I have a nice Sauer 202 in 9.3x62 that I use for big game and driven hunting, now I would like to add one extra barrel to the rifle..something to use for deer or medium size game in general. These two calibres come to my mind so what combination would serve me better..
A combination of 9.3x62 and 7x64 or .270win or 6.5x55 ?

Any suggestion is appreciated !

Much of a muchness. Do they both interchange with only a barrel switch? I know the 6.5 is a slightly fatter case.

Personally would choose the 7mm but since target grade ammo is available for the 6.5 and it is the scandinavian classic...if you plan to do some target shooting as well?

That is a very tough question as you are talking about three of my favorite rounds. My 7x64 impresses me everytime I shoot it and is potent enough for a large variety of game however no good gun collection is complete without at least one good 6.5x55 (or two or three) I would go with the 6.5x55 and keep your eyes open for a good deal on a 7x64 at a later date then you can have all three.

7x64 and 6.5x55 are nor REALLY comparable. The 7x64 is a class higher with regard to performance. So it very much depends on what you want to do with it.

Another point of consideration comes into play if you are reloading. The 7x64 has a rather lengthy throat which makes the use of spitzer shaped bulltes somewhat of a gamble where accuracy is concerned.

I have barrels in 9.3x62, 7x64 and 6.5x57 for my Blaser and must say the 6.5mm does not get used often compared to the other two.

Split the differece - get a 270win?

You will need a new magazine to go with the barrel.

i would go 6.5x55 because of its flexibility on lesser game.

but to get a reasonable answer you need to point out what you are going to use it for.

and it also depends on your rifle-battery, if this gun will be the only one between a 9.3x62 and a rimfire, the 6.5x55 is THE cartridge.

This is not an easy question to answer. I have owned three rifles 6.5x55 and one 7x64, at present I own one in 6.5x55, none in 7x64, spose that's my answer, the 6.5x55.
The 6.5 is a very reliable round on deer size game, for anything a little larger the 9.3 will get things done.

I have a 9.3 bbl for the Blaser and just ordered a 270.

quote:

Originally posted by Claret_Dabbler:
Split the differece - get a 270win?

You will need a new magazine to go with the barrel.

The 270 in a Blaser? No No No never!

quote:

Originally posted by Steffen-9.3:
i would go 6.5x55 because of its flexibility on lesser game

I would disagree as I find that the 7mm is more flexible. Such a situation is when hunting the small alpine Chamois an opportunity can arise where a long shot in heavy wind might be necessary at a big Stag that pops up.

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
I would disagree as I find that the 7mm is more flexible. Such a situation is when hunting the small alpine Chamois an opportunity can arise where a long shot in heavy wind might be necessary at a big Stag that pops up.

when i said lesser game i ment "smaller-than-deer" and i find that the extra velocity destroys more meat.

If possible just get 7,62x51 barrel and shoot 165grain slugs though it. Same performace as 7x64, but ammo should be less expensive and more readily available.

quote:

Originally posted by Steffen-9.3:
i would go 6.5x55 because of its flexibility on lesser game.

but to get a reasonable answer you need to point out what you are going to use it for.

and it also depends on your rifle-battery, if this gun will be the only one between a 9.3x62 and a rimfire, the 6.5x55 is THE cartridge.

I'd probably opt for the 6.5x55 too. Anything I didn't feel comfortable shooting with it I'd use the 9.3 on.

split the diff and get either a 7 or 8 mauser
with the longer magazine you haveand for large deer on down the 7 would be a better choice.
and could be used for larger stuff if you wanted.

I would opt for the 7x64 hands down...I am not a fan of the 6.5s as I think big game rounds begin at .284 caliber....

Thanks for many good replays.....

One thing that is troubling me about the 7x64 is the long throat...does this mean that it is inaccurate with bullets between 120-150 grs. ? And will it only shoot well bullets between 150-175 ? One last question....I have seen many Sauer’s 202 in 6.5x55 in action and the accuracy is incredible to say the least, is there difference in accuracy (in general) between 6.5x55 and 7x64 ?

I've always had doubts about the long throat theory. My 6.5x55 like most I assume is throated for the long 160 gr bullet yet I never use heavier than 140.That means lots of throat. It's accuracy does NOT suffer !! One important accuracy factor rarely mentioned is throat diameter.

Here's my 202 with its 2 bbls. (original 7x64, .30-06 spare).

While the .30-06 has a short throat, the 7x64 has indeed a long one as per CIP specs. True, the latter is more accurate with 160-170 bullets (5 in < 5 MOA). Lighter bullets do not do so well and 150 grainers shoot no better than 5 in...< 75

Regarding caliber choice between 7x64 and 6,5x55, I'd go with the 7 mm as it should prove capable of taking heavier game. BTW, I can't see any difference as to how game falls to a 160-175 g. launched by the 7x64 or a 165-180 g. coming out of the .30-06.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
I would opt for the 7x64 hands down...I am not a fan of the 6.5s as I think big game rounds begin at .284 caliber....

I would have to agree, for all intents and purposes, the 7x64 is the same as our .280 Remington.

Wow,that's a tough question. I have Sakos in all three rounds and like them equally; however, if I had to chose between the two you mention, I'd go with the 6.5. The 6.5 gives me a little more flexibility because it will shoot lighter bullets and I don't generally use anything heavier than 120s for the critters I chase, and recoil is very soft. If I want to shoot bullets weighing more than 150 grains, I'd go with the 7X64; for anything heavier than that I have my 9.3x62 and 375 H&H. Bottom line is you would be well armed with either. It boils down to what makes you happy. Lou

I got a 308 and 9.3x62 combined with a 270 Weatherby for my R93.

Figure I have just about the best of all worlds....

If it were me I would take the 7x64 over the 6.5x55 as it should be just a little flatter at longer ranges than the 6.5x55.

Hi Ingvar, I am on the other end because I have sauer 202 in 6,5x55 and plan to get a 9,3x62. The 6,5x55 shoots very well, but the 7x64 is also very tempting, and when I bought the 6,5x55 the main reason was that I had a lot of brass in 6,5x55 already and also it would be a better plinker for paper shooting as the recoil from 6,5x55 is almost zero. The 3rd factor was to maybe to get a barrel in 30-06 or 8x57 later so I choose the 6,5 to better justify that third barrel.

I would opt for the 7X64mm, simply because in the U.S., anyway, there is a much broader selection of excellent 7mm bullets for handloading. But with the right load, I would not feel in the least handicapped with a 6.5X55, either!

quote:

Originally posted by El Deguello:
I would opt for the 7X64mm, simply because in the U.S., anyway, there is a much broader selection of excellent 7mm bullets for handloading. But with the right load, I would not feel in the least handicapped with a 6.5X55, either!

plenty of brass and 7mm bullets...

once you see what the 7x64 does its hard to not have one.
S&B makes a great factory load for the 7x64 as well.

After some careful reflection I think I might go with a .270 win or the 7x64.....

Has any of you guys have real experience with the .270 win in Sauer 202 ?

I have a 202 in 270win. Gods own death ray on deer.

Mine as set up is probably a little heavy for a pure mountain rifle, but it is very easy to shoot. Does .6-.7 easily with 140gr Interbond and 150gr Partitions. It will do much better occasionally, but I don't have the concentration to do it justice.

Pretty too:

Brian,
Thats a nice rifle, which S&B scope sits atop it?
One of the 6.5x55s I had was a 202, the model with the aluminium action. It was a well made, accurate rifle, but I just could not settle to the safety system. Spose I'm too old a dog.

Oldun, it is a Klassic model 3-12x50 with an L7 ill reticule. Fantastic scope, but the scope and mounts combine at about 1.5 pounds.

quote:

so what combination would serve me better..
A combination of 9.3x62 and 7x64 or .270win or 6.5x55 ?

I'd sure belooking at ammo availability on this decision.....here in the states the .270 is my pick but I'm not in iceland!!

Blimey Brian, how heavy is the loaded rifle scope and sling?
And where do you fit the wheels?
No, please don't shoot, I'm only joking, spose it not too heavy for a young'n like your good self.

oldun, all up, loaded slung etc, just short of 9#.

Just wanted to share with you some photos of my Sauer 202…it’s a 9.3x62 and it shoots everything I feed it right in one hole !

I would go w/ a 6.5x55. Just my humble opinion. I have 5 now. Here is my hunter:
You may also look at an 8x57. 8x57 hunter:
Both are Swedes, the 8x57 is a 1947 FN commercial action, 1955 Husqvarna build.
2900fps w/ 175gr is not chump change. jp

Ingvar,
That's a nice bit of kit!

This is easy, go to the Store where you buy your guns and ammo and look on the shelf, buy what ever they have the most of, this way you will always be in ammo, a rifle no matter how good accurate or just plain nice to look at is useless, unless you have ammo for it. I shoot a 338 Winchester Mag for the simple reason 9.3 x 62's while a fine cartridge and would serve my hunting needs just as well maybe better, not every body stocks that one on the shelf. And in
America there is no shortage of guns or ammo.

If this is a hunting question buy the 7MM. If it is a gun question buy the 6.5X55.

Knew someone who said his 270 202 was VERY accurate and loved it, as his Sig pistols. That said, years ago I lusted, yet never bought a 6.5x55 202 when they were half what they are selling for now......nice guns, but Oldun makes a point, that safety, if I recall is next to the trigger, and it might cause some to worry on setting the gun off accidentally, but I don't know that it'd stop me from wanting one.

All 3 rounds will likely do a very similar job in the field, ammo available should be considered as always IMHO, even though 99.9% of all my rounds in the past were handloads in rifles. Expect that to change, but one never knows......

Pick one and I am sure you'll be happy.

A few years ago I bought a Sauer 202 Deluxe in a 6.5x55 gave a few hundred more than I thought was prudent, scoped it up and discovered that it shot most of the factory ammo I had in about 3/4 inch groups my reloads cut that into half with every combo I tried. Ammo I loaded up for my other 6.5x55s and they didn't like it shoots under 1/2 inch. About a year later I a fellow came packing another NIB Sauer 202 Deluxe in 6.5x55 and only wanted half what I had given for the first one so I now have a spare in case I ever wear out the first one. I also bought two more in a 270 so the 6.5s would not be lonely. They shoot about like the 6.5s a little mor particular but not by much. Bought one in a 308 and it is quite finnicky but I have about got it figured out.

With all those "Spare rifle" send me the NIB 6.5, just shoot me a PM so I can put some hunting and ammo money back in your bank account.