Anyone here on AR used a 9.3x66 (aka 370 Sako Magnum) in Africa?

I have used a 9.3x62 to take (12) animals in Africa so far, and (4) with my 9.3x66: Buffalo, Black Lechwe, Tsessebbe, & Side Stripped Jackel in the Bangweulu Swamp in Zambia last year.

According to my new Garmin Chronograph (what a neat, miniature miracle!), my ‘66 is getting 2,596 fps average with the Federal 286 gr. NP, and 2,535 fps with the Federal BBS. I killed the Buffalo with one round in the ‘66, a 286 NP.

I do not reload, but I read on AR that some folks are getting 2,600 fps+ reloading 9.3x62 ammo, and one reloading book is giving a hair over 2,700 fps for the ‘62. I actually got 2,607 fps on one of the (3) rounds I chronographed for the ‘66.

My curiosity makes me wonder if any of you reloaders out there have reloaded the ‘66 cartridge (370 Sako) to higher than the Federal factory ammo I am using. I would think if the ‘62 can be reloaded to 2,700 fps, the ‘66 should be able to go even a bit faster?

What say you?

Surefire7,

I reload the 9.3x66. I get 2600 FPS with the 286 NP and 2700 with the 250 ACB. I think I could get a little more out of it if I was not hampered by magazine length.

In my mind the 9.3x66 eliminates the need for 375 H&H or 338 WM. except where the 375 H&H is the legal limit.

Mark

Mark, thank you for your reply and thoughts!

I too am beginning to think of replacing my 375H&H, 35 Whelen and 338WM, for the 9.3x66. It has less recoil than the 375, and is as handy, and the same size/weight of rifle, as the Whelen. It is DG legal in Africa in many places, not all, and like you, I cannot therefore give up my 375s totally.

The Whelen sadly, is just not legal hardly anywhere for DG. Same for the 338WM. I have enjoyed using both as a second rifle in Africa for PG, but they lack a bit as a ‘backup’ if my big bore goes down in the field. The 9.3 as a medium, excels as a big bore backup, and is legal where I hunt mostly. The 286 gr. at 2,596 fps, actually has more energy than my 375 H&H with a 300 gr. bullet at 2,530 fps, and also has the exact same SD: both rounds are.305. I like that!

I used the 9.3x66 in Zimbabwe in 2008 before it was commercially available. It performed admirably on elephant and Buffalo. I used the loads supplied by Federal that I think became their standard factory loads.

Hollis, thanks for replying!

Elephant & Buffalo you say! My, that is encouraging to hear. As you used Federal factory ammo as I do, I assume you used the 286 gr. BBS?

I guess I should mention that those velocities that I recorded were out of my CZ 550 with a 23.5” barrel, customized by Wayne at AHR.

I've used the 9.3x62 and the 9.3x64 on buffalo and Hippo, not on elephant, but would not hesitate given the opportunity, but I always had 450-400 and a 416 Rem for elephant..I found the 62 only gave up about 100 fps to the 64 and it to be suitable for all DG. If I wanted charge stopper or felt the need, Id go with the 404 or 416 Rem or a good double.