Drew Jaeger
Member
- Location
- Southern Tablelands, NSW, Australia
Recently I took the plunge and purchased a Sako 85S Laminated Stainless Hunter in 7mm-08. Mounted in Sako Optiloks is a superb Kahles Helia C 2.5-10x50mm, which I picked up for a song end of December last year.
Three weeks ago, I was finally able to run-in the new Sako. As usual the run-in process was tedious, but well worth the anguish in the end with minimal fouling in the barrel. The run-in process consisted of;
During the run-in process the Sako had a nasty habit of placing bullets into the same hole at 50m. Subsequently I am looking forward to developing loads for the 120gr NBT and 140gr TTSX. From previous experience, I am not going to bother with any other projectiles this time.
The following Saturday morning I headed out to the range to test a few loads in the 22 Hornet and 7mm-08. The little Hornet shot brilliantly. Unfortunately the 7mm-08 with its 22.4" barrel did not like typical velocity loads with AR2209 (H4350). The run-in load shot well at 100m, but velocity was more like a mild American 7x57mm factory load doing 2830ft/s.
Subsequently, I acquired AR2208 (Varget) for further load testing, which occurred last Saturday morning.
Following the disappointment with AR2209 (H4350) loads, I returned to the range to test 120gr Noster BTs and 140gr Barnes TTSXs loaded with AR2208 (Varget). The results were very pleasing with the AR2208 (Varget) loads tightening the groups with the Sako's 22.4" barrel. The best loads were also hitting at the same point of impact at 100m,... bonus! Following a slight sight adjustment, the rifle was ready for hunting.
Very early last Monday morning headed out to a private block to see what animals were about, and a possible chance at an eater. Not long after first light, a half dozen Rusa Hinds were glassed in the dim early morning light. Using the long grass as an advantage, the stalk commenced.
The matriarch Hind continually looked up from grazing and checked the wind. Using some light fallen timber for cover approximately 100m from the herd, the Sako was positioned on the shooting sticks for the shot. The matriarch Hind moved away from the herd presenting her broadside,... a 140gr Barnes TTSX to the high shoulder instantly dropped her on spot! A quick reload and a second Rusa Hind was dispatched with a similar result.
Exit hole on the right Hind, the matriarch
Just after sunrise all the meat was collected and heading back to the AWD feeling very contented with the morning's achievements.
The freezer is now full of thick steaks, roasts and miscellaneous pieces for biltong. Last night and Thursday night, I simply cooked up a couple of steaks with a little olive oil, Worcester sauce, salt and cracked pepper. Very flavoursome and tender,... mmmmm.
Three weeks ago, I was finally able to run-in the new Sako. As usual the run-in process was tedious, but well worth the anguish in the end with minimal fouling in the barrel. The run-in process consisted of;
- 1 shot => clean (5x)
- 2 shots => clean (5x)
- 3 shots => clean (5x)
- 5 shots => clean (2x)
During the run-in process the Sako had a nasty habit of placing bullets into the same hole at 50m. Subsequently I am looking forward to developing loads for the 120gr NBT and 140gr TTSX. From previous experience, I am not going to bother with any other projectiles this time.
The following Saturday morning I headed out to the range to test a few loads in the 22 Hornet and 7mm-08. The little Hornet shot brilliantly. Unfortunately the 7mm-08 with its 22.4" barrel did not like typical velocity loads with AR2209 (H4350). The run-in load shot well at 100m, but velocity was more like a mild American 7x57mm factory load doing 2830ft/s.
Subsequently, I acquired AR2208 (Varget) for further load testing, which occurred last Saturday morning.
Following the disappointment with AR2209 (H4350) loads, I returned to the range to test 120gr Noster BTs and 140gr Barnes TTSXs loaded with AR2208 (Varget). The results were very pleasing with the AR2208 (Varget) loads tightening the groups with the Sako's 22.4" barrel. The best loads were also hitting at the same point of impact at 100m,... bonus! Following a slight sight adjustment, the rifle was ready for hunting.
Very early last Monday morning headed out to a private block to see what animals were about, and a possible chance at an eater. Not long after first light, a half dozen Rusa Hinds were glassed in the dim early morning light. Using the long grass as an advantage, the stalk commenced.
The matriarch Hind continually looked up from grazing and checked the wind. Using some light fallen timber for cover approximately 100m from the herd, the Sako was positioned on the shooting sticks for the shot. The matriarch Hind moved away from the herd presenting her broadside,... a 140gr Barnes TTSX to the high shoulder instantly dropped her on spot! A quick reload and a second Rusa Hind was dispatched with a similar result.
Exit hole on the right Hind, the matriarch
Just after sunrise all the meat was collected and heading back to the AWD feeling very contented with the morning's achievements.
The freezer is now full of thick steaks, roasts and miscellaneous pieces for biltong. Last night and Thursday night, I simply cooked up a couple of steaks with a little olive oil, Worcester sauce, salt and cracked pepper. Very flavoursome and tender,... mmmmm.
