New Handloading Section

[sakotex]

Great Addition! Many thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Seemed appropriate :wink2:
S-A

 

[pakama]

Hi, Hope this isn't out of line as it more seeking general opinion rather than Sako loading specific.

I have just bought an L461 .222 HB (not yet got it home) and I'm wondering whether to start by using Factory Ammo to accumulate some cases, most likely be Winnies or Fed's as they seem to be among the most stocked by local stores, or should I go out and buy some higher quality cases from the start? Also which Primers are prefered?

I have started loading 6.5x55 for my 96swede using Fed's and the Lee Deluxe Set + Crimper.

For the Sako I already have some 45gn Sierra Sp, and will probably try some H4198 plus grab some 50gn.

Where should I start with this combo?

Regarding Dies, Do You guys get on OK with LEE stuff or should I aim a bit higher

Interested to hear your thoughts.

Paul.

 

[stonecreek]

Whether to start with factory ammunition or buy empty cases is pretty much up to an individual's preference. I would probably start with empties since I have a general aversion to factory loads, but I'm sure that .222 Winchesters would probably shoot reasonably well in your gun. I like the Winchester brass a bit better than Federal in most instances. Spending big extra bucks on high-priced European brass is unlikely to result in better accuracy or longer case life. However, I do have a couple of hundred Remington nickeled cases that work wonderfully in my .222 Sakos and they cost very little more than regular brass. I also have a couple of hundred of the Holy Grail Lapua cases. They're fine, but their performance doesn't exceed any other .222 case I use.

H4198 is a good choice of powder (it is some bit different to IMR 4198, and I believe superior.) I use it with some 50 grain loads, but it is probably even better adapted to 45 grain bullets in the .222. Start with 19 grains just to be sure that there is nothing unusual about your gun and components, but you can likely go somewhat higher. If you have a chronograph, look for something in the 3200-3300s range. As to primers, I've had good luck with any small rifle primer. Rem 7 1/2 might be the best, but they are only marginally superior, if at all, to any other SR primer. WW 6 1/2 (now WSR) cups are a little thinner or softer and thus are useful in telling you when you are approaching pressures you may not wish to exceed.

Data for the .222 is restricted to SAAMI spec pressures, which are several thousand PSI below other cartridges on the .222 case head. It can very safely be loaded to higher pressures in your Sako.

I've never needed to use any other sizing die for my .222s than the Lee Collet die. Using this die and reasonable loads, the brass will never need trimming and will last longer than you will.

Your new (to you) .222 HB will probably shoot better than you can shoot. If someone hasn't already adjusted the trigger to do justice to its potential, be sure to do that as soon as you have a chance. I predict you'll cherish this gun once you've got everything put together the way you like it.

 

[piniongear]

I have a reloading question. It pertains to loading for my Sakos, but indirectly.
Question: How do I get 20 lbs of Vihtavuori gunpowder and 8500 small rifle primers shipped from Colorado to Texas? Anyone have a clue? Oh, I am buying this from an individual.
FedEx won't accept the load, as they do not ship explosives or loaded ammo.
UPS will ship ground only but it has to be packed by someone who is qualified with packaging HAZMAT materials. Therein is my problem.
UPS is very unclear how I can find such a person in Ft Collins Colorado.
I have called a gun/reloading shop in Ft Collins and they tell me they receive gunpowder but do not ship it out because they do not have the necessary training and permits.
Anyone have any idea of what I might do? I am against a brick wall at this point. Thanks for any comments you may care to make.
pg

 

[stonecreek]

Shipping commercially is, as you've found, impractical.

I'd suggest starting a new topic to see if someone in the Ft. Collins area might be making a trip to Texas by automobile and could carry it for you (or conversely, if someone in Texas might be making a similar round trip and could bring it back.) It would be well worth buying them a few gallons of gas for their trouble.