Three European calibers for a do-it-all R8

[Scandihunter]

Just for my curiosity: what is it that the 7x64 can that the 9,3x62 can't?

The 7x64 will cover hunting for medium size game, whereas the 9,3x62 will cover heavier sized game such as large wild boars, moose, and bear. Additionally, the 7x64 is more suitable for long range shooting. But generally speaking, there is little that the 7x64 can, that the 9,3x62 cannot. The one is simple just more suitable for certain situations than the other. At least thats my opinion.

 

[Luminous Ham]

Thank. Certainly good to have opinions, and I am sure many will agree with yours, and they are all good choices.

I remain a bit curious though, as to why you find the 7x64 "more suitable for long range" (might also depend a bit on how long-range is defined). It seems the 9.3x62 has most energy at e.g. 300 meter, although a tad slower. Is it perhaps then the lower speed of the 9.3x62 that means the 7x64 is more suitable?

Sticking to 300 meter, the 9.3x62 will drop perhaps 70 cm, the 7x64 will drop around 50 cm. From a sighting point of view both cases requires some ballistic adjustements, and I wonder if adjusting 50cm or 70cm makes a difference in real life?

But perhaps there are other reasons why 7x64 is more suitable that I am not aware off. Happy to hear others views too.

 

[Scandihunter]

Thank. Certainly good to have opinions, and I am sure many will agree with yours, and they are all good choices.

I remain a bit curious though, as to why you find the 7x64 "more suitable for long range" (might also depend a bit on how long-range is defined). It seems the 9.3x62 has most energy at e.g. 300 meter, although a tad slower. Is it perhaps then the lower speed of the 9.3x62 that means the 7x64 is more suitable?

Sticking to 300 meter, the 9.3x62 will drop perhaps 70 cm, the 7x64 will drop around 50 cm. From a sighting point of view both cases requires some ballistic adjustements, and I wonder if adjusting 50cm or 70cm makes a difference in real life?

But perhaps there are other reasons why 7x64 is more suitable that I am not aware off. Happy to hear others views too.

You won't find many bullets (factory loaded) for the 9,3x62 similar to this: https://www.norma-ammunition.com/sv...norma-bondstrike-extreme-7x64-107g---20171532 for the 7x64. Adjusting for drop is one thing, while adjusting for wind is another and much more complicated factor. Here a bullet like the bondstrike with a BC of 0,632 is more forgiving to misjustments.

 

[Luminous Ham]

You won't find many bullets (factory loaded) for the 9,3x62 similar to this: https://www.norma-ammunition.com/sv...norma-bondstrike-extreme-7x64-107g---20171532 for the 7x64. Adjusting for drop is one thing, while adjusting for wind is another and much more complicated factor. Here a bullet like the bondstrike with a BC of 0,632 is more forgiving to misjustments.

Thanks a lot, indeed, that cartridge might be hard to beat with faxtory 9.3x62. Thanks.

 

[Scandihunter]

Resurrecting this thread as I am about to make the final move to complete my setup. Which of the combinations should I go for? (Currently own .270win and 8,5x55)

1) 6,5x55/8,5x55/.375
2) .270/8,5x55/.375
3) 7x64/8,5x55/.375

I’m least keen on #2, as I fancy European cartridges.

 

[IvW]

All depends what you want to hunt and where.....
DG? Or only PG?

PG only

9.3x62mm
7x64mm Brenneke
6.5x57mm

DG included

404 Jeff
375 H&H
7x64mm Brenneke

 

[BeeMaa]

So the 8.5x55BLASER and 375H&H are in no matter what.

That leaves the 6.5x55SE or the 7x64BRENNEKE because you aren’t a fan of the 270WIN.

The 6.5 is good up to moose and elk sized game with proper shot placement and good bullets with minimal recoil. That said, nothing wrong with a 7mm sized hole in a game animal.

I’d say pick the one that has the best ammo availability in all copper bullets, because that seems to be an important factor in your decision.

 

[BFaucett]

So the 8.5x55BLASER and 375H&H are in no matter what.

That leaves the 6.5x55SE or the 7x64BRENNEKE because you aren’t a fan of the 270WIN.

The 6.5 is good up to moose and elk sized game with proper shot placement and good bullets with minimal recoil. That said, nothing wrong with a 7mm sized hole in a game animal.

I’d say pick the one that has the best ammo availability in all copper bullets, because that seems to be an important factor in your decision.

Very sound advice, IMO.

Just my opinion and preference:
Choosing between the 6.5x55 and the 7x64, I'd go with the 7x64. I just like being able to use the 175 grain bullets if needed or desired. From various sources that I've read, the 7x64 has a good reputation in Africa. I have no personal experience using the 7x64. I do own a Ruger M77 Mk II in .280 Remington which is the "cousin" to the 7x64 but I haven't hunted anything with it yet.

Just my ramblings...

Cheers! Bob F.

 

[Scandihunter]

All depends what you want to hunt and where.....
DG? Or only PG?

PG only

9.3x62mm
7x64mm Brenneke
6.5x57mm

DG included

404 Jeff
375 H&H
7x64mm Brenneke

My plan is to have three barrels that will cover, if not all up to Buffalo, then most hunting situations. The smallest cartridge (6,5x55/7x64/.270win) will be used most of the time in Denmark and Europe, while the others will be used for driven hunts, hunting trips abroad, buffalo some day etc.

 

[Scandihunter]

So the 8.5x55BLASER and 375H&H are in no matter what.

That leaves the 6.5x55SE or the 7x64BRENNEKE because you aren’t a fan of the 270WIN.

The 6.5 is good up to moose and elk sized game with proper shot placement and good bullets with minimal recoil. That said, nothing wrong with a 7mm sized hole in a game animal.

I’d say pick the one that has the best ammo availability in all copper bullets, because that seems to be an important factor in your decision.

It is not that I don’t like the .270win, I just have a preference for European cartridges.
I believe that both 6,5 and 7x64 has equally good copper availability (e.g., Norma and Rws), while rather cheaper training ammo available for the 6,5. However, leaning a bit more towards the 7x64 for the extra punch and reach if a boar should pass by while hunting roe.
Only concerned about the overlap between 7x64 and 8,5x55 will be quite big compared to the 6,5x55 and 8,5x55.

 

[BeeMaa]

It is not that I don’t like the .270win, I just have a preference for European cartridges.
I believe that both 6,5 and 7x64 has equally good copper availability (e.g., Norma and Rws), while rather cheaper training ammo available for the 6,5. However, leaning a bit more towards the 7x64 for the extra punch and reach if a boar should pass by while hunting roe.
Only concerned about the overlap between 7x64 and 8,5x55 will be quite big compared to the 6,5x55 and 8,5x55.

Overlap. Yeah, using the correctly sized cartridge for the game you are hunting is the proper thing to do. Ideally, I suppose you would have a .25 cal, 6.5-6.8mm, 7-7.62mm, 8-8.5mm, .375 cal and add at least a .416 or .458 for the really big stuff.

However, you are talking to someone who has only two centerfire R8 barrels...300WM and 375H&H. And if I picked up something else, it would probably be a 257WBY to maintain the same bolt head. In reality, I doubt I'll have an actual need a fast .25 and would make do with just the 300WM. Just like I probably won't get a 416RM or 458LOTT.

I've gone minimalist, and I also understand that it's not for everyone. If I had to make a choice between the 6.5x55SE and 7x64BRENNEKE...I'd take the 7mm and sleep well at night knowing that everything from kudu to fox is safely within the capabilities of the cartridge.

 

[Scandihunter]

Overlap. Yeah, using the correctly sized cartridge for the game you are hunting is the proper thing to do. Ideally, I suppose you would have a .25 cal, 6.5-6.8mm, 7-7.62mm, 8-8.5mm, .375 cal and add at least a .416 or .458 for the really big stuff.

However, you are talking to someone who has only two centerfire R8 barrels...300WM and 375H&H. And if I picked up something else, it would probably be a 257WBY to maintain the same bolt head. In reality, I doubt I'll have an actual need a fast .25 and would make do with just the 300WM. Just like I probably won't get a 416RM or 458LOTT.

I've gone minimalist, and I also understand that it's not for everyone. If I had to make a choice between the 6.5x55SE and 7x64BRENNEKE...I'd take the 7mm and sleep well at night knowing that everything from kudu to fox is safely within the capabilities of the cartridge.

Thank you very much for your opinion and guidance. It is valued! Also leaning towards the 7x64 Brenneke. I am very fond of 7mms - seems to be the sweet spot between ballistics, recoil and performance