Sako 75 SS 9,3x66

[Graybeard]

Anyone know anything about this one?

The 9,3x66 seems to be a new round offered by Sako in their Model 75s. I've written them and asked for info regarding the cartridge and availability in the US. But thought I'd check here and see if anyone already knows some answers.

The 9,3x62 is a very common round and easily obtainable and likely will do more than I'll ever need done. It is basically just the .30-06 case opened to accept .366" bullets but the shoulder is pushed forward and case walls are less tapered for greater case capacity.

The 9,3x64 Brenneke is a very interesting round. The case is 2.5" like the '06 but the diameter is between the .284 Win. and the belted magnums so case capacity is almost the same as the short belted magnums. It generally seems to give an extra 200-300 fps over the 9,3x62 with all bullet weights.

So is the 9,3x66 just a lengthened 9,3x62 or a lengthened 9,3x64 Brenneke or something else all together? Does Sako import it into the US? Ballistics as I can see on the Sako site would tend to indicate it is a ballistic duplicate of the Brenneke.

So who is in the know on this one?

[onesonek]

From what I have read, it's a lenghtened "62" case. Basically, they want to keep the magzine capacity at 5, but also utilize the OAL of the magzine in the 75 too its max.
Dave

[Mac11700]

Bill:

Here's what my Cartridges of the World#10 says:

Sako introduced the 9.3x66mm in 2002.The cartridge was developed for the new Sako 75 family of bolt-action rifles.

Muzzel energy of the 9.3x66mm is close to the 375 H&H Magnum.For hunting moose and bear at close ranges,Sako has developed a RN Hammerhead bullet with an extreamly thick jacket.The 9.3x 66mm gets good penatration with the Barnes X bullet.For dangerous animals..the Barnes solid is an excellent choice.Both bullets are 286 grains,which is virtually the standard weight for the 9.3mm caliber.For long range hunting..the 250 grain Nosler Ballistic tip preforms very well in the 9.3x66mm.

Loading data

250 Nosler BT.....factory load........velocity 2756fps.....energy  4210 ft.lbs.......Sako factory round


286 RN Hammerhead.......factory load.........velocity...2559 fps.....energy  4147 ft.lbs......Sako factory round


286 Barnes X-Bullet.....factory load.......velocity 2543 fps....enrgy 4093 ft.lbs......Sako Factory round


286 Barnes Solid.....factory load.....velocity 2559 fps.....energy 4147 ft.lbs.....Sako factory round



Looks like it would be "Big Medicine" for just about anything walking...

Hope this helps...


Mac

[Graybeard]

Thanks guys. Those specs are some short of the Brenneke so it could be it is just a longer 9,3x62. I kinda suspected it might be but still want to find out.

I think I'd really like to have the Brenneke but am not sure just where and how to go about making it happen. Suspect a custom rifle would be required and only RWS makes ammo or cases for it. However I understand they are imported and should be available. This round actually surpasses the .375 H&H ballistics.

[Greg Zeilinger]

The 9.3-66 is just a lengthened 9.3-62 case and Sako does their velocity tests out of a 28'' testbarrel,wich is actually a polygon barrel.thus velocity is even better than with an average barrel.Velocities appear very promising,but practically they are different.I shoot a 9.3-64 in a Steyr-Mannlicher ST and a 25"barrel and using 67gr of Rel 15 with a 250gr Ballistic-Tip,i get about 2850ft/sec.A friend of mine,who lives in Austria just bought a Sako in 9.3-66 and he gets with the same bullet about2680ft/s,so as you can see,it does fall short of the promised velocity.I think the 9.3-66 is an improved version of the 9.3-62.Nonetheless a splendid choice for the avid Big-Game hunter.
When it comes to brass,right now there is only RWS brass readily available,but Russia just intoduced a new Sniping rifle in 9.3-64 and they have already started manufactoring there own,but i don't know if it will be available for the civilian market soon.Rws brass is very tough and i used some 25 times and there is no sign of them getting worn out.They are a bit pricey over here but i get them sent from a gunsmith in Austria and there they are way cheaper than in Canada or the US.Well,i hope i was of any help.Happy hunting and shooting. :grin:

[cariboux]

I have a 9.3x62 which I had built by Montana Rifleman and stocked by Lone Wolf Custom Guns. This is truely one of the finest rifles I have ever owned. I use Woodleigh 286 gr bullets which this weapon loves (sub moa). If anyone has any info on obtaining the new Sako 9.3x66 and brass, please email me at: cariboux@gci.net

Sako has sent me chamber drawings and specs, so I may have Montana Rifleman build me the action. I will still need a source for brass.

So far, I am running into dead ends on trying to obtain a 9.3x66 or brass. Any info, please let me know.

Thanks!