So I just rec'd my new to me sako .223 out of layaway limbo. I forgot how thin that barrel is at the muzzle. I can't wait to shoot it! I'm assuming it's a one in 12 twist so I'll be working up some fast 40 to 55 gr. loads. Does any one on the board shoot one of these short barreled liteweights? What bullets do you run in it? TIA,

Gary

I have the L461 in 223 and found the Nosler 55gn Ballistic tips to be excellent in it. The barrel should be a 1 in 12 twist, as mine was.
Pete

I have an AI sporter in 17 Remmy..22" thin barrel, it shoots quite well and gophers hate it....

Short barrel???......How long is the barrel?

The factory barrel length should be a little over 23 inches.

Kevin

I have several (2 223s, 2 17 Rems and 1 222)AI Lightweight Hunters and if I remember correctly the pencil barrels are around 21 inches and the standard barrel, which is still pretty thin, is just under 23 inches. FWIW, I usually use 50 grainers in the 223 and 222, and 25s in the 17. I don't know if it's my imagination or fact, but the little 17 seems to kill with more gore.

Correct! This has the 21" pencil barrel as well. I've been to the range a couple times and it is just a joy to shoot! I've been ringing the 300 yd gong with impunity and from lots of positions. It's been too windy to shoot for groups, so I'm just making brass and busting rocks on the berm as well. I may have to tighten up the trigger, it's pretty light!

Yep, I've got an A1 in 222, had it for around 25 years now.
The twist is 1 in 14 I think from memory.
The best projectiles I've found for it are the Nosler 55gn Ballistic Tip at about 3000fps and the 35gn Hornady V-max at around 3600fps.
The rifle shoots far better than that whippy lightweight barrel really ought to, it will easily achieve 1 MOA.
A great little rifle that I will never sell.