…which in Italian means (according to a handy online translation program) “an accurate Italian”.

I’ve been spending some time over the past couple of weeks working with a friend’s Beretta Model 500 in .222 Remington, an ‘80s vintage sporter from one of that company’s various forays into proprietary “boutique” bolt guns. The heart of this trim little darling is the tiny Sako AI action (albiet with a round top instead of the Sako-standard integral scope dovetails). I’ve been a sucker for the AI actions for years as they combine a true small (.223 sized) action and wonderful, fully adjustable triggers.

After a good bore cleaning, checking the bedding and setting the trigger up where I wanted it, I set about finding what the little rifle wanted to eat. Since it wears a 1-in-14 twist barrel, I figured I couldn’t go too heavy on bullet weight…but we’d see.

Yesterday morning I had this sexy little Italian job down at the range again to further evaluate a couple of loads that had shown promise. I squeezed off the first five shots into a 3/8” group and was more than satisfied…but after a bit I started wondering if maybe the first group was a fluke. So I shot another five shot group and shaved off 1/16” of an inch…down to 5/16”!

Gina Lollobrigida, eat your heart out!

Mark

I love the 222, always accurate.

Congratulations on some fine groups and recognizing that it takes five shots to make a group!

With the way that little Beretta-Sako shoots, and a hamburger from Owl Drug, things just can't get much better around Coleman, can they?

Ain't that the truth! Next time you're coming thru here on your way to Hamlin, let me know. I'll buy!

Mark

The triple deuce is my favorite varmint cartridge. I’ve owned several rifles in that caliber, nothing as gorgeous as that. FWIW, I grew up in Callahan county. Papa used to hunt turkey and squirrels along pecan bayou years ago. These days I imagine that 222 would make a decent pig and deer killer in the same country.