New caliber, 9,3x66 Sako

17 July 2003, 03:57

Trailblazer

I read an article in a recent Guns & Ammo magazine about the Sako rifles, and the author said that he didn't think the 9.3x66 Sako would be coming to the states. [Frown]

This is rather unfortunate because I hear it's a great caliber, somewhere along the lines of a .338 Winchester.

17 July 2003, 05:54

wpm

WOW.....

Any more info out there? Just wondering if the 9.3x66 would work through a standard length action. Say a 30-06?

17 July 2003, 05:59

<JOHAN>

Gentlemen

There have been some writeing about it in the Nordic press. It's like a 9,3X64.

I know only one person who has built a rifle in that caliber. Seems like all good rounds doen't make it to USA [Roll Eyes]

Sako are the only who makes ammo for this caliber
Cheers
/ JOHAN

17 July 2003, 06:07

Magnar

I have just seen a Sako rifle chambered for this round. There will probably be an article in an norwegian hunting magazine shortly about this cartrigde.
I know the guy who tested this round, so he gave me a cartridge for my collection.
I'll post a picture soon.

17 July 2003, 06:56

Magnar

From left.
9,3x57 - 9,3x62 - 9,3x64 - 9,3x66

(Sorry for the bad quality on the first pict.)

[ 07-16-2003, 22:03: Message edited by: Magnar ]

18 July 2003, 09:24

Tuomo

quote:
Originally posted by wpm:
WOW.....

Any more info out there? Just wondering if the 9.3x66 would work through a standard length action. Say a 30-06?

Yes, it is designed for work in standart actions like 30-06 size. Ballistic and energy is same as .375 H&H. Sako has made their 75 rifles for that caliber as well as load cartridges too. Same time when 9,3x66 launched, Sako offered for it too new bullet: 9,3mm Hammerhead 286 grains. Same new bullet is now offered too in 9,3x62, very good bullet and developed in Finland by same person (Erkki Kauppi) which is developed 9,3x66 caliber. It is strange that Sako doesnï¿½t mention whole caliber or 286 gr Hammerhead in their web-site www.sako.fi at all. [Confused]

17 July 2003, 22:17

Magnar

The 9,3x66 fits just barely in the 75 action magazine. It's not much space left [Smile]

18 July 2003, 05:16

<JOHAN>

Gentlemen

this cartridge is a bit "a perfect solution to a nonexcisting problem" the 9,3X64 has been around for a long time and is a VERY NICE caliber [Big Grin]

/ JOHAN

19 July 2003, 00:04

Magnar

quote:
Originally posted by JOHAN:
Gentlemen

this cartridge is a bit "a perfect solution to a nonexcisting problem" the 9,3X64 has been around for a long time and is a VERY NICE caliber

/ JOHAN

That's true. That's why I have the 64 [Big Grin]

19 July 2003, 09:54

Judson

Check out the .366D.G.W. in the wildcat section 9.3 fans. @50 grain bullets at over 3200 fps, 300 grain Swift bullets at 2911 fps, not too bad!!! It is in the tenth eddition of cartridges of the world.

19 July 2003, 22:52

carcano91

Almost a decade after the excellent and better designed 9,5 x 66 vH SE (aka .375 WR for British consumption) this seems to be one of the most stupid cartridge "inventions" which we have been subjected to since the 1950s or so. *sigh*

Carcano

19 July 2003, 23:55

mete

How does it compare with the 358 Norma magnum ?

20 July 2003, 01:48

Judson

If it is equal to the 9.3X64 then the .358 Norma has.83 grains more capasity so they other then bore diameter are basically equal. I have necked the .358 up to 9.3 and I get the same balistics as the 9.3 X 64. Only addvantage I have is cheep brass.

20 July 2003, 02:31

Mark R Dobrenski

To me and this is just me-there is little reason to get into this game unless one just wants to. Talk about the 375 H&H and you're in the ball game a little older to us-so its lost some of its zest.

Howwever I've owned the 9.3x64 and a 375 the 9.3 was close but not quite but still a very nice round.

Just my thoughts

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dog

20 July 2003, 04:23

KurtC

Brenneke designed the 9,3x64 so that a standard 98 in 9,3x62 could be easily rechambered to achieve optimum performance. If the Sako cartridge can achieve this without opening the boltface, it is a step in the right direction.

I'm curious to know how the cartridge compares in length to the .375 H&H. The length of the H&H has always been denounced by purists who do not want to extensively alter the bottom metal of the 98 or loose front locking lug support.

The big question is just how devoted Sako will be to this cartridge. The 9,3x64 is widely known, but is often difficult to find. If Sako takes advantage of modern advertisement and distribution methods, they may have a real winner (considering the standard bolt face).

20 July 2003, 11:59

Magnar

KurtC.
You are absolutely right in your last sentence.

It's all about marketing and advertisement.
The 64 has been around for nearly 100 years. The 9,3 problem that that cartridge doesen't handle, is not worth handling. [Big Grin]

20 July 2003, 15:29

RSEK

I doubt if we ever see this in the US. The Sako 7x64 and 9.3x62 aren't even imported into this country. With the difficulty in obtaining brass and ammunition for the 9.3x64, it might be an attractive cartridge for some of us.

21 July 2003, 12:38

Jameister

(Erkki Kauppi)

I am just enough finnish to enjoy the american pronounciation of this gentlemans name.

In phonetices it would be kioo pa pi.

In american it would be a simple cowpie.

I do not see the advantages that sako is seeking with this round, but perhaps they also have some sort of problems with the Brenneke dimensions, or with getting brass for the 9.3X64? Does it look to anyone else like the 9.3X57 would fit into the same chamber? Maybe this is to allow a simple chamber lengthening of the old 9.3X57???

Or maybe something more ingenious like allowing a rechambering of 8X57? There may well be more than meets the obvious question of why?

Maybe this is to allow a four or five round magazine?

Maybe just to get the sako name on a new round?

any new .366 bullets are good news.

Poika

22 July 2003, 01:44

ALF

27 July 2003, 07:14

Burkhard

Alf,

I found in all my catalogues for hunters two
factory loads the RWS Brenneke TUG 293 gr. and the RWS 225 gr. DK (Doppelkern).

But you are right, the 9,3x62 is much more popular
(found easily 10 different cartridges.)

When I see all the discussions about the new Sako 9,3x66, I think the answer should be, forget all take the old reborn 9,3x70. My next "dream rifle".

Look at www.hataritimes.com

Burkhard

29 July 2003, 18:17

Finnlight

quote:
Originally posted by Tuomo:

It is strange that Sako doesnï¿½t mention whole caliber or 286 gr Hammerhead in their web-site www.sako.fi at all.

Now there is some information about 9.3x66Sako in the Sako's web pages

http://www.sako.fi/cartridges_93.html

[ 07-29-2003, 09:19: Message edited by: Finnlight ]

29 July 2003, 19:40

Nebraska

I feel like I just got done watching "Hanz and Franz" on Saturday Night Live! "Dees new cartridge going to Pump you up!!!!" [Big Grin]

Seriously though, what's a 9.3 equivalent to anyway? Is it ~.375? Also, what are the dimensions for those cases in the pics? Thanks.

05 August 2003, 09:05

Tuomo

quote:
Originally posted by Finnlight:

quote:
Originally posted by Tuomo:

It is strange that Sako doesnï¿½t mention whole caliber or 286 gr Hammerhead in their web-site www.sako.fi at all.
Now there is some information about 9.3x66Sako in the Sako's web pages

http://www.sako.fi/cartridges_93.html

Yes, now there is information of 9,3x66 cartridge and Hammerhead 286 grs. bullet. [Smile]

05 August 2003, 12:04

Orion 1

quote:
Originally posted by Nebraska:
I feel like I just got done watching "Hanz and Franz" on Saturday Night Live! "Dees new cartridge going to Pump you up!!!!"

Seriously though, what's a 9.3 equivalent to anyway? Is it ~.375? Also, what are the dimensions for those cases in the pics? Thanks.

9.3 mm = .366"
57 mm = 2.244"
62 mm = 2.441"
63 mm = 2.480"
64 mm = 2.519"
66 mm = 2.598"

For a point of reference, the 30-06 is a 7.62X63 mm and the 308 Win is a 7.62X51 when translated to metric.

11 August 2003, 01:23

RichieRich

I've contacted Sako's distributor Berretta and was informed that they would have no trouble getting a 9.3x66 Sako Model 75. The ammo on the other hand??? They told me that they would look into it and that I should call them back in a few weeksï¿½ I heard under their breath something to the order of ï¿½another gun company putting a new one out without thinking of any ammo for itï¿½.

I feel the 9.3x66 round has very good potential for any person who wants all the performance (power + range) that they can get in a standard length action thatï¿½s able to keep itï¿½s slim profile without giving up a round or twoï¿½ It would be a custom makers dreamï¿½ Not having to alter bolt faces, guide rails and magazines. But, as the sad story goes, as it has in the past, poor marketing and lack of coordination between the respective firearms and ammo manufactures can let a good thing slip away un-noticedï¿½ I want one of these, but now Iï¿½m scared that Iï¿½ll get stuck with something Iï¿½ll not be able to locate ammo for in a few years if it doesnï¿½t catch onï¿½ Looks like a 9.3x62 for me thenï¿½

20 July 2009, 21:54

ALF

20 July 2009, 22:13

Jim Kobe

After all of this, I have to admit I did chamber up two barreled actions in 9.3 x 66 for two different individuals within the last two years. Both gentlemen were please with the resulting cartridge and posted about this on these pages in the "gunsmithing" section. Do a search and you may find some interesting info.

21 July 2009, 03:30

capoward

Federal does load the 9.3x66 Sako in the USA as the .370 Sako Magnum.

There’ve been a couple of earlier AR threads regarding the 9.3x66 Sako cartridge, one pretty well hammered compared the 62mm vis-à-vis the 66mm cases. The usable powder capacity if virtually identical for both cartridge cases when loaded to the factory COAL. The 66mm Sako cartridge betters the 62mm Mauser cartridge due to a higher pressure loading which could be a consideration for a non-reloader.

The Sako 66mm case comes into its own if loaded to a longer cartridge OAL so the base of the bullet didn’t intrude below the shoulder, or better yet below the neck/shoulder junction but that would require a factory 3.6” magazine box which pretty much defeats the purpose of the cartridge.

21 July 2009, 05:35

JohnT

Anyone know if you can use 9.3 x 62 dies to load for the 9.3x66 Sako/370 Sako Mag? Are shoulder angles the same?

Can't see the point in this cartridge when you already have the 9.3x62. Having said that I shamefully purchased one second hand going cheap in a Sako 85 Hunter.

regards,
JohnT

21 July 2009, 08:11

capoward

I believe the shoulder angles are the same as well as shoulder diameters.

21 July 2009, 19:44

Burkhard

The 9,3x66 is an answer for a never asked question. The 9,3x62 is a workhorse, the 9,3x64 is similar to the 375 H&H, the 9,3x70 is the king - tell me please where is the 9,3x66 in this league?

Burkhard

21 July 2009, 20:46

gumboot458

..I think Sako would be better known , or at least be producing a better rifle , if they had brought out the 9.3x64 Brenneke ..... They would have better ballistics . Not have to use only factory ammo to attain the quoted velocities . And it would cause there to be more brass made for the caliber ...

21 July 2009, 20:50

Kabluewy

Last Sunday I ran some 9.3 mm 250 gr Accubonds over the crony, reading 2813 fps, shot from my 9.3/338. Next weekend, I intend to test for accuracy at 300 yards. It's doubtful that I'll be in the market for the 9.3x66.

Brass is no problem for me, and the length of the loaded round is just right to fit in the Ruger magazine. I think the 9.3x66 is too long for std magazines like Ruger or Mauser, but will fit into Sakos and Remingtons, etc, since they are longer.

KB

21 July 2009, 20:52

Kabluewy

I agree with Gumboot. It would have made better sense for Sako to just offer the 9.3x64, and import brass and ammo for it. That would be far more interesting, and actually solve a problem.

KB

22 July 2009, 03:13

lawndart

I have ten boxes of brass, and a box each of the loaded ammunition. Sako is selling it in the USA as the .370 Sako.

It gets its extra grunt because it uses double base powders stuffed to the gills.

It actually works pretty well.

It will fit in anything that handles a 30-06. If you are going to put the work in on a Mauser, go ahead and make a 9.3x64. It has a little more room for the hot weather.

Graffs has ammunition.

It is to the 9.3x62 what the 458 Lott is to the 458 Winchester.

23 July 2009, 00:50

Dr. Lou

quote:
Originally posted by Burkhard:
The 9,3x66 is an answer for a never asked question. The 9,3x62 is a workhorse, the 9,3x64 is similar to the 375 H&H, the 9,3x70 is the king - tell me please where is the 9,3x66 in this league?

Burkhard

Same can be said about the SAUM, WSM, RCM....