Sako L461 Vixen & AI in 223 REM

O

Omenator

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I've been keeping an eye out for either a Sako L461 Vixen or Sako AI in 223 REM for a couple of years and have yet to see any in Canada. I've seen lots of these (L461 especially) in 222 REM around. I know they also came in 222 REM MAG, but those seem as scarce as the 223 REM.
I'm looking for a low shooting cost varmint and practice rifle and already have tons of 223 REM brass and ammo.

What I'm wondering is if it's feasible to get one in 222 REM and re-chamber to 223 REM? I am also wondering if the magazine and feedrail geometry is common between the three cartridges (222 REM, 223 REM, 222 REM MAG) Sako chambered these rifles in?

As for suggestions about different rifles, the only other one I'm looking for is the Howa Mini, but those don't seem to have made it into Canada.
 
It is feasible to re chamber a .222 Rem to .223 Rem but I would never to that to any .222 Rem of mine. The .222 Rem is so easy to get it to shoot well and it will out shoot a .223 Rem if all other things are equal.
 
They can be rechambered from .222 to .223 very easily. The rate of twist of the barrel is usually the limiting factor when doing the rechamber. Most .222s use a 1 in 12 twist that doesn't stabilize bullets heavier than 55grs well. Tradex has a couple of Sakos in .222 for very reasonable prices.
 
The ones at Tradex were the ones I was looking at, but I'm not in a hurry and would really like a Sako A1 or late L461 with the stubby extractor.
The 1 in 12" twist is fine as most my shooting is 250 yrds and under so using the lighter bullets isn't a problem.

Is it a simple reaming from 222 REM to 223 REM or does the barrel need to be set back a turn? Any ballpark estimates on the cost?
 
Instead of rechambering, just buy 222 dies and size your 223 brass down in a single stroke. Then you would own and be shooting a very sweet little rifle in one of the best .224 caliber cartridges.
 
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For some reason I thought the brass base diameter was different, looks like you're right and I could just size down the 223 REM to 222 REM. This wouldn't be ideal, but would work for awhile.
 
The rim diameter is the same. I looked at getting a .222 break action chambered in .223 and was quoted $60, a bolt action may be a different procedure. The only downside is if you also own a .223 you may confuse the two rounds with the same headstamp.
 
Some of us think the .222 rem is the superior cartridge. I have 4 of them and no .223's. I would never alter a nice vintage Sako. Suggest you alter your .223 cases instead. Also, just FYI most .222's are 1:14 twist, not 1:12 as previously stated. My Sako L461 is 1:14. I can shoot the Sierra 63 gr. semi spitzers accurately at 100 yards, but I haven't tried further tests.
 
Yeah, if you don't have a .222, buy one and load for it using some of your. 223 brass. It's a great cartridge! If you don't like it (and you will), you can always change it later. Guntech is right, they are easy to get shooting well. Mine spoiled me.
 
You're all making a good argument for the 222 REM, but I'm wondering how many 223 REM Sako L461/AI are around?
Anyone seen one in person, or is it such a long shot I should just get the 222 REM?
 
Omenator said:
For some reason I thought the brass base diameter was different, looks like you're right and I could just size down the 223 REM to 222 REM. This wouldn't be ideal, but would work for awhile.
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Other than the headstamp, it is ideal. I like using lake city brass, or Remington. That is unless I have actual 222 brass in lapua or something.
 
Omenator said:
You're all making a good argument for the 222 REM, but I'm wondering how many 223 REM Sako L461/AI are around?
Anyone seen one in person, or is it such a long shot I should just get the 222 REM?
Click to expand...

They are around, post a wtb. I have a 2 AI's and have a couple of buddies wanting them. Both were bought off the EE within the past 7 or 8 yrs. Great guns, but a 222 would be as good imo

Good luck
 
I have always found that the best way to find something that I have been searching long and hard for without success is to purchase the next best thing. In your case that would be the 222 Remington.......Shortly after you do this, probably within days, the 223 or 222 Rem Mag will appear !!! You then jump on it and sell the 222 Remington........A little more work, but this method always seems to work for me !!! Good luck.
 
Gave my lovely wife a L46 in 222 before we were married, and took her hunting woodchucks. It has a 1:14 twist barrel, and is one of the most accurate rifles we have ever had.

Still have it, and it will still group well under an inch after fifty years and thousands of rounds of 50 and 55 gr spitzers down its 24" barrel.

It is also very accurate with the 70 gr Speer, which was especially designed for the cartridge. We might still have a box of them around somewhere.
Ted
 
I was looking for a Sako Vixen when I found this. One day I will get myself a mint Vixen, but this sure satisfied the need!!



Now this is my favorite rifle, I still am not sure if it is a CZ or a BRNO because it states BRNO ARMS FACTORY on the receiver, but has a CZ model #. It shoots amazing!!!
 
I did some looking around and the only other 223 REM length action bolt rifles are the Zastava Mini Mauser, CZ 527/BRNO Fox 2, SAKO L461/AI and the new HOWA Mini Action. I'm not a fan of the Zastava, they are real rough and sloppy.
The CZ 527 is really nice, but there are a couple features I don't like about them. The safety is backwards from everything I'm used to and I'm not the biggest fan of the detachable magazines.
The Sako L461/AI is pretty much ideal and the new Howa Mini Action is pretty similar. Hopefully someone imports the Howa Mini soon, but it does seem to take quite awhile since a firearm is released before we see it in Canada.
 
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