Sauer 202 Outback .243” Twist Rate

[Willie]

Can anyone tell me the twist rate for a Sauer 202 Outback in 0.243” and any recommendations for deer legal non lead factory ammunition? Or will I have to purchase a different rifle?

 

[Dave881]

Hi, I am pretty sure it's 1 in 10 twist, best thing to do would be to call Steve Beaty at ivythorn, he will tell you. As for non lead deer legal that will depend on where you stalk and what species you are shooting?

 

[Utectok]

You can measure twist with a cleaning rod.. I think the 100gn red deer weight of bullet in scotland will be reduced to 85gn or something when lead is banned... that’s what we hope anyway lol!

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Can anyone tell me the twist rate for a Sauer 202 Outback in 0.243” and any recommendations for deer legal non lead factory ammunition? Or will I have to purchase a different rifle?

One in ten as far as I know.
The question is where are you going to use it?
If you are not shooting Reds or Sika north of the boarder then 80 85 grain will work fine. If you are there’s some 100gn bullets available but I know very little about them. I chopped my 243 in for a 202 in 6.5x55 and a spare 270 barrel

However I will throw in an option for you. Forget new rifle (if you like this one) and consider new barrel. You can get a spare barrel done. Either on an adapter or using a “shot out” barrel. With a faster twist than the standard one.
I have my 202 set up with a Picatinny rail and have a separate scope for each barrel. I use a torque screwdriver when changing barrel or scope. There’s probably some knackered 22-250 barrels out there that you could use as an adapter. You are probably not looking at much difference between that option and buying another 202 in say 6.5 or 308.

 

[Willie]

My shooting permission is in Scottish Borders (Bonchester) and is mainly for roe. I will also be booking some days with a well known stalker in Yorkshire for roe and muntjac.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

My shooting permission is in Scottish Borders (Bonchester) and is mainly for roe. I will also be booking some days with a well known stalker in Yorkshire for roe and muntjac.

In that case at the moment I would try something around the 80/85 grain range. You will have to see what it will group and or what you can buy locally easily. Then decide what you want to use.
I quite liked my 243 however the idiosyncrasy of the Sauer is the 3 lug 22-250 243 vs the 6 lug for everything bigger. So I got the 6.5x55 it was well priced too.
I have thought about getting another 243 but with possibly an eight twist. But it is not a priority atm.
I don’t think you need to worry yet about another rifle/barrel. If you decide to go larger I would recommend the 6.5 upward version, doesn’t matter which cartridge. The options are then limited by the bolt face and what will fit in the mag, oh and a bit of imagination.

 

[Willie]

Thanks lads for all your comments. Also spoke to Steve Beaty (Mr Sauer) at Ivythorn who advised my that the twist rate on my Sauer 202 Outback in 0.243” is 1 in 10.8. He also suggested trying Fox 80gr ammunition available through Edinburgh Rifles.
Thanks again for all you help.

 

[Home Loader]

I use a sauer 202 in 243 muntjac roe fallow and sika, all shot with Barnes Ttsx 80gr factory very accurate and effective, I home loaded fox bullets as well they were also effective.