Remington 22-250 "SARO" - Correction "SAKO"

[Saffron]

I am sure some of you knowledgeable folks will be able to anser this question.

Out on Sunday with the Garrett ACE 250, and Nel Tornado coil, and at a maximum of 2 inches found a bullet case in perfect condition. Initial thought was "303" but as I picked it up realised it was too small, a quick wipe with fingers showed "SARO 22-250 REM".

I knew the "REM" was Remington, and was fairly sure the 22 part of the number was the calibre, but was unsure what the "SARO" was (suspected model). A Google search confirmed the Remington and 22 calibre, and I found out about the 22-250. But I could not find mention of "SARO" anywhere, anybody know?.

Thanks in advance,
Evan

[Doug]

Closest I can get via Mr Google is SAKO cartridge makers?

[MilitaryMetalMagnut]

It isn't 'Saro' it's 'Sako'
Sako is an ammunition and firearm manufacturer from Riihimäki in Finland.

There's a hunter in them there woods!

Regards,

Simon

[Saffron]

Doug, Simon,
very many thanks for that information.

Looking again it is "SAKO" and not "SARO", and it is not as if covered in mud or damaged, I need to go specsavers (other opticians are available).

It has SAKO on side of the percusion cap and 22-250 REM on the other, looking at pictures of SAKO 22-250 boxes they are labled "22-250 REM". So back to my original 22-250 Remington Google page and reread it, duh ... as I said 22 was the calibre but the "22-250 Remington" is the type of cartridge and my comment about Remington being the manufacturer of this one was wrong

Thanks for sorting me out. FYI: This was the only "large" (rim diameter .473") case found to my knowledge but there were a large number of both .22 bullets and cases with a diameter of .22 or only slightly larger, so somebody had done a fair bit of shooting in that area.

As I said it was in good condition, and as different from the normal .303s I can now add it to my small collection of cartridge cases with the correct information.

Evan

[MilitaryMetalMagnut]

Doug, Simon,
very many thanks for that information.

Looking again it is "SAKO" and not "SARO", and it is not as if covered in mud or damaged, I need to go specsavers (other opticians are available).

It has SAKO on side of the percusion cap and 22-250 REM on the other, looking at pictures of SAKO 22-250 boxes they are labled "22-250 REM". So back to my original 22-250 Remington Google page and reread it, duh ... as I said 22 was the calibre but the "22-250 Remington" is the type of cartridge and my comment about Remington being the manufacturer of this one was wrong

Thanks for sorting me out. FYI: This was the only "large" (rim diameter .473") case found to my knowledge but there were a large number of both .22 bullets and cases with a diameter of .22 or only slightly larger, so somebody had done a fair bit of shooting in that area.

As I said it was in good condition, and as different from the normal .303s I can now add it to my small collection of cartridge cases with the correct information.

Evan

You're very welcome, matey.

Always fun finding a different cartridge from the usual. probably be plenty more different cartridges there.

Simon

[Martin B]

Nice find! The .22-250 Remington is a high power sporting round, used for hunting small to medium game.

The designation Remington comes from its adoption in 1965 as one of the calibre offerings for Remingtons 700 series bolt-action rifles and the 40XB match rifle. The cartridge was a popular 'wildcat' (ie a round home made to published designs) originally known as the .22 Wotkyns Swift. It was originally made by reforming spare .250-3000 Savage brass, hence the .22 for its calibre followed by -250 indicating the original case.

Its a very nicely balanced load and accurate, excellent for rabbit out to several hundred meters. I know as I had a BRNO Mauser action rifle chambered to it many years ago! I also had a rifle chambered for the .250 Savage!

[Saffron]

Martin B, thanks for the extra information

Evan

[doubledee]

My .22-250 is a Sako Bavarian,in stainless steel, with set trigger. Made in Finland. I use Hornady 50 grain Superformance rounds, unlike Sako ammo, which is not as accurate in my rifle.

The name Sako is derived from their rather lengthy address and is pronounced SOCKO, and not SAYKO.

I believe Sako is Finnish for fine. I use my Sako for small deer and foxes. Shooting rabbits at several hundred metres is living in a dream world, in my opinion.

[Martin B]

I use my Sako for small deer and foxes. Shooting rabbits at several hundred metres is living in a dream world, in my opinion.

Used to take bunnies with mine out to 200m (admittedly the bigger ones), beyond that I couldnt see them even with the scope. I had an advantage with an after market bipod (being trained by the mob to shoot at long range might have helped as well!). Below 50m it turned them inside out! Never took deer as not part of my permissions back then, but as you say, top notch for foxes. Doubt I could hit the side of a barn at 200 with my eyes nowadays. I used to use Norma, but cant remember the load details anymore, some 20 years have passed! Factory loads anyway. Not fired anything heavier than a .22 airgun since, wish I still had my Rigby 12ga/.22 Hornet combo...

[MilitaryMetalMagnut]

Nice info, Martin & thanks sounds like some nice grouping. I shoot more heavier things, .303 and 7.62x54R. Was getting 4 or so inch groups at 300 yards the last time I went to Bisley, with my 1949 Lee Enfield No.4, quite chuffed with that! Usually I shoot .22lr

[doubledee]

200 metres is reasonable for a good shot but certainly not 'several hundred metres?' There is a reason why ammunition manufacturers rarely say what their cartridges are doing at up to 400 yards.

The .22-250 I use is for muntjac, Chinese water deer and foxes. I might just check my zero with a rabbit. I use a .270 and a .243 for other, larger, deer. If there is a rabbit within range and I've had a blank day I might also use these calibres to zero in on rabbits. The .270 certainly turns them inside out.

If my factory ammo can print under half an inch at 100 yards who needs hand loads? The deer won't know the difference................