New Build on Sako L46 Deluxe

[Oso Polaris]

The rifle is a Sako L46 Deluxe that someone had rebarreled in 300 Blackout...crazy stupid. I have other .222, so I thought I'd do something different. The stock will only fit a light sporter barrel contour (Sako factory contour),

I've read a lot of the posts. Now it is decision time - I'm down in Houston so not a lot of varmint / 20 cal rifles to handle and refine ideas...

Barrel Type: 3 groove, 1:11 twist
Final Length: 20" or 22"" and threaded (1/2x28tpi)

Barrel Make: [TBD] --- Lilja or Pac Nor Thoughts/Preferences?
Barrel Finish: Is it worth bluuing the barrel to match receiver or should I go with Stainless or Cerakote (black) for better corrosion resistance - thoughts?

I was thinking I'd form brass from 223 cases instead of Lapua 222

What reamer do I need or better yet who is the right Gunsmith for rebarrel/chambering and dealing with vintage rifle?

Thanks

[foxhunter]

un-confuse me please, are you looking to build a 20 caliber? as to barrel I have Lilja and Pacnor and see very little difference. is this the l46 clip fed or l461 magazine feed?
I have a sako l461 chambered in 20 tactical with Pacnor .60 at the muzzle 22" ss barrel. the barrel is bead blasted with garnet and has no glint in the sun. the stock is a mpi and is very light and is done in a dark beige camo.
yip it's a shooter and I am a goose for the sako small action.

[Chuck Miller]

Stay away from any cartridges that are 223 length unless your rifle was a 222mag orginally, unless you plan to shoot it singleshot. I had a L46 BO but it was built on a 222mag donor. The 222 magazine is too short. Screwing up a L46 Deluxe is certainly a sin but it sounds like the perfect platform for a 20-222. I have one and it feeds beautifully from that single stack mag.

[Oso Polaris]

Sorry for any confusion. I am looking to build a 20VTG on a L46 (originally .222 Rem external magazine). I am going to keep the original sporter stock.

I was thinking about modifying the factory barrel profile by eliminate the taper after clearing the stock. This would add some additional mass/rigidity to the barrel to handle weight of a suppressor, which hopefully will reduce potential POI shift.

I would love a ballistics chart on 20VTG .... anyone want to start at 28" barrel and lop off an inch at a time while chronying?

What is change in velocity between 20" - 24" barrel length? Is the velocity difference significant, and if so can it be offset by using a faster powder while maintaining accuracy?

[elalto]

Hey Oso,

Stick to the .222 case, avoid feeding problems at all costs. with the 222 case you can go .17, .20, .22 or 6mm.

[Oso Polaris]

Originally Posted by elalto

Hey Oso,

Stick to the .222 case, avoid feeding problems at all costs. with the 222 case you can go .17, .20, .22 or 6mm.

I was planning to chamber rifle in 20 Vartarg. I didn't think there was a feed issue with this caliber. Is there?

Thanks

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by Oso Polaris

I was planning to chamber rifle in 20 Vartarg. I didn't think there was a feed issue with this caliber. Is there?

Thanks

The feeding issue would be with the 221 case(20VT) possible not feeding(repeater style) in the magazine, where as your 222R(20-222) would feed, more than likely without any issue. Bill K

[Hal]

If it will feed with the Blackout , the. .20 VarTarg should feed fine. The 300 blackout is the .221 Fireball necked up to .30 caliber and the .20 VT is the Fireball necked down .
If you have a few .20VT try it and see if it feeds. Just don’t fire form the VT to the Blackout.
The Sako has a manual ejector also.

Hal

[Oso Polaris]

Originally Posted by Bill K

The feeding issue would be with the 221 case(20VT) possible not feeding(repeater style) in the magazine, where as your 222R(20-222) would feed, more than likely without any issue. Bill K

Bill & Hal - Thanks for insight. I will get my hands on box of 20 VTG ammo to test feed.

If the 20 VTG doesn't work... What are your thoughts on 20-222 vs 20 Extreme? Issue with 20 Extreme the the lack of available dies?

Thanks

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by Oso Polaris

Bill & Hal - Thanks for insight. I will get my hands on box of 20 VTG ammo to test feed.

If the 20 VTG doesn't work... What are your thoughts on 20-222 vs 20 Extreme? Issue with 20 Extreme the the lack of available dies?

Thanks

Some are using and going to the 20 Extreme, but dies, etc are a little harder to find for it, but can be done.
The standard 20-222 is easier to find dies, etc for. And some have even improved the shoulder on it, as P.O. Ackley did years ago, but again you run into dies, etc costing more.
I would say you would be very happy with the plain jane 20-222 . Bill K