I spotted a custom Sako 223 in a local gunshop the other day and am interested in it...L461 vixen action, hart barrel (fairly light weight) McMillan stock, etc...but 1 in 7" twist. Like new, very few rounds thru it...mainly to work up loads.
I generally shoot commercial loads (don't handload although I have a friend who does). What is the effect of the very high twist rate on lighter weight bullets...50-55 gr? Or would I need to stick to the heavier bullets for best effect.
Rifle is set up as a 'walking varmint' rifle. I might use it as such from time to time, but will probably use it mostly at the range to punch holes in paper. I already have a Remington Model 7 for this and recently picked up a Sako Vixen in .222 Remington. I REALLY like the Sako, that's what interests me in this custom rig.

Thoughts? --wil--

some of the light weight bullets in this rifle's twist will blow up from excessive RPMs...such as Sierra's blitz or Hornady's SX or maybe others.....but most bullets will do OK in it.....

You don't have to shoot heavy bullets in this barrel but you certainly can.....

The L-461 is a cadillac little action.....a original Vixen sold for $1,300 here recently....

I wish they offered it today....well worth the investment if you buy it right.....IMO $1,300 was way too much!

Every rifle is different, but, the 7 and 8 twist 223s I've owned have all shot light bullets very well. Mainly 55 Vmax and Win 45 HP. Pushed as hard as the little cartridge will safely push.

Given the option, I'd take faster twists in 223Rem every time...

Most 1:7 twist barrels shoot bullets from 50 gn to 80 gn very well. The very lightly constructed varmint type bullets may not hold up to the stresses but most quality bullets will be just fine. I use the 65 gn Sierra GameKings in mine but they just are not nearly as accurate as 69 gn Sierra MatchKings. Those 69 gn SMK's are just so daggone accurate in 223's and even work in most 1:12 twist 223's! That is a great little bullet.

Thanks to you all for the perspective. I might have to go shopping. --wil--

If your punching paper and use factory loads 55 grain is Std. fair cartridges or heavier are available .

A 1:7 twist will be fine . If you were varmint hunting and used 40-50 grain bullets I would

look for something else . You already have one of the best varmint rigs .222 so use it for that !.

Grab the Sako in .223 and NEVER look back . Shopping Completed get too the range !!.