacular, extended eye relief is very nice and the turrets are nice and crisp. I was concerned that the IBS reticle would be too busy for my eye but after a short amount of time I found I actually like it.
I loaded up 50 rounds of Hornady SST 140 gr with IMR 4831 - increasing the powder charge every 5 rounds, and seated them out until they are almost touching the lans. After sighting it in my first 5 shot group had 4 of the 5 touching and one flyer (due to me).
Recoil is minimal and the rifle shoots like a laser beam. I have always heard people talk about how much they liked their 6.5x55 Swede and now I know why.
Next will come some testing with different bullets and powder combos .... and then stretching out to 300 yards + to see what it can do. The only problem I foresee is that past 400 yards those little 6.5 mm holes will get hard to see.
Me and my Swede are going to spend a lot of quality dates at the range before hunting season. - Yup Im in love
