Thread: Sako 75 300 win mag twist rate

Hi Guys,

Trying to help out a mate. He’s bought Sako 75 300 win mag, 26 inch barrel. Factory standard. I always thought the twist rates were 1:11 but he’s measured it and thinks it 1:12.
Does anyone know if Sako brought them out in 1:12 or is he measuring wrong?
If it is is 1:11, am I right in thinking stick to the 178-185 grain region for his load development? I shoot 208gr in my Tikka 1:11 but I know a lot of guns won’t stabilise these heavier pills.
Cheers

Sako website says 1 in 11"

Originally Posted by dogmatix

Sako website says 1 in 11"

Attachment 98218

Yea that’s all I could find online as well.

Originally Posted by McNotty

Hi Guys,

Trying to help out a mate. He’s bought Sako 75 300 win mag, 26 inch barrel. Factory standard. I always thought the twist rates were 1:11 but he’s measured it and thinks it 1:12.
Does anyone know if Sako brought them out in 1:12 or is he measuring wrong?
If it is is 1:11, am I right in thinking stick to the 178-185 grain region for his load development? I shoot 208gr in my Tikka 1:11 but I know a lot of guns won’t stabilise these heavier pills.
Cheers

Sako and Tikka barrels are the same if the 208 shoots in one why do you think it won't shoot in the other?

Originally Posted by shooternz

Sako and Tikka barrels are the same if the 208 shoots in one why do you think it won't shoot in the other?

@shooternz I don't know, why does one hand load shoot amazing in one rifle but not the same in an identical rifle? All I know is a couple mates had load developments done and were told by who ever was doing it that the heavier pills didn't shoot as well as the lighter ones. Maybe you could shed some light on it? I'm all for learning something new.

As far as twist rate goes if the 1:11" stabilises the 208 grain in one rifle it will stabilise in all rifles with 1:11" barrels, accuracy is another thing
it is down to barrel vibrations, some barrels like one bullet and not another the same with powders there are some powder and bullet combos that
shoot well in most rifles, I use to load for three 300Win mags not mine, 180 grain bullets seemed to shoot the best in all three, 200+ grain took up
to much powder space if seated to magazine length, the 180 grain bullets will kill any animal in NZ.

OK thanks for the advice @shooternz. Guess I was thinking too much of stabilization and accuracy being the same thing. I'll pass on what you said. Would you mind telling me what powders you have you had the most success with?

Ive got a Sako 75 300 win stainless and shoot the 208 ELDM. Accuracy is good at 100m. Thats at 2925fps avg. My mates got a Sako 85 300 win using the 208s as well and isnt having any issues either.

Thats loaded at about 3.59 inches I believe. I would have to check but too much longer and they don't feed very nicely from the mag.

The other half of the equation is barrel length/velocity.
A longer barrel with a slower twist rate (higher velocity) can stabilize a heavier pill vs that same twist rate in a shorter barrel (less velocity).
Its the RPM of the projectile that dictates if it will be stable or not and you can get the RPM up in two ways. A faster twist, and/or a higher velocity.
That's why you will often see a slower twist rifle with a really long barrel being able to stabilize heavier pills which would usually require a faster twist rate.

1:6

CHeers @ChrisW and @Rwt.

RWT what powder were you using to get those speeds?

Originally Posted by McNotty

OK thanks for the advice @shooternz. Guess I was thinking too much of stabilization and accuracy being the same thing. I'll pass on what you said. Would you mind telling me what powders you have you had the most success with?

I have used RL22 N560 AR2217 all gave good accuracy and velocity with 180 bullets from Norma and Noster Accubonds The guys I loaded for had tried heavier bullets
but decided to go with the 180's.

Originally Posted by McNotty

CHeers @ChrisW and @Rwt.

RWT what powder were you using to get those speeds?

Using 2217 - 79.7 grains which is a couple over max. Norma brass and 215m primers

Originally Posted by Gibo

1:6

Attachment 98241

@Gibo
Could be 1:12 or maybe even 1:18 with the right load.
Cough cough.....