I know that we have been discussing this topic now and then in other forums - but yesterday I got an SAKO VIXEN in .222 rem and 1-14" barrel.

I would like to use the rifle for some roes. I don't think that the barrel will stabilize 60 grains Nolsers - so which bullet should I go for?

Any relaoding data for Norma powder?

Regards

Mads

I think the 55gr sierra gameking works very well on roe. I have a load at a tad over 3,000fps (only measured it at 100yds) which shows some promise. The partition does not stabilise in my 14twist 222.

I think you will like your rifle! My Swedish friend uses Norma factory and finds it very good indeed. The 62gr stuff is reputed to be a very good penetrator.

I've shot 12 bucks with the 55 gr sierra game king in a 222 sako from -85 and also some fawns, does, foxes and other varmints. I usually get an exit hole and the animal seldom travel far or at all.
The buck I shot last sunday were hit a bit too high and the bullet broke both shoulders and cut off the spine. It was found against the hide on the off side. Range was about 120 m.
In an informal test I made some years ago it penetrated deeper (in wet phone books) than both Norma factory loads and also retained more weight.

If you want to shoot factory loads I've had good luck with the Laupa 55 grain loading.

I load the GK seated 1mm from the lands with 21,5 gr Norma 200 and a CCI 400 SR in a Norma case. It's one the hot side but gives great accuracy (at laest for me...... )11mm at 100 meters (not CTC).

Good luck
K9

In addition to the Sierra Gameking (flat base, not boattail), the Hornady 55 spire point has a reputation as a pretty good game bullet.

I have a modest supply of old Nosler 55 grain Zippedo's with a solid base, and they were excellent game bullets (killed two whitetails with one shot through the necks of each with this bullet many years ago -- intentionally).

Gentlemen

I have used 55 grain Bearclaws and barnes X in 223 and they both worked fine. Th ebarnes x gave little meat damage and penetrated well. the bearclaw bagged the game on the spot. However I have only used this rifle for 4 roe deers. I borrowed it from a friend.

/ JOHAN

Hi Mads

A good bullet for roe in .224 is in my humble opininon a bit on the heavy side. Hirtenberg made factory ammo with Solidbase bullets that worked great (dropped the roe on the spot) I think I remember them to be around 4.0 g.
Any way a good heavy premium bullet that penetrates all the way through leaves a better bloodtrail if anything goes wrong and this kind of bullet is not as sensitive to hitting leaves and branches on its way to the target as a softer one. I bet you will be hunting roes in the forrests... of Latvia..??? When I hunt under conditions like that, I allways choose heavy tools. And actually preferably a different caliber.

Johan's two choises would be mine too.

K&B Niels

Thank you for you replies.

I think that I will try the Norma 62 grains and see if it will stabilize. For reloading I'll give
the trophy bonded bearclaw a go.

Niels - yes you are right that the .222 rem is very light for our Danish common bock hunting- and I don't intend to use the .222 for roes all the time. But for some selective hunting on roe calfs and so I for sure would like to make my own exsperiences. For hunting the prespotted throphy buck in may I stick with my .300 win.

Regarding Latvia things turn out that I'll stay in Denmark.

Best Regards

Mads

tray 55 gr. lapua sp. with 23-24 gr vitahvori n 140 ore 55 gr hornady sp whit the same load. workes well for me and my frend