What twist? Sako 85 Varmint Stainless .223 for target and coyote.

CJM

CJM

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I've ordered a new Sako 85 Varmint Stainless in .223 with an 8 twist. Other options are 10 and 12.

I chose .223 for a variety of reasons.

The rifle will be used for target and coyote here in Eastern Ontario.

I've done a lot of reading on twist rates and am somewhat confused.

Looking for some clarity. Have I chosen properly or would a 10 or 12 be more appropriate?

Comments?
 
You will be fine with a 1:8 twist.
Much easier to stabilize a short bullet in a fast twist than a long bullet in a slow twist. :>)
That is something you should not worry about too much as opposed to finding which load the gun really likes .
Cat
 
1 in 8 is about heavy bullets. Most match grade bullets are heavy. Like 75 grain A-Max's or 75 grain BTHP's for targets and 60 grain V-max's for Wiley, unless you want his hide.
 
Wouldn't mind saving the hide.

Ordered a variety of ammo to try out.

Mostly 53gr or a little heavier.
Going to order some lighter stuff.
 
I find the only problem with my Sako 85 Varmint laminate in 223 8 twist is that the magazine is too short and you have to single load the rounds to get the best accuracy. Not a problem for target shooting but a real PITA for coyote hunting. The couple times I have used it for hunting I load a 53gr Vmax in the chamber and have the mag loaded with 50gr SPSXs. Funny thing is I have never needed the second shot when using this set up so far.
 
B-78 said:
I find the only problem with my Sako 85 Varmint laminate in 223 8 twist is that the magazine is too short and you have to single load the rounds to get the best accuracy. Not a problem for target shooting but a real PITA for coyote hunting. The couple times I have used it for hunting I load a 53gr Vmax in the chamber and have the mag loaded with 50gr SPSXs. Funny thing is I have never needed the second shot when using this set up so far.
Click to expand...

Mine shot 1/2" for five shots with the 50gr v-max, loaded so it would fit the magazine.
 
I have ordered the 53gr Vmax.

What are your thoughts on the rifle otherwise?

B-78 said:
I find the only problem with my Sako 85 Varmint laminate in 223 8 twist is that the magazine is too short and you have to single load the rounds to get the best accuracy. Not a problem for target shooting but a real PITA for coyote hunting. The couple times I have used it for hunting I load a 53gr Vmax in the chamber and have the mag loaded with 50gr SPSXs. Funny thing is I have never needed the second shot when using this set up so far.
Click to expand...
 
CJM said:
I have ordered the 53gr Vmax.

What are your thoughts on the rifle otherwise?
Click to expand...

I really like my Model 85s for hunting over my model 75. They thinned the stock down a bit and lighten the barrel with flutes. Mine fit me very well and I don't find them the least bit heavy for calling unless I have it on my back on the snowmobile all day. I really don't use the 223 that much for coyote hunting as I have the same rifle in 204 that I use the majority of the time. My rifle too will group .5" 100yd groups loaded with 50gr Vmaxs or 50gr SPSXs loaded just long enough to fit the mag. If I single load 53gr Vmaxs loaded long enough to reach the lands I can shoot minute of magpie out to 300yds. I have a bait pile 300 yds from the end of my driveway and if no coyotes there I use the magpies for target practise. The retail price is a bit high but you are getting a quality firearm for the money. I ordered a model 51 Cooper for a bit more than the Sako and from what I saw on the one Clay sent out to me to check out it is also worth the extra money over the Sako. The one thing I like about the Sako that the Cooper does not have is the set trigger option although my new Cooper is suspose to come with a 1.5lb factory trigger. Might be a touch light for hunting but only time will tell.
The Sako should hold it's value really well as I'm quite sure the 204 I bought about 5 yrs ago would sell for almost what I paid for it. This is not an issue for me as I like these rifles so much I have no desire to part with either any time soon.
 
B-78 said:
I really like my Model 85s for hunting over my model 75. They thinned the stock down a bit and lighten the barrel with flutes. Mine fit me very well and I don't find them the least bit heavy for calling unless I have it on my back on the snowmobile all day. I really don't use the 223 that much for coyote hunting as I have the same rifle in 204 that I use the majority of the time. My rifle too will group .5" 100yd groups loaded with 50gr Vmaxs or 50gr SPSXs loaded just long enough to fit the mag. If I single load 53gr Vmaxs loaded long enough to reach the lands I can shoot minute of magpie out to 300yds. I have a bait pile 300 yds from the end of my driveway and if no coyotes there I use the magpies for target practise. The retail price is a bit high but you are getting a quality firearm for the money. I ordered a model 51 Cooper for a bit more than the Sako and from what I saw on the one Clay sent out to me to check out it is also worth the extra money over the Sako. The one thing I like about the Sako that the Cooper does not have is the set trigger option although my new Cooper is suspose to come with a 1.5lb factory trigger. Might be a touch light for hunting but only time will tell.
The Sako should hold it's value really well as I'm quite sure the 204 I bought about 5 yrs ago would sell for almost what I paid for it. This is not an issue for me as I like these rifles so much I have no desire to part with either any time soon.
Click to expand...

My 85 Varmint Laminate Stainless in 223 would do 1/2". but my Cooper 51 in 20 Tactical is averaging under .3" at 100 yards.
 
B-78 said:
I find the only problem with my Sako 85 Varmint laminate in 223 8 twist is that the magazine is too short and you have to single load the rounds to get the best accuracy. Not a problem for target shooting but a real PITA for coyote hunting.
Click to expand...

Yep. The 75 gr Amax shoots very well in my 223 Tikka 1 in 8, but you have to load the rounds singly because they are too long for the magazine.
 
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