Thinking of something unusual...

Anonymous · Sep 17, 2015

After reading Dr. Mike 8x68 thread... I'm inspired to start looking around for another rifle to put together.

I've got American standards well covered, so I'm thinking about putting together something oddball for fun and a European cartridge and rifle might just scratch the itch.

I definitely like the 7x64 Brenneke and the 9.3x66 Sako generates more than a passing interest. Pretty sure this will be a handloading opportunity for the most part, but I'd like to at least be able to buy brass and possibly some factory ammo via special order. Not so sure I want to try to form brass or other such things...

Thoughts?

wildgene · Sep 17, 2015

...6.5X47...

DrMike · Sep 17, 2015

hodgeman":15j3ntdk said:
After reading Dr. Mike 8x68 thread... I'm inspired to start looking around for another rifle to put together.

I've got American standards well covered, so I'm thinking about putting together something oddball for fun and a European cartridge and rifle might just scratch the itch.

I definitely like the 7x64 Brenneke and the 9.3x66 Sako generates more than a passing interest. Pretty sure this will be a handloading opportunity for the most part, but I'd like to at least be able to buy brass and possibly some factory ammo via special order. Not so sure I want to try to form brass or other such things...

Thoughts?

Man, I like both of those cartridges. They would stand an Alaskan in good stead. The 6.5X68 RWS is another cartridge that is under-appreciated here in North America. I have a 9.3X64 Brenneke, and I love it. Perfectly adapted for big game. In addition to the 7X64 Brenneke (a 280 ballistic twin), I also played with the notion of a 7X61 Sharpe & Hart. The 9X57 Mauser is yet another forgotten cartridge that would be great to work with. A few others that have intrigued me are the 6.5X65 RWS, the 7X66 vom Hofe and the 300 Norma Magnum. All are European, so not seen on this side of the pond as often; but all appear to work well.

Thebear_78 · Sep 17, 2015

The 9.3x62 is one of my favorite for moose/bear. Think of it like a 36 whelen improved. Brass and bullets redily available and easy to make on any standard action. There is definately nothing wrong with the 9.3x66 but the 9.3x62 has more history to it.

Another good one that doesn’t get much love is the 8x57. My sister in law has a nice sporterized mauser in 8x57 and when coupled with 200gr speers at 2400fps it is mild to shoot and very effective on big game.

Last but not least the 6.5x55 is a really dandy little cartridge that would serve well while wolf/caribou hunting and in a pinch work for moose with the right bullet. Again lots of history and class and redily availbable components. I nice older mauser or even a sako/tikka in 6.5x55 would be hard to beat.

Anonymous · Sep 18, 2015

Then there is this....Sako Arctos (Grizzly) in 7x64.

DrMike · Sep 18, 2015

Handsome rifle. Extremely useful cartridge. What's not to like?

SJB358 · Sep 18, 2015

That's a beautiful sako.

I have some thoughts of an 8x57 or a 9.3x62.

I do think a 7x64 Brenneke would be pretty cool and useful for most hunting.

I've got a 6.5 Swede and it's an absolute sweetheart. It'll handle those long 140-160's well. Might not STOP things but I bet it's drill bit effective.

Anonymous · Sep 18, 2015

Well, that Sako comes in about every cartridge we've mentioned... 7x64, 8x57, 9.3x62 and 9.3x66!

Heck, even comes in .308 and '06 flavors.

I don't know why I'm stuck on 7x64.... it's basically the .280REM with a lot of added hassle. But...cooler!

DrMike · Sep 18, 2015

A man could do a lot worse than to have a 7X64 Brenneke. Chambered in that lovely example of the rifleman's art, it would be a pleasure to carry. Why, I can see caribou lining up just to be shot with that cartridge! :grin:

ElmerThud · Sep 20, 2015

There are a few European cartridges that I fancy, but with firearm restrictions in the UK cannot buy. However, I've always favoured Mannlicher rifles, had & have currently MSch 6.5x54, but the more modern Steyr Mannlichers are very good so I'll add this link.

Currently while my 6.5x54 is away for scope mounts to be fitted, I'm now looking at a 7x57 (.275) Rigby. That one floats my boat, while a good hunting friend has just bought a Sauer 202 Elegance in 6.5x68.
7x64 & 8x68 cals are popular in mainland Europe, but I think them rather too close to .270 & 30-06 so would be inclined to look for something different.
With the modern stuff 6.5x47Lapua can do the business.

Good luck with your hunt for your new project hodgeman. ATB

https://www.vdb-waffen.de/de/waffenmark ... =&o=neu&v=