I just saw a Sako rifle, model "Bombe", in 8x60mm. I've got a safe full of sakos, but have never heard of the "Bombe" or the 8x60mm cartridge. Any and all info would be appreciated. Thanks, Stoneybroke

Stoneybroke

how about some pictures of the rifle?

is it on a mauser action? More details please

/ JOHAN

Johan: The rifle is for sale on the Auction arms site. To me, it looks like a short barreled Finnbear. You can get a good look by searching under bombe. Stoney

From memory, there were two different configurations of the 8x60. One was just a 8x60 and the other was a "bombe." The bombe was a higher pressure loading and if it didn't say Bombe on the gun I would be reluctant to use higher pressure loadings.

I believe that some of the loading data for a Bombe is available, but I don't remember where.

[ 06-15-2003, 20:20: Message edited by: Richard Saloom ]

Here's the pic. It's an FN action Sako, the caliber suggests it probably came out of Europe (Buffalo Brothers imports a lot of what they sell from Europe).

Gentlemen

What do they ask for that rifle. I have seen them quite often in my area.

/ JOHAN

$750. Too much for one in that condition.

The 8x60S was created after WWI, to circumvent some limitations for "military rifles" in Germany.
This was quite a successful cartridge in Germany, also used in Switzerland and France. Later, the cartridge also came in the .318 "J" caliber (most hunters used this until WWII) and in rimmed versions.
DWM created the "Bombe" loads, while RWS had "Magnum" loads at higher pressures, advertised with very impressive ballistics - but then German ballistic tables often were very optimistic in these times.
These cartridges had some special markings like serrated rims, and rifles needed special proof.
To my knowledge, such "Bombe" or "Magnum" cartridges were not loaded after WWII.

Martin

Carcano,

I can't comment on the strength of a French MAS. But these were certainly stout loads, and the rifle is light.

I had a look in the 1940 RWS handbook:
Normal 8x60 and 8x60S loads were listed with pressures between 2900 and 3400 at.
Pressure for 8x60R and 8x60RS was 3000 at.
The 8x60S and 8x60RS "Magnum" loads were listed with 3500 at (12.1 g H-Mantel, v0=857 m/s, 650 mm barrel).

Quickload suggests this may even be possible (but quite on the hot side):
55.5 grains R907, v0=860 m/s, 3796 bar.

In the 1950s, the Swiss also made the cartridge, and gave probably more realistic numbers:
12.1 g bullet, v0=821 m/s, 680 mm barrel, 3500 at.
(Note: Luchsinger names this "one of the very best cartridges")

QL lists as today's max. pressures:
8x60S: 4050 bar
8x60RS: 3400 bar
8x64S/8x65RS: 4050 bar
7x64: 4150 bar
.30-06: 4050 bar

I conclude that today the nominal pressure for the 8x60S is at the old "Magnum" level, but that's just like the .30-06. So I see no problem to burn those old S&Bs (by the way, what's the vintage year?).
But I would beware of old 8x60RS (rimmed) "Magnum" cartridges.

Regards,

Martin

Fritz: You're right, $750 is too much for the particular Sako FN for sale on the web. But commercial FN actions alone will easily bring $250 in the states. I'd say you got a pretty good deal on your rifle at $100. Looks to be in nice condition, interesting peep sight too.

[ 06-24-2003, 21:32: Message edited by: fla3006 ]

Oh, but that�s a beauty, Fritz. They don�t make them as they used to, dammit.

Boha

Fritz

Who had the obendorf 9X57??

can you send me an mail or PM?
Thanks,
JOHAN

Fritz

Thanks, I got it

By the way you got mail too

/ JOHAN