Sako Issues....

[BKMFR]

I have a new Sako 85L FinnLight in 7mm Rem Mag. Have tried many different loads.... factory, Sako factory, many different handloads....bullet weights from 139, 154, 170.....
Groups 1.5-3"  very disappointing, plan on sending it back... but would like to make it work... has anyone else had similar issues, any ideas???
Thanks!

[jay.sharkbait]

Have you checked the bedding, bases and rings?

[carpsniperg2]

Check your rings and bases first.

Your twist rate is 9.5". So more then likely it's not going to like anything for lighter bullets. I would say 150+ I have had the best luck with 168's in the 7mm's.

[BKMFR]

Bases rings, all nice and tight....

[buckfvr]

What rings and bases ??  With a 7mm, I would be sure and use a steel rail and high end rings......like Warne.  Make sure and use an inch pound torque driver and torque bases and rings ( and some blue loctite )..........action should also be torqued.

My 7mm is 9.25 twist and loves 154gr SSTs........

[BKMFR]

Leupold rings. Gun will sometimes put two touching then a flyer 2" out, but nothing consistent maybe second shot the flyer, maybe the third....
Wondering if the amount of flex in the stock is a issue.... I know Ruger had a lot of issues with Hogue stocks....

[buckfvr]

Is the barrel free floated ??  Are you letting the barrel cool between shots ?

[BKMFR]

Barrel is free floated, back real close to action,  have shot three shots from a cold barrel, three shots in succession, dang near everything...

[buckfvr]

How many shots since scope was mounted and was it torqued with loctite ?  Just trying to help......Ive had similar issues in the past with different guns and it usually ends up being rings and or bases............

[BKMFR]

Just seems odd to me that I can get two touching and always have a flyer... thought it would be a bedding problem but all seems ok?

[buckfvr]

Does the owners manual or web page spec a torque value for the action screws ? 

[Griiz]

Just seems odd to me that I can get two touching and always have a flyer... thought it would be a bedding problem but all seems ok?

I have a browning 25-06 that shoots like that unless I shoot Barnes through it and I have spent a lot of time playing with loads, powders, and seating depth. I do push the velocity limits with it though. It always shoots the Barnes great,5/8 inch 3 shot groups and 1.5-2 the best with other loads.

[BKMFR]

Thanks for all the input guys...

[ROCKWHEELER]

If bases, mounts, and action a torqued to spec try shooting one shot let barrel cool and repeat. My Montana in 30-06 does the same thing but it will do under an inch if I do that.

[Alchase]

Your Sako should have come with a a five shot group with load information and who the shooter was.

I would be checking rings and bases.