My new Sako is a keeper

elkhunter11 · #1 05-23-2010, 02:36 PM

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 · #2 05-23-2010, 04:32 PM

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

Poor Vermin and Varmints.

Happy Shooting

elkhunter11 · #3 05-23-2010, 05:17 PM

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 · #4 05-23-2010, 05:41 PM

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

Cat

crawfy · #5 05-23-2010, 08:19 PM

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

elkhunter11 · #6 05-23-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

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

What kind of groups are you getting?

Deer Hunter · #7 05-23-2010, 09:36 PM

Nice.
What kind of velocities were you getting? My 7 mag sako is super accurate too yet has a slow barrel.

Why wouldnt you have gone with the 22-250?

elkhunter11 · #8 05-23-2010, 09:41 PM

I didn't chronograph the loads yet,the conditions were far too harsh to set up a chronograph this morning.I chose the 223 over the 22-250,because the gun will do more target shooting than varminting,and the .223 offers a significantly longer barrel life than a 22-250.

crawfy · #9 05-24-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

What kind of groups are you getting?

Choose to go with the 80 grn ttxs and at 100 yards groups were under an inch did not get to shoot at 200 as it was not in service but out at 300 they were grouping good at around 2 inches. I am going to do some more testing with 100 grn bullets maybe next week. They Trijicon scope is different as it is the post with red triangle and not the normal cross hair, but the optics are really crisp and clear.

elkhunter11 · #10 05-24-2010, 01:35 PM

The conditions were better today and so were my groups.Below is my best 5 shot group with the rifle.It's now averaging 3/8" with the 50gr v-max.

whitetail Junkie · #11 05-24-2010, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

The conditions were better today and so were my groups.Below is my best 5 shot group with the rifle.

Thats exceptional!!! Cant beat the sako's or cooper's for there accuracy,no arrgument's there!

leo · #12 05-24-2010, 07:14 PM

Congrat's on the new rifle. Damn fine shootin EH 11

switchsl · #13 05-24-2010, 11:21 PM

Glad you like the new toy, let me know when you want to sell it

JEHL75 · #14 05-25-2010, 09:58 PM

I have to agree. I have Sako A7 in 30-06 and the accuracy is super impressive. Without the limbsaver pad the recoil would be even more impressive. Im shooting Barnes 180 tsxt with 53gr IMR 4831. Nice light rifle for bush hunting...
James