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?

[Dave in WV]

Bill, I read an article about Sako rifles last year and the writer said they weren't going to import the 9.3x66 to the US. They didn't believe there is enough market. As for the case dimensions, other than the 66mm length nothing was quoted.

[Sigma]

The 9.3x66 from Sako has a 12 mm case. The 9.3x64 from Brenneke has a 13 mm case.

To fill the gap, Sako lengthened the 9.3x62 by 4mm instead of going to 13 mm like Brenneke.

With that step, Sako can take advantage of their existing systems without compromising safety.

Regards

[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. All of that together pretty well answers my questions. Looks like I need to be figuring out how to get me a Brenneke or accept the 9,3x62 then.