Hello. I just bought a like new Sako AII/L579 HB Varmint in 243 that I think was made around 1980. It will be here in a couple weeks but I'm trying to find out what the twist rate is to purchase some bullets & such. Does anyone happen to know? I'm thinking it might be 1-10. Thanks kindly,
Jim D

Jim grats on the new purchase. Those are 1-10". I'm sure you'll be pleased. What do you intend to use your rifle for? I would recommend the 95 NBT for deer with a BC of .379. Want something slicker then the 90 Scenar at .434 would work for you as well but pricier. Your twist will keep you from being able to take advantage of the 105s.

i have two sako .243 hb, and they are awesome. enjoy.

my brother uses lapua brass, 90 scenar and n-165 in his sako.

If you are going to shoot varmints with it, look at bullets around 70 grains, they should work well. I have been using Hornady 75 grain hollow points for years with great success. They don't make them anymore, but plastic tips in that weight range will shoot well..

fwiw,
I have an As New AII in .243 Winchester that is begging to be converted into a 6.5x47 Lapua Sporter. Thinking a #3 SS Hart or Rock tube and a McMillan Sako Classic or a Sako Hunter. Was hoping to get an Austrian Bix'n Andy Trigger to work, however, even though Timney cross references the A series with the L579, JB at Accuflite said it will not fit. The more I think of building on it the more I think of selling it. It is literally almost perfect. If it did not have barrel sights I would mount a scope and learn to like the .243 Winchester... Which is an acquired taste much like buttermilk and Stilton Cheese(long live Brie!) that I have unable to develop...

Regards, Matt.

Btw, I know this is crass, however, if you don't mind what did you pay for your new rifle and what condition is it in? Would like to know should my little bundle of Finnish perfection need to go down the road...

As an aside I just looked at your post again and noted it was a Heavy Barrel .243 Win AII... That carries me back to when I was 9(1984) and my older brother(May God Rest his Soul)carried me to shoot my first centerfire rifle. His Sako AII Heavy Barrel in .243 Winchester mounted with the Schmidt Bender of the day;-), a Redfield 5 Star...lol. I had a ball as most children do. One would think I should really like the .243 Winchester because we certainly got started on the right foot... So to speak. You might say I would love to have THAT .243 Winchester back and I even know where it sits to this very day. Enjoy your rifle...

Dude don't use a nice Sako for a build. Either keep it as is or sell it and build something with the proceeds. They're too nice just to use as a donor action.

Thank all of you for the information.
woodson: I plan on varmint shooting with it and punching paper. I'm thinking about starting with 70 grain NBT & Varget or RL15. What do you think?
Matt in Virginia: It doesn't have any marks & I'd rate it at 99.5% but no box. Found it for $850.00 + $40.00 shipping.

Thanks again fellows,
Jim D

Which scope mounts do ya'll prefer for the Sako L579? I've been looking at the Talley's. Thanks,
Jim D

You refer to this rifle as a AII/L579.....they are not the same. so is it an AII or a L579, I have both the L579 being about 10 years older than my AII. have burris signature DD base and rings on L579,AII and AV.

Mine is an earlier model 579 that I use for chuck hunting. It has shot the best groups with 70 Sierra bullets followed by 75 gr. The 70's with 8208, are super accurate while the 75's with 4350 are almost as good.

I use original sako rings for mine. for the lighter bullets I use varget or I4064. 68 berger, gentner, 70 ballistic tip.