Sako experts chime in

H

HADESTOUCH

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
Moose jaw
I recently inherited Among others a sako forester L579 heavy barrel chambered in 22-250. Barrel is 22". The underside of the barrel ( concealed in stock) is stamped with the letter A
1. How can I tell what twist the barrel is?
2. Does anyone have any recommended recipes for a starting point for hand loading for this rifle.(once twist has been determined) the primary purpose of this rifle and its loads will be precision target shooting... My goal is to improve my longer range shooting skill and build my knowledge of hand loading... Any advice from those more knowledgeable and experienced than I would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
Hadestouch,

Try the old-fashioned cleaning rod routine.
Use a .22 cal brush.
Wrap a cleaning patch around the bristles.
Insert rod through chamber and thread in the brush in the rod through the front of the barrel.
Ensure the brush is inserted in the barrel muzzle-end.
Use a fine felt pen and hold pen againt the cleaning rod at the chamber end.
While pulling the rod through the barrel, ensure the felt pen rides on the cleaning rod, marking the rod clearly.
When the rod is removed from the barrel, use a ruler to measure the distance covered by a 360 degree rotation.

You now have an idea of the twist. Usual twist for the 22-250 was 1 in 14 in.

Cheers,

Phil aka tazzman
 
A max load or close to it in Hornady's book with a 53 Hornady match bullet should be good. It sure was 30 years ago... they shot really well.
 
I asked this same question earlier in the week with no replys. I have the same action in 22-250 but with the lighter Hunter barrel, I've done a lot of searching on the topic with very little results. I did come across one for sale with the heavy barrel and it was advertised as having a 1-10 twist. With all the knowledge on this board I though a quick answer would be posted. I guess I'll have to try the measure method posted above.
B.
 
Measuring it with a cleaning rod takes less time than to post a question.
No factory 22-250's came with a 10 twist barrel that I know of. 14 was the standard. I re-barreled a few with 12 twists many years ago.
 
Thanks tazzman, I will do just that... I appreciate the quick reply.. And thanks guntech.. I have rcbs book, just got started into handloading, I have shooting for many years but I'm a noob at handloading.. Care to recommend a starting place for powder types to try with 53 gr so I can narrow down what this old girl likes to eat?
 
Well... I discovered that though the rifle is a fine example of craftsmanship, my set of cleaning rods is garbage... Will try again when I pick up a new cleaning rod...
 
Can`t help with info on some of the new powders but i used to use a lot of H380 when i was shooting a 22-250. Maybe not the fastest loads but certainly the best accuracy i found with 53 gr. bullets. I suspect you will find a 1-14 twist as Guntech stated it was the standard twist unless it`s been rebarreled. I would give sksavengers left nut to have that rifle left to me.:D
 
Thanks deadmeat, I was just reading about H380 this morning.. And yes she is a sweet rifle, as is her sister that came with her, sako .243 with the light hunter barrel.. I haven't mentioned it before because i can only spend so much on guns, and reloading equip at a time without getting divorced... Loads for her( and dies and brass) will be my next project. Where in sask are you located?
 
Well i could help you out with the 243 as i reload that a lot. I have a couple of Sako`s both L61r models and have been looking for the right one in 222 for my amusment. PM sent on location.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom