My Sako75 shoots about everything I feed it... I have used a zillion bullets from 40 to 62 gr - Norma, Lapua, Sako, Sierra, tried a number of different primers, not to mention a range of powders from Norma and Vihtavouri.

It's hard to find a favourite load when it�s darn near impossible to find a load that exceeds 20mm (4/5 inch) in 5-shot groups at 100 meters. 12-15 millimeter is more common and I don't shoot better than that anyway

Varying the load parameters just moves the group around, but it stays as tight as ever...

So, can anyone provide a favorite load to me? I like the heavier bullets, 55-62 grain, and some american powders may be hard to get here in Sweden. Vihtavouri and Norma would be appreciated, but of course I can have a look in some comparision tables and start from there.

Regards,
/HerrBerg

HerrBerg,
I have two 222s (both Rems). The most accurate load I have found that works in both rifles follows:
24.3gr Hodgdon BLC2 powder
52gr FBHP match Berger bullet
Rem 7 1/2BR primer
Federal Premium case
OAL 2.20"
My best 5 shot group with this load fired from the 40X Rem was .206". Velocity is right around 3100fps from that rifle. I don't shoot anything heavier than 52grs in the 222. I have also used 52gr Sierra match bullets with this load and get almost the same results. Good shooting.

I like H335 in my 222. It's an L46 Sako now with a Shilen ss #4 barrel. The 52gr. Sierra hp is the most accurate bullet I have found in my rifle but it dosn't expand very well on small critters like ground squirrels. Since I live here in Lewiston where Speer bullets are made I can buy seconds at a great price. I shoot alot of 50gr. TNTs. The seconds will shoot into .625-.75ins. and they do blow up a squirrel. Tried Nosler BTs & Hornady VMax. They shoot about .25in. smaller, but I can't hold that good in the field. Pete

I know what you mean. What fun is it when you have to try hard to find a load that WON'T shoot well?

My current favorite is Federal 205 primers, 23.0g AA2015BR, and 50gr Speer TNT bullets.
This load is a bit hot in my rifle. Always use caution.

HerrBerg
is it a light barrel Sako?. How are your benchrest techniques?
my most accurate load is
21.5 gr ADI BM1
Sierra 52gr HPBT
Federal 205 Primer
Lapua Cases.
what shoots well in one persons rifle dosn't mean it's going to shoot any good in another.

I understand that most .222's don't have the proper twist to stabilize bullets over 55 gr. Maybe some of the benchrest shooters can comment on that.

My BSA 222 varminter absolutely loves IMR-4831. 19.5 gr. under Hornady 50 gr. V-Max shoots under 1/2" any time. It's about a grain short of max, but I won't mess with success. I'm not a bench shooter, so never bothered to measure the actual group size.

Was out groundhog hunting last night and managed to get within 140 yards of some crows. Held 1" over the head of the sentry and drilled him right through the eye.

My benchrest techniques?

Hey, it�s just an ordinary Sako 75 Hunter, I chose it to be a cosy and light gun for small and medium sized game. When trying out loads I use a sandbag under the front stock and, if I remember to bring one with me, something to support the butt (the gun's butt, that is) with.

By some reason I have come to like this gun for roe deer, beaver and such. Since it is maybe a bit on the lighter end for game like that I have come to like heavier bullets. My standard loads are

55gr Ballistic Tip, 20,0gr Norma 200 (general purpose varmint-style load, but suvvessfully used for beaver) or 62gr Norma SP, 19,6gr Norma 200 (for roe deer).

I have just bought me a cronometer to see what these loads are up to, I do guess they can take a higher load of gun powder but the 62gr bullet load behaves so nicely when it eventually reaches the roe deer I won't change that one too much.

It seems like everybody talks about that one need a faster twist in the rifle? As this enables the use of heavier bullets? Does anyone know what the positive effects of a slow barrel twist are?Improved accuracy for lighter bullets, or...???

I have not seen any real difference in performance between 50, 55 or 62 gr bullets (OK, Sierra Varminter in 50 or 55 may be a little better), the gun swallows anything I feed it, still smiling.

Regards,
/HerrBerg

Wow,
I get to answer a reloading question !!! Since the .222 Remington is one of the three rifles I handload for I get to share. My first ever deer was a little forked horn Coastal CA Blacktail. I took it with a .222 Rem. when I was 12. The load was a 63gr. Sierra Semi Spitzer with 20.5 gr. of IMR 4198, I don't know the velocity but it's wonderfully accurate.
I shot several deer with that rifle and load and they all pretty much dropped. Not so with deer of the same body size shot with .270's and 7mm Mags. most ran a bit first.

There are a few rare cartridges for which there doesn't seem to be a "BAD" load....the 38 special is one I've noticed and a .222 is another.

HerrBerg; In My 222's [a Ruger #1 and a Remington 700 BDL, I use 2 powders from your area a bit and really get good results with them. I shoot 50 grain bullets almost exclusively and use either 21.0 gr Norma 200 or 24.5 Gr Vihtavuori N-135. These will shoot under 12mm if I do my part. I also get excellent results with H322, AA2015, Benchmark, H4198, BLC-2, Reloder 7 and 12. Regards, Eagleye

20 gr Norma 200 works great in my rifle, I will see if 21 (or 22!) grains improves accuracy even more. But the I need to find a better marksman to try them out

Heer Berg

You just have to go to lija@rifflebarrels.com

get all the dope you need on twist rate and what bullet wights are used.

Dan makes one of the best barrels in the world.

I have had 22 cal's and my swift really likes 52 grain bullets.They seem to work the best.It shoots 40 gr to 60 gr well.but the 52 gr is the winner.
Go to Pac-nor barrels,they show all the twist rates.

hope you find the load.

Take care.