Hello all,

I have a L461 Vixen that I would like to use for a the base of a custom build. I have a couple of questions:

What are the thoughts on using a L461 for a custom?

Can a 204 Ruger be built on a L461 action? I am debating between a 204 and a 223.

I am sure I will have many more questions but will start here. Thanks for any opinions and thoughts.


ddj

quote:

What are the thoughts on using a L461 for a custom?

Can a 204 Ruger be built on a L461 action? I am debating between a 204 and a 223.

I am sure I will have many more questions but will start here

The L-461 is the finest action ever built IMO....and you're darn right....it'll build you a superb rifle.

I'm quite partial to the .223 but the L-461 will make a swell .204 or .17 Rem.....anything based on the .222 family of cartridges.

I had two and stupidly let one go.....the last one stays!

One note of caution.....

The maximum cartridge length, to feed through the L461 magazine box, is about 2.28". To reach the lands, with the 204R, may be a problem.

I've an L461 17-222 Magnum where the bullet jump is about 0.150".

Check everything carefully.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

One probably couldn't pick anything better than the 223.


ddj

quote:

Originally posted by trouthunterdj:
One probably couldn't pick anything better than the 223.


ddj

Mine is in .223 and bullets from 40 grain at 3,800 are quite amazing.....you can also go up a bit but make sure that you decide in advance what bullet you'd like to shoot as the twist must accimpany the choice,

I like a 1-12" and bullets to 50 grains in the .223.....do it your way!

I have two converted .222's, one in 6x45 and one in 221 Fireball and love them both.
It is a little unforgiving with magazine length as it does not allow the 6mm to be seated too far out and also does not feed the 221 perfectly.
That said, with cartridges in the middle it is great.

I think the L461 is perfectly suited for the 222. You'll get some more speed from the 223, but nothing is more fitting for a nice custom than the 222.

Personally, this order:

222
221
17 MKIV
6x45/6TCU

Just never owned a great shooting 223, but if easy brass/ammo is a concern....a custom should shoot fine.

Keep us posted, always wanted to build one myself....

quote:

Originally posted by duckboat:
I think the L461 is perfectly suited for the 222. You'll get some more speed from the 223, but nothing is more fitting for a nice custom than the 222.

This is the correct answer.... 222 and the Vixen, a match made in heaven.

Thanks for all the help.

Why a 222 over a 223?

Daron

quote:

Originally posted by trouthunterdj:
Thanks for all the help.

Why a 222 over a 223?

Daron

Nostalgia I think.....but in my book it's the .223 over the .222....it's just a better cartridge.

The 223 is also a hell of alot cheaper to feed !

Choosing a new cartridge is always an interesting "ordeal".

I plan on chambering the 20 Duster, for this L461.

Kevin

Here are a few of the reason I would choose the 222 over the 223:

1) The 222 was originally designed to be a bolt-action cartridge and a very accurate one at that. It's my opinion that the 223 is primarily an auto cartridge that works fine in bolt-actions, but that was not its initial intention.

2) If you are a reloader, the 222 is not more expensive to feed than the 223. The opposite is the case for reloaders. The 222 uses less powder and is kinder on barrels.

3) The 222 will often allow you to see the bullet hit the target through the scope because of the very mild recoil. The 223 is also a mild cartridge but the extra kick can make the difference between seeing the hit or not.

4) I believe the l461 was originally introduced paired with the 222. I think it was a few years later that the 223 was offered.

5) The 222 is the original that spawned many fine cartridges. The 17 Rem, the 221 Fireball, the 222 RM, the 223, and several others are all derived from the 222.

The 222 has a touch of class when mated with the l461. If you goal is a classy custom rifle, I think the 222 is the way to go. If your goal is to get some extra velocity or you plan on shooting factory ammunition, then I would choose the 223.

Although I have never built a 222, I do have some higher end rifles in this cartridge. A Steyr Classic and a Kimber of Oregon custom classic. I have a Sako Vixen in 223 and a CZ Kevlar in 223. But for some reason I always grab one of the dueces. The minimal amount less recoil than the 223's, you can see the gophers die during your shot. And I always like the pretty wood on either of these.
That said I have sent my Vixen and a Shilen 1-9 twist 20 cal. barrel off the be made into a 20 Extreme, a cartridge designed by a fellow here in Canada that is a slightly shortened 222 case.
There are a number of custom chambers in 20 Cal. from the 222 case that would be well suited for what you have on mind. There is a page of cartridge information on Todd Kindler's web site about all of the work he has done with the 222 case necked down to 20 caliber, have you seen it?
Regards Greg

Thanks for the reply's.

I will check Todd's site, I appreciate the heads up.

I have 3 Vixen's presently, one 222 and two 223's. My thought was to turn one of the 223's into a different caliber. After reading the posts, I may be better off building a "nicer" 222 due to the fact I have all the components. Again, I welcome your thoughts and opinions.


ddj

quote:

Originally posted by trouthunterdj:
Thanks for the reply's.

I will check Todd's site, I appreciate the heads up.

I have 3 Vixen's presently, one 222 and two 223's. My thought was to turn one of the 223's into a different caliber. After reading the posts, I may be better off building a "nicer" 222 due to the fact I have all the components. Again, I welcome your thoughts and opinions.


ddj

You didn't ask but the 6 X 45 is a fine round for the L-461 too.....I'll loan you my dies if you want to make one.

I used mine as a deer rifle in Minnesota to get around the .22 caliber law....and it worked fine.

With 55 grain bullets, it'll blow P. Dogs to pieces too.!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Originally posted by trouthunterdj:
Thanks for the reply's.

I will check Todd's site, I appreciate the heads up.

I have 3 Vixen's presently, one 222 and two 223's. My thought was to turn one of the 223's into a different caliber. After reading the posts, I may be better off building a "nicer" 222 due to the fact I have all the components. Again, I welcome your thoughts and opinions.


ddj

You didn't ask but the 6 X 45 is a fine round for the L-461 too.....I'll loan you my dies if you want to make one.

I used mine as a deer rifle in Minnesota to get around the .22 caliber law....and it worked fine.

With 55 grain bullets, it'll blow P. Dogs to pieces too.!

That is extremely generous!

Can someone give me some more information on the 6x45? I am interested in bullet seating, feeding, recoil, and ect.

Thanks,

ddj

quote:

Can someone give me some more information on the 6x45? I am interested in bullet seating, feeding, recoil, and ect.

Thanks,

ddj

Mine is in a Mini Mauser.....but the L-461 should work just as fine as it's the same .223 necked up to .243 All it takes is a single pass through the FL resizing die.....easy as pie!

Loading data is available on the Hodgdon website!

Mine is a Douglas XX 20" barrel #1 contour.....

55 grain b-tips scoot about 3250 FPS pushed by BL(C)-2

For deer I use a 70 grain Hornady semi pointed SX....YES....SX....It'll push about 2,900 FPS so that bullet isn't explosive as it would be in a .243.....works like a dream on bambi and recoil is almost non existent!!!

I seriously doubt that anyone wants to shoot 100 grain bullets in this case.....I'd say 80 grains and less.....and as a matter of fact mine is a 1-14" twist.....I'd go 1-12" next time...

It's like a .223 for varminting but will throw a little more lead if you wish to....it's best advantage is light weight.....a dream to carry!

I'd take mine pronghorn hunting any time....

I have two Sako AIs remaining; a 223 and a 17 Rem. Of those you mention I'd go with the 223. I am thinking about making the 17 into a
6.5 TCU.

Lou

I would vote for the 222 OR 222 magnum. you have the BEST action for the job! I love mine.

Lou, not a bad choice, BUT, if you do a 6.5, you may be ltd. to just 100 gr bullets to fit in case/OAL/Mag and feed.

A guy in Oregon was selling a pencil wt. bbl Sako years ago in 6.5.

I'd go 6x45 or TCU.

I would go with the 222 rem great cartridge & what the l461 action was designed for.
No feeding issues, no too long in OAL issues a classic action & cartridge.

I chose the 6x45 with a 9-twist for my L641 and really like the rifle and cartridge. I've tried A LOT of bullet/powder combos in the last year and have settled on 95 grainers from either Sierra or Berger with H322.

I have an L461BR with a Douglas XX chambered in .222 that'll shoot the nuts off a gnat!
I own a 700 in .223 that I got a real good deal on or I wouldn't own it, but if that was my action it would wind up a .222. The only thing cheaper about loading a .223 is the brass, everything else costs the same and 100 .222 cases lasts a very long time.

Stepchild

Stepchild

I had a Sako L461 223 Rem built by the late Wayne Baker of Conroe, TX. It had a Douglas air gauge barrel and would drive tacks. Beautiful action/rifle. I also like the Mini Mark X with additional gunsmithing but the Sako is fine the way it is.