My new Sako is a keeper

[elkhunter11]

After three days of load testing,my new Sako Varmint Stainless Laminate in 223 has proven to be quite accurate.I have tested the 50gr v-max,68gr Hornady Match,and 69gr Matchking,with n-133,Benchmark,and Varget,and so far the most accurate is the 50gr v-max in front of n-133.Initial testing with three shot groups,resulted in groups averaging under .400",with some under .25".This morning,I shot five shot groups,and despite the 5 degree temperature,rain and sleet falling,and the wind gusting from 20kph to 35kph,my last two groups measured .460".The first group measured .400" without the fouling shot,and .590" including the fouling shot.Given the ugly conditions this morning,this gun has the potential to do much better under more suitable conditions.For now, it's time to stock up 50gr v-max bullets,and n-133.

[greylynx]

Oh Oh:
Another Sako is out of the box , and the guy knows how to use it.

Poor Vermin and Varmints.

Happy Shooting

[elkhunter11]

I have been developing loads for my new Sako Varmint Stainless Laminate in .223 for the past few days,and I have made some discoveries that potential buyers should know.The main one is that the maximum overall cartridge length that will fit the magazine and eject unfired loads,is 2.260".The 50gr v-max is at the lands at 2.260" so it functions fine and shoots best in my gun at 2.250".The 55gr ballistic tip,68gr hornady match,and the 69gr matchking,don't touch the lands until past 3.300",so if you seat them at all near the lands,they won't fit the mag or cycle properly.My rifle has the 1 in 8" twist,and it shoots five of the v-max bullets into under 1/2",so I am a happy camper.However,if you intend to shoot the longer bullets,be prepared to seat them well off of the lands,or use the rifle as a single shot.Interestingly,I have not been able to get the longer match bullets to shoot as good as the v-max in my rifle,no matter what overall length I try,which is strange considering the twist rate.It's a nice gun,but the 1 in 8" twist model,should have been built on the short action,instead of the extra short action,to allow the longer bullets to function properly,and fit the magazine.

[catnthehat]

I was shooting skeet today, and can attest to those horrible conditions!
I also saw Elkhunter11's targets and they ARE impressive!
Cat

[crawfy]

Elkhunter 11 my new accumark 257 weatherby with trijicon scope she's a keeper too.

[elkhunter11]

Elkhunter 11 my new accumark 257 weatherby with trijicon scope she's a keeper too.

What kind of groups are you getting?