Well.....I did it again, Sako 85 9.3x62 OTW

[AZDAVE]

In my 9.3 double they regulates at 2345fps, using Ramshot Hunter. Haven't worked up a load for the x62 yet. But so far all the best loads for the x62 velocity and pressure wise I have found that RL-17 the best with Ranshot Bigame a close second. I have some woodleigh' 320 gr I want to work on once I get the double completely sorted and my wifes 375 H&H dialed.

 

[CAustin]

Looks like I let my bidding finger get the best of me again. I have a Sako 85 Grey Wolf 9.3x62 on the way. I'm looking for this to be my plains game/Buffalo stand in rifle. I plan to take this rifle, along with a 416 Ruger or 416 Rem Mag on my combo Cape Buffalo/Lioness/ Eland and other plains game hunt this year. I think this will make a light, handy rifle for long walks for Plains game, and would stand in nicely for Buffalo, if they were encountered as well. Should come in at around 8lbs with a Leupold 2-7×33 Scope. I have some Barnes 250gr TSX bullets on the way as well. I think these will work great on Plains game and Lioness.
I've never owned a 9.3, so I'm looking forward to experimenting with it.

Now are you sure we aren’t going to see this rifle up for sale in about six months?

 

[TOBY458]

In my 9.3 double they regulates at 2345fps, using Ramshot Hunter. Haven't worked up a load for the x62 yet. But so far all the best loads for the x62 velocity and pressure wise I have found that RL-17 the best with Ranshot Bigame a close second. I have some woodleigh' 320 gr I want to work on once I get the double completely sorted and my wifes 375 H&H dialed.

I'd definitely be happy with 2300fps with a 300 grain Swift for buffalo. I think that's about the perfect velocity for that bullet. Should penetrate into next week!

 

[TOBY458]

Now are you sure we aren’t going to see this rifle up for sale in about six months?

I make no promises! Haha! Depends on how the moon aligns...

 

[TOBY458]

She showed up today. Mounted a Leupold 2-7×33 in Sako Optilock rings. Finished weight 8lbs 1oz.

 

[BeeMaa]

Beauty of a rifle Toby but I can't help but wonder how you are going to put this thing on a diet.
I mean 8lb 1oz are you serious?
Gonna have to flute the barrel and drill the stock to get this thing to fit into that summertime bathing suit.

In all seriousness, it's a beauty.
Can't wait for a range report.
Cheers.

 

[TOBY458]

Beauty of a rifle Toby but I can't help but wonder how you are going to put this thing on a diet.
I mean 8lb 1oz are you serious?
Gonna have to flute the barrel and drill the stock to get this thing to fit into that summertime bathing suit.

In all seriousness, it's a beauty.
Can't wait for a range report.
Cheers.

Yes she is a bit portly! Lol! I shot it 4 times today at 40 yards. Just enough to get the scope hitting center bullseye at that range. I'll load some more and go to 100 yards later this week I hope. Very smooth shooting rifle! Feels like a pop gun compared to my 416 rifles!

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

That is correct!

+1

 

[1dirthawker]

good looking rifle, needs sights, but a beautiful, functional rifle!!

 

[TOBY458]

Here's the results for a couple of different factory loads in the Sako. The Nosler Partitions were listed at 2450 FPS and the Oryx loads were listed at 2350 FPS. Both were 286 grain bullets. Note that the Noslers impacted a couple of inches lower than the Oryx loads. But for practical purposes, these loads could be used interchangeably at reasonable ranges, on large bodied game.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Very nice result.

 

[Shootist43]

Toby458, you can hunt with that. Is this a new or used rifle?

 

[AZDAVE]

Toby those loads will hunt. Let me know if you want to try the 250 accubon's and I will send you a few to play with and see how they shoot in your rifle

 

[Graham Hunter]

I have shot the Nosler 286pt factory. Custom and Safari. Both chronographed at 2250. Asked Nosler about the 2450 and I was told it could be the label was imprinted or a different batch of powder. Hmmm. Now I reload with much better velocity. I love this caliber and my CZ.

 

[Scrumbag]

I've used RWS T-Mantel (Sadly no longer made) and Norma Oryx (Both 286gr) with good success on wild boar and red deer. Oryx maybe a bit tough for deer in my view. I would be keep to try the Accubond

 

[MS 9x56]

Very good choice Toby.
I am using 9,3x62, cartridge from Norma with bullet ORYX 285 grains ( 18,5gram).
Good luck.

Europe, have you ever used that load on European brown bear?

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I used the caliber 9,3x62 while hunting buffaloes in Zim. Full success.