7X64 Brenneke

[Rifle realist]

Hello new to the forum. I am in WA I have been hunting & shooting for a long time shoot and cull from the mid west to the Pilbara, rabbits to camels & a lot inbetween .
I want another rifle something to fill the gap between .260 .338. I was looking at .270 Win or a .280 when I saw that Sako chamber 7X64 in the 85 hunter. Looked in some back issues of Magnum (South African) magazine lot of good reports about the caliber some thing different would nice . I handload so ammo is not a problem. Does any one have any experience with this caliber? Rifle would be in Sako 3-9 Leupold scope. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thank you

[Chronos]

My understanding is that Sako has discontinued a few chamberings including 7X64. A few gun shops had them for huge discounts a while back, like under $2K because these were the last ones imported. A mate bought one and aroun 10 boxes of Sako ammo during the sale

Ammo or component may be an issue as I think Sako was the only brand available here

All that said it seems like a fantastic cartridge and I'd be very surprised if you weren't happy with the rifle or the cartridge

Chronos

[sandgroperbill]

Probably a good fit in between your existing calibers. I have no first hand experience with it, but from what I've read it should serve you well. My biggest concern would be component availability, but once you have enough brass you should be good.
If I had to guess, you're looking at something for goats, maybe donkeys?

[Rifle realist]

Thank you for the replies, I am looking for something for donkeys .338 sometimes too much .260 with 120 grains too light. Also my .260 is in heavy barrel so the .338 with 185 grain TSX is my walk around rifle for pigs. Goats are off limits due to the toll from the dogs, they are also worth good money to the stations. You can usually get one for the freezer.
I am only interested in Sako rifles these days, they do every thing advertised , Sakos on line catalogue still lists 7X64 if they don't import them will talk to my local dealer tomorrow about it. It took more than a year for my Sako Quad varmint to turn up. The wait was worth it.
Thank you




off limits these days dogs have really taken their toll and they are worth good money. You can usually get 1 for the freezer

[sandgroperbill]

Just throwing it out there, but have you also considered the 8x57? There is also the mainstream, but very adaptable and perfectly suitable 7.62x63 (more commonly known as .30-06) which can be loaded up or down, heavier or lighter pills to suit the task, both also available in the 85 bavarian. I get the feeling you're looking for something less mainstream, more exotic, though.
The 8x57 would he a little more exotic and interesting over here (not so much in europe) and may well fit your needs nicely.

[No1Mk3]

G'day Rifle realist,
I used the rimmed version of this, the 7x65R Brenneke, in the early 70's in a Franz Sodia single shot break open in NZ for deer. I have shot all forms of NZ deer with it including Wapiti and it justs flattens them. For the rimless 7x64 brass may be made from 280 Rem (you can fire the Brenneke in 280Rem rifles, but cases bulge a little), but is still made by Federal and Norma, so should be easy enough to find. 7mm pills are widely available from 100g to 175g and will cover all your needs, one rifle to fit all game! I used to load the 180g Norma Dual Core at 2400fps using Norma MRP @ 55g, but there is plenty of data for this cartridge. Buy your Sako, you will love it I.m sure,Cheers.

[Mick280]

Do it!!!!
Great Caliber!!!

[<<Genesis93>>]

Hello new to the forum. I am in WA I have been hunting & shooting for a long time shoot and cull from the mid west to the Pilbara, rabbits to camels & a lot inbetween .
I want another rifle something to fill the gap between .260 .338. I was looking at .270 Win or a .280 when I saw that Sako chamber 7X64 in the 85 hunter. Looked in some back issues of Magnum (South African) magazine lot of good reports about the caliber some thing different would nice . I handload so ammo is not a problem. Does any one have any experience with this caliber? Rifle would be in Sako 3-9 Leupold scope. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thank you

Hey rifle realist,



Sounds like you've a good variety of beasts to shoot out there, all your luck...

As far as the gap, its a real gulf that could required at least 6 chamberings to, you know, resolve the 'need'.... and without 'needs' none of us would have a licence...

260 is a standard smaller cal while the other side is a mid cal mag, the elephant in the room is the 30cal family, but apparently there are 2 kinds of shooters; those who swear by the merits of the 7mm because of it ballistic advantage out from 50m to 3000metres because it has 2.5mm less drop etc etc (bit of sarcasm in there, did you pick it up)
And those who are on the side of the 30 call, and see no need of a chambering with an incrementally smaller bullet for little if any or zero effective advantage.....

Aaaaaanyhow, did you want a 7mm particularly? the 7x64 (not officially called the Brenneke, though he did devise it) fits somewhere between the 7mm-08 and the Rem Mag.... so its not the hottest kid on the block, there are plently of hotter 7s around...

Even if you reload, might you find yourself in need of factory sometime, even out west where the closest retailer 500kays away has a good assortment of 223, 308 and a few mag chamberings....??

Maybe you're after something different thats cool, we all experiment, ballisticamentally that is
for a 7, it might be popular in Euro, but locally, the RemMag would have the advantage, unless of course you went to the dark side of the 7..... THE 30 CAL!!!!
In the Sako, you can pick your 'power level' from 308-06-WSM-MinMag, with the baby of the group, the cute little 308 more than enough for what you need, and more, cheaper to buy factory ammo, available when and where you need it....for a bit more punch go for the WinMag (not the wsm)..

For the Donkeydonks, I would be more than happy to take the 338winmag with me, those 185s would be the shizz on them, but also the 300winmag....

Also, for what its worth, the Euro 7s have a spec barrel that is tighter in the bore, 'looser' in the groove, so deeper riflings at 0.26 vs 0.17mm - than the Merican 7s (7mm-08, RemMag), That was Mr Brenneke's intent anyway as I'm not sure whether the Euros have gone for manufacturing expediency to the US spec. .... the bullet spec for the Euro is also slightly larger than the US chamberings, but I'm sure like several 30cal chambers and others, the same is used locally....

[Bourt]

My biggest concern would be component availability, but once you have enough brass you should be good.

Ditto.

If it's workhorse for culling I'd probably go something a bit more common. .308, .270 or maybe 7mm-08 if you want something a little different.

Not knocking the Brenneke but can't think of a significant benefit to going that option.

[Gwion]

Been toying with the idea of getting a Sako85 in left hand 7x64 for a medium game rifle. Too bad i'm broke!

[sandgroperbill]

realist, I don't suppose you're a lefty, are you?

if so, https://www.usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=68289

[Gwion]

That's the one I was talking about....

There are so many 2nd hand Sako 85s in good nick for good prices. Just choose the action size you want and re barrel it in what ever cartridge you want.... Like 284 Shehane, for instance.

7mm may not have huge advantage of drop over 30cal, but the difference in windage, weight for weight, is significant.

[Rifle realist]

Hi all who replied thank you. Sandgroper Bill I am looking fo something different 8mm close to .30 cal already have .338 cal, I traded my .308 for my .260. I had a 7mm rem mag for a while, great calibre but after something different. No1Mk3, everything you said confirms the African reviews I have read. Genesis93 I agree, at the ranges most animals are shot where I shoot the so called ballistic advantage has very little effect most are opportunitistc shots, its so far between groups of animals you could never cover the distances on foot.i just don't want a 30 cal every one has one. Bourt, the rifle won't be a work horse I don't shoot professionally any more. If I did I would just go back to a .308. Sandgroperbill & Gwion unfortunately I am not a lefty.as for ammo when I head up that way I usually take 3 rifles & 200 rounds for each, overkill I know I would hate to run out. When I do a mill run generally carry 2 rifles .260 ready to go for dogs the 338 in a carry bag only a few seconds to swap over. I stopped in at my local gun shop today he is checking availability of the Sako in 7X64 so I see what that brings. Thank you again to all who replied lot of interesting views raised.

Rifle realist

[GLS_1956]

Looks like a good cartridge to me. I'd probably go for a 30-06 but I've an M-1 Garand and I'm boring in that way.

[Gregg]

Been toying with the idea of getting a Sako85 in left hand 7x64 for a medium game rifle. Too bad i'm broke!

That's the ruin of a lot of my plans too

[Gwion]

^^^ Yeah, Gregg... it sucks the bat, doesn't it!?!

[Gregg]

Well, first world problems

[steadyeddy]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

[9.3x64]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

That’s interesting. I have been loading 54 grains of 2209 behind 160 grain Accubonds for many years. Velocity is 2850 fps , with probably close to 500 rounds fired. Very easy extraction and very good case life.
Blaser R8 and GECKO / RWS brass.
But every rifle is different…

[steadyeddy]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

That’s interesting. I have been loading 54 grains of 2209 behind 160 grain Accubonds for many years. Velocity is 2850 fps , with probably close to 500 rounds fired. Very easy extraction and very good case life.
Blaser R8 and GECKO / RWS brass.
But every rifle is different…

Yeah most likely the lower capacity of the PPU cases, unless someone has other thoughts. Here are the primers up to 50.7, looking a little flat

[9.3x64]

Yes, different cases, primers , and rifle.
What rifle are you using?

[steadyeddy]

Yes, different cases, primers , and rifle.
What rifle are you using?

Sako 85 Hunter

[mchughcb]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

That’s interesting. I have been loading 54 grains of 2209 behind 160 grain Accubonds for many years. Velocity is 2850 fps , with probably close to 500 rounds fired. Very easy extraction and very good case life.
Blaser R8 and GECKO / RWS brass.
But every rifle is different…

Just loaded a bucket load of 7x65R with 140gr Nosler BT with 53grains of 2209. The cross lock on the drilling should take it. Thats a good velocity for the 160gr. I'll be happy with that with the 140gr.

[mchughcb]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

That’s interesting. I have been loading 54 grains of 2209 behind 160 grain Accubonds for many years. Velocity is 2850 fps , with probably close to 500 rounds fired. Very easy extraction and very good case life.
Blaser R8 and GECKO / RWS brass.
But every rifle is different…

Yeah most likely the lower capacity of the PPU cases, unless someone has other thoughts. Here are the primers up to 50.7, looking a little flat

Depends on primers but its 3.5 grains below max so shouldn't be too higher pressure.

[9.3x64]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

That’s interesting. I have been loading 54 grains of 2209 behind 160 grain Accubonds for many years. Velocity is 2850 fps , with probably close to 500 rounds fired. Very easy extraction and very good case life.
Blaser R8 and GECKO / RWS brass.
But every rifle is different…

Just loaded a bucket load of 7x65R with 140gr Nosler BT with 53grains of 2209. The cross lock on the drilling should take it. Thats a good velocity for the 160gr. I'll be happy with that with the 140gr.

Yes I am very pleased with that load. My brother shoots exactly the same load in his R8. Both have 22 inch barrels. It works really well on red and fallow.

[steadyeddy]

I know it's an old thread, but I thought I'd share some info since there's bugger all data out there for 7x64. I've tried a few loads of recent using PPU brass and starting from the lower end of 280 rem data. I found a great load at 50.7 of 2209 with 140gn Nosler BT's but unfortunately showed signs of pressure (flattened WLR primers). I've now backed it off a bit and settled with 49.5 gns of 2209, I'm not sure of the velocity but they grouped well in my Sako 85

That’s interesting. I have been loading 54 grains of 2209 behind 160 grain Accubonds for many years. Velocity is 2850 fps , with probably close to 500 rounds fired. Very easy extraction and very good case life.
Blaser R8 and GECKO / RWS brass.
But every rifle is different…

Yeah most likely the lower capacity of the PPU cases, unless someone has other thoughts. Here are the primers up to 50.7, looking a little flat

Depends on primers but its 3.5 grains below max so shouldn't be too higher pressure.

Yeah, I'll try some Remington primers, see how that goes, I was quite happy with the result at 50.7 gns, thanks!

[straightshooter]

Just loaded a bucket load of 7x65R with 140gr Nosler BT with 53grains of 2209. The cross lock on the drilling should take it. Thats a good velocity for the 160gr. I'll be happy with that with the 140gr.

Not too long ago I did some test loads in my Winchester Grand European in 7x65R consisting of 52 grains and 53 grains of 2213 (2213SC should be much the same) and a Hornady 139gn BTSP in S&B brass. 5 rounds of each in the upper barrel and lower barrel. The 52 grain loads had the primer backed out slightly which suggests that the chamber pressures are quite mild and in the region of 40 to 45 thousand PSI.
So that is the load I settled on.
I haven't chrongraphed it yet so loads might have to change in the future if MV is significantly less than 2500fps.
I think 53 grains of 2209 over a 140 grain projectile might be a little hot as Norma recommends a max of 51.9 grains of 204 which is equivalent to 2209.

[mchughcb]

Interesting. My brass is norma and rws.

[mchughcb]

Interesting. My brass is norma and rws.

[straightshooter]

I am using S&B but I also have a reserve of PPU and Hornady.
Fortunately 7x65R isn't as rare in Europe as it is in Australia and is well served with producers of brass.