I have just bought a NEW Sako .223 Varmint Laminated. I am thinking of reloading and are looking at reloading gear. What is a good one to start with that is not too basic that I will have to upgrade in 12months when I get proficient.

Anyone know a good long range accurate load for the Sako so I don't have to "reinvent the Wheel" trough trial and error.

PS the rate of twist is 12inches


Regards

The long range Australian Adventurer

Hello Ace!
I would go with mainly RCBS reloading equipment, it is solid, well made stuff and will last a lifetime. I like Redding dies and I use a PACT digital scale. But my press, powder measure, case trimmer and other case maintenance equipment is RCBS.
A good long range load for my .223 consists of Hodgdon Varget powder and a 50 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet. I have shot this load out to 500 yds. and have found it to be very accurate. It is capable of grouping less than 1/2" at 100 yds. You can find this load listed in the Nosler reloading manual. Good luck!

I'd cast a vote for the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Kit and a set of Redding Deluxe .223Rem dies (the 3-die set with both the neck and full length size dies is a good value and makes great ammo).

If you're shooting your new varmint rifle at varmints, then I'd look into either Nosler Ballistic Tips or Hornady V-Max bullets. I've found that my Ruger .22-250 really likes the Nosler 50gr Bal. Tip BT.(I've got several targets with <.5 MOA groups at 200 yards), and shoots 55gr Hornady V-Max's OK (.75 MOA). The Noslers are a couple dollars more, but I've found that they are much more consistant than the Hornady's.

If you just want to punch paper exclusively, then you might try Sierra Match Kings.

Just remember to take the twist rate of your rifle into consideration when selecting your bullet weights. I'm not sure what the twist rate of your Sako is, but the twist rate of .223 rifles vary a lot these days.

Mike

my 223 likes 55 grain sierra game king hollow point boat tails pushed by 21.9 grains of IMR 4198 with CCI small rifle primers. Groups 1/2 inch at 100 yds.

My vote would go with RCBS press and redding dies also.

Since you're rifle has a 1-in-12" twist, you probably should stick with bullets 55 grains and lighter, as it probably won't stabilize the longer (heavier) bullets well and accuracy will suffer.

I'd also recommend you try Varget to start for powder. You might also try Hodgdon's new "Experimental Packs" of powder for varmint rifles. (BTW: Hodgdon powders are made right there in Austrailia, so you'll get the fresh stuff!)I use Varget and have found that it provides outstanding accuracy and is very consistant regardless of temp. The only major negative is that Varget is extruded (although the grains are very short which is good) and doesn't meter with great consistancy in my RCBS Uniflow powder measure. The variations in charge weight aren't large, and if you don't load close to max loads then it's probably not a problem. Being a stickler for consistancy I take the time to weigh every charge. Doubles my loading time, but the results probably worth it, if for no other reason than my own peace of mind.

Enjoy you're new rifle, and let us know when you find its "pet load."

Good Luck,

Mike

RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit. Good luck.

I agree with RCBS.....and any of the following powders will get you great groups.....Hodgden's Varget, Bl(C)-2, H335, Win 748, H--322, IMR 3031, IMR 4198, and more.....The ball powders are the easiest to load and I like BL(C)-2 for my .223 rifles.