Converting a Sako L461 action to handle 218 bee

[barrowsr]

This is related to my "what action for a 218 Bee can I use" thread. Sako offered a rifle in 218 Bee using the L461 action. I'm told only 50 were made so they are as scarce as hens teeth. Lots of 222 and 223 Remington L461 Sakos out there so is it possible to convert one? The bolt face should be able to handle the extra .029" in rim diameter since the gun was once offered in 218 Bee. I'd like to know if a gunsmith (meaning NOT Me) can modify the extractor and feed rails if a 222/223 action to function as a repeater in 218 Bee?

 

[Hal]

You might check over on the Saubier Forum, they run small calibers over there.

Hal

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Actually the Bee was built on the L46 action which was the predecessor to the L461. It used a 4rd mag for the Bee and I think same for the Hornet. The 222 was a 3 rd mag as was the later 222mag. So no feed rails to mod, just an expensive mag. I do believe that Jim Wisner is make replacement mags but they aren't cheap either. IIRC the magnum version action was modded a bit to handle the longer round and called the L469? Not sure if/how the L46 extractor was modified for the Bee and Hornet? The longer extractor used on the L46 and Pre Garcia L461's is near impossible to find anymore with the last one I seen for sale was around $100. So don't want to mess up too many and if the Bee was proprietary if you can find one would make for expensive mistake if you were to make a mistake.

 

[barrowsr]

Thanks for the details on the Sako actions. It's sounding more and more like this is going to be a Ruger No. 1A re-barrel job.

 

[Ggmac]

This may not be a choice , but a H&R single shot could be made a lot cheaper . It's just not as glamorous . They use to offer a bee but I've modified a few 22 hornets to bee .

 

[barrowsr]

Thanks. I don't mean to diminish anyone else's tastes in rifles but a break open gun isn't what I'm hoping for.

 

[jds holler]

AND -- barrowsr, as you probably already know; for target, pest, and varmint shooting and hunting, having a repeater is pretty much overrated and unnecessary.

I think that maybe folks who have never used a single shot much just don't get this. In the many years that I've used my Bee, I can only recall a couple of times when I used a quick second shot for coyote calling, and even then I probably would have done as well with a singleshot.

For high volume ground squirrel shooting, reloading the little three round mag is more of a hassle than just chucking a shell in the action and closing the bolt. jd

 

[rlb52]

Here's one built by Flaig's on an L461 and it works fine.

 

[barrowsr]

Nice rifle - now I know it can be done. I searched for a for sale link but couldn't find one.

Robin

 

[rlb52]

Don't think I could part with it. I enjoy shooting it and have a Ruger #1 218 also.

 

[tenring]

I would run this by a gunsmith who specializes in Sako & Tikka work. That is "JB" at accuflite.com

 

[wapiti25]

why not build a 221 fireball, no mods and Lapua brass.

 

[wapiti25]

I built a bee sized case with the 222 neck off of the 223 case. Nice small cartridge.

 

[barrowsr]

The alternate caliber suggestions don't use all the 218 bee brass and dies I have. My problem was solved by Cooper whoSE website advertises a real person will answer their phone. A real person did answer their phone and I ordered a model 38 custom classic. Got to pick the wood (nice) from blank photos they sent. Nice range of options. They make actions sized to the caliber so this will be a nice lightweight rifle. Thanks to all who offered suggestions.
Robin