Reloading 9.3 X 66

WhelanLad

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Guys a fulla up the road has got a Sako blackbear or finnlight in 9.3x66 sako..... he saying he cant find any load data and what he was given is over max according to another fellow---
im assuming old guns and new guns? i dunno

Thought i would reach out to the Best Informed fellas in Canada and seek some reloading info- if by chance some available powders in AU-- but will settle on any info other than VV loads-?

Thanks a bunch

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The 9.3x66 isn't that old of a cartridge. Perhaps the "other fella" was confusing it with the 9.3x62? It's only been around a couple of decades, so older rifles shouldn't enter into the equation.

ive read also that sakos may have a long throat so there is a maybe that he was able to stoked a few GR more powder into the charges for whatever the bullet was. i have no info on that apart from VV powder about 4 gr over some other max a bloke in the gun shop come up with?
 
I out of country for 8 more days when I get home I’ll try to remember to check my data and post it. I’ve had a 370 Sako/ 9.3 x66 for 8 years.
 
QL says x66 case = 81gr H2O, and the x62 case is 78gr H2O. Less than 5% difference in capacity so using 9.3x62 start data will be a bit conservative but not silly. Use 9.3x62 data to get an idea on starting loads and work up from there.

For powder selections, anything in the Varget / 4895 range looks to be appropriate. Basically powders that work for the x62 will be good for the x66.
 
Quickload comparison, using 60gr IMR4895 / 9.3 270gr Speer in both 9.3x66 and 9.3x62.

x62 = 54.9 psi, 2545 fps
x66 = 54.3K psi, 2540 fps

Industry maximum pressure for x66 = 60K psi, x62 = 56K psi.
 
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Not much load info on the interwbz but some interesting articles.


https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/9.3x66+Sako.html

9.3x66 Sako


History
Released in 2003, the 9.3x66 was developed by the Finnish company Sako for their Model 75 rifle. With U.S cartridge designers inventing short fat cartridges for higher efficiency during the period of 2000-2003, designers of the 9.3x66 approached the design of the new medium bore cartridge from a different direction. The 9.3x66 case is simply the 9.3x62 case stretched to 66mm, the case has long base to shoulder dimensions with a relatively short neck. Sako marketed the 9.3x66 as having both superior ballistics and penetration than the .375 H&H Magnum in a small non belted case with superior handling and feeding qualities.

Performance
Unfortunately, Sako’s initial statements were somewhat optimistic and since this time, advertised speeds for factory loads have been heavily revised. This cartridge has the potential to produce velocities roughly halfway between the 9.3x62 and the 9.3x64 Brenneke. The 9.3x66 produces around 75fps higher velocity than the 9.3x62 and around 75fps lower velocity than the 9.3x64 Brenneke. The step up in power over the 9.3x62 will to many seem pointless, filling a gap that did not need filling.
Negatives aside, the 9.3x66 is a relatively powerful medium bore cartridge which can be put to use on a wide range of game. Those interested in the similar .30-06 case might also find this design somewhat interesting. If you have ever wondered what might happen if you could stretch an Ackley improvement further, this might be the result.

Factory ammunition
Sako produce three factory loads for the 9.3x66, these include the 15 gram (231gr) Speed Head (soft point) at 2510fps, the 18.5 gram (286gr) Hammerhead (core bonded) at 2490fps (down from an initially advertised velocity of 2540fps) and the 18.5 gram (286gr) Powerhead (Barnes TSX) at 2440fps (down from 2540fps).
These loads are fairly straight forwards in design, a light and soft load for light game along with heavy and tough loads for large heavy game. As can be seen, currently advertised speeds differ from when this cartridge was first launched.

Hand loading
Those who wish to hand load the 9.3x66 will need to source brass (or ammunition) from Sako. Dies are currently made by RCBS.
Suitable powders include medium burn rates such as Varget (ADI 2208).
T
hose who cannot find load data can easily use .35 Whelen load data with like weight bullets as a starting point.

For more information on 9.3 caliber bullet performance, please refer to the 9.3x62.
 
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