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Can anyone provide any insight regarding this cartridge? It sure appears as though it's well-designed with high-performance. At this point in time though, is it considered too obsolete to try and pursue as a project? I have not come across a source for factory ammo which leads me to believe that it has become an extinct caliber. Thanks in advance. |
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pinotguy I also liked the look of the cartridge. The only ?best? source of info I have on it is from CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD. If you are looking for more info, I would suggest looking in Europe and at the European Ammo Manufacturers. Hope this helps. |
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I don't have CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD of the world here (the lend and never get back priniple ) but from memory the 7x66 Vom Hofe Super Express was a 404 Jeffery size case but shortened back to about 300 Win length and with more taper than calibres like the current belted magnums and RUMs. The old handloading book by Phil Sharpe had quite a bit on the older "hot" European calibres.Actually Phil Sharpes book isa agood read as it was written at a time when Wbys were wildcat status and calibres such as the 375 H&H were fairly new on the scene in America and were seen as real cannons. Some of the early Wby claims for ballistics were way over the top Mike |
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It is not extinct, but probably on the endangered species list. The original factory ballistics were wildly optimistic and even those were derived from 28-30 inch barrels. If you want something really unigue...go for it!! But I think you would be much better off with any of the current 7mm's. |
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Well after doing some further research, I've discovered that 7x66 Vom Hofe is not completely dead, but as AZ noted, it is on its last legs - at least here in the U.S. I found brass at Huntington's, which is the key as 7mm bullets are easily found. Supposedly, Walter Gehmann still manufactures factory ammunition but I'm highly skeptical that any of it finds its way into the U.S. |
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You might check out P.O. Ackley's book for shooter's and handloaders. I seem to remember this cartridge being listed with loading data as well. Good luck in your search.......Lee |
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There are quite a few cartridges that have found no favour in the US but are the standard chamberings in Europe, both in guns and by Ammunition Manufacturers. 2 that have made the transition are the 9.3 x 62mm and the 9.3 x 74R. |
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Some information Developed in 1955 by firma Gehmann and only named after Vom Hofe. Shoulder is something between round Weatherby and normal shoulder. 160gr Sierra ts / Vihtavuori N160 69,0gr / 3800bar Nowdays 8x68s or 6,5x68 could be more easier and do the same job. |
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There was a article in the Hatati Times where a historical German hunter made the 7mm Super Express Vom Hofe his main medium calibre rifle. Along with a .500 NE double and ... ? |
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Quote: Huntington's is importing some brass from Gehmann's now. The images of the 7x66 I posted have Gehmann brass. I'm getting my 7x75R Vom Hofe Super Express brass and got my dies (RCBS) from Huntington's. The brass was made by Gehmann. So, Huntington's is a good place to start to try to find cases for the 7x66. My understanding is the brass is custom made and is made on order. It is spendy and takes a long time once the order is placed for Huntington to receive it. I would recommend calling Huntington's before having a rifle built for it first. The 7x66 appears to be a rebated rim cartridge (.512" rim and .545" body). Shoulder angle from Quickload is a touch over 30 degrees. Factory ammo is probably impossible to find stateside, but you might find some in Germany. Hagn was able to hunt down some 7x75R Vom Hofe Super Express factory rounds for my rifle. I wasn't able to locate any in the U.S., and I don't know if Hagn found the loaded ammunition in Canada or his German homeland. QuickLoad program has the 7x66 cartridge programmed in its software, so you should be able to come up with some starting loads if you can find brass and work up from there for the particular rifle. The case holds about 93 grains of water according to Quickload and is 2.598" in length. COAL is 3.307". Looks like a slow burning powder like Retumbo or H1000 might be the powders to work with for 160 grain bullets and keep pressures sane according to Quickload... John, The Super Express you mentioned might be the 7x75R Vom Hofe Super Express if it was a singleshot or double rifle since it is rimmed. |
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For those of You who read German there is in the last issue (2007/1) of the German magazine "Jagen Weltweit" (hunting around the world) a couple of pages about reloading the 7x66 Super Express vom Hofe. Send me a PM if You want a copy. |
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Mr. Phillips, Many thanks for the information and pictures. The profile photo is especially nice as it gives a good idea of the cartridge's shape and size. In exploring Huntington's website a little further, I discovered that Horneber offers brass as well. It's actually slightly more expensive than the Gehmann brass. Anyway, it appears as though the 7x66 should fit into a standard, 30.06-size action although the bolt face would probably need to be extruded a small amount to provide proper case-head support. You may lose one round capacity-wise due to its rather large diameter. As far as loads go, I'd love to see how the 7mm Barnes TSX and Banded Solids (both in 140-gr.) set up over VihtaVuori N160 or N165 would perform. |
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You have a PM. |
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I wonder how well VV N560 and N570 powders would work in this cartridge? |
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N560 looks like it would give better velocities while keeping pressures within the 7x66 listed maximum. At least for the 140's. |
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Hi Pinotguy, I have a Mauser 66 in 7x66 SE vom Hofe and reload for it. Factory ammunition is in Germany still available with 140grs Ballistic Tip and 175 grs Partition Bullet (if memory serves well), but expensive. Empty cartridge cases can be obtained at about 45€ / 20 ea. Reloading should be done with the slow burning powders, but you can improve the ballistics of the 7mm Rem Mag only by a small amount (if you obey the german laws of the gun proofing). I especially like the long case neck and the case volume of the 7x66 SE vH. The obtainable precision is about what you can expect from comparable rifle/cártridge combinations. My gun barrel is a little bit worn and will produce 1.2" for three shots at 100 meters (154grs Norma Oryx, R905 = Reloader 22, ca. 900m/s/4000 Joule // 2950fps/2900 fpe) If you want to have a 7mm Magnum cartridge, the 7mm Weatherby would be roughly similar (ballistically), but cheaper. (further info on request) best regards Rolf |
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Rolf, You have a Private Message. Thanks, Dave |
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Hi Pinotguy: I do have a 7x66 SEVH My opinion after 2 years of reloading efforts is that you will not get what you can get with the new 7mms. And ... the brass is really expensive and very dificult to replace with other calliber, I transform some 300 ultra cases ,but it was really dificult to obtain the cases for the 7x 66. I think that there are a lot of other callibers ofering beter perfomance. My rifle is a Mauser 66 If you want my files send me your e-mail and I will convert them from spanish to english for you Sincerelly yours Guillermo Trotz |
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For thoose who are reading this form... now is possible to obtain 7x66 brasses by fire forming them from .28 nosler ones. The two calibers are virtually identical, the only substantial difference is the angle of the bottleneck, 30 degrees for the old german and 35 for the nosler. If you look on the net you will see how close are the to brasses. both 66 mm, 93grains of volume, created by the .404 jeffery, with similar ballistic. |
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G'Day Fella's Thanks for that infomation Dotchicco. Regards Homer |
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28 Nosler. Another "New" cartridge that isn't... Thanks for sharing that. Good to know. |
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I don't want to steal this thread, I was scratching around in my cartridge collection and came across a 7 x 75 Vom Hofe. Has any one ever shot,owned or reloaded one ? Thanks |
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Barry, back in the early 90s I owned a best quality cased Kipplauf made by Franz Sodia and chambered for the 7x75R Vom Hofe Super Express. I bought a set of dies from RCBS but never fired the rifle. I traded it for a double rifle. The 7x75R is the 9.3x74R necked to 7mm. Curl |
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I have a Krieghoff Ulm Primus hand detachable sidelock O/U combination gun in 16/70-7X75 SE vom Hofe. The shot barrel is fitted with a full length Keller & Simmann Einstecklauf in 6X52R Bretschneider, which is the .22 Savage HP necked up or the .25-35 Winchester necked down to 6mm, giving me an instantaneous choice between short range and long range cartridges. It hammers whitetails. It is also fitted with a pair of double rifle barrels in 9.3X74R, making it a truly versatile firearm. |
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Thanks Roscoe. talk soon |
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After all... its accuracy is superb. |
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After few weeks of experiments: obtaining brasses from .28 nosler is an hard way. It's a long work that includes working on the rim diameter to reduce it, shortening the total lenght and moving down the shoulder. My council is to try to find original brasses until it's possible. I have made 3 brasses in total from 28 nosler, with an high dispersion of time. After all this could be the last way to use your gun without original brasses. Go for Gehmann brasses if you can. Doc |
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Thanks Dotchicco. I have long claimed the .28Nosler was a direct copy of the 7x66VH. The 7x66 is a powerhouse when loaded to its full potential. 160grain 3280 ft/sec... |
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HERE WE GO! 7x66 Vom Hofe (on the left) VS .26 Nosler Doc |
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A good group of 3 bullets, 100 meters. Rws kegelspitz bullet, MRP powder. I'll try these on fallow deers this winter. Doc |
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Very nice! |
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Can't complain with that group. A friend of mine has used the 127 grain RWS Cone Points for years from a 6.5x55 and has never needed more than one shot on dozens of Fallow deer that he has taken. Make sure you let us know how you go. Good hunting. Matt. |
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That's wonderful accuracy from a huge cased 7mm. Thanks for posting. I wish my heavy barreled .22-250 shot that well. |
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Top stuff Doc! Good load there mate - could you let all know it's details please? Cheers 93x64mm |
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SURELY I CAN! I have used RWS Kegelspitz bullet (162grains) propelled by 75,5 grains of MRP powder, Original Vom Hofe brasses. COAL 85mm, 960ms of velocity, 4860 joule of energy. Estimated pressure is 4300 bar. So this is a good load for winter hunting, not to use in summer or in hot temperatures. Doc |
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Yeah I wouldn't want to get it much hotter, 4300 bar = 62366 PSI She's a hot load Doc! And in both sense of the word, a 160gn pill at 3150fps......smokin'! Ripp must be drooling everywhere by now! |
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Quote: Agree. Especially about Ripp. Doc that is a very good rifle and cartridge. Shoots like stink, whats not to like. |
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It's really a powerhouse! Using the N560, slower powder than the MRP, is possible to obtain a velocity around 990 ms with the KS bullets with an energy around 5100/5200 joule, 4300 bar of pressure, (Something less with boat tail bonded bullets). But in my opinion there is no reason to reach this velocity with a soft point bullets (the ks bullet is a cup/core bullet ) unless you have to shot a Gam at 400 meters. For my hunting territory it's more than enough. I can shot roe deer, fallow deer and wild boars up to 350 meters just aiming at the top of the shoulder... And the sectional density of 7mm 160 bullet is outstanding. Doc |
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[image][/image] This load Works Superbly. This Roeder was shot at 170/180 meters, just jumped and falled down. Few meat damaged, really impressive terminal effect. Doc |
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Well done, Doc. Further, was thinking about your problems with altering the Norma brass. If you had access to a .300 H&H FL sizer die, you could use that to push the shoulder back - only as far as needed for proper headspace. - AFTER annealing the case. Then, when fireformed they would form perfectly. The .300 has such a long taper in body and neck, this should be quite easy with this die and zero case loss in the process. After getting the shoulder roughly where you need it with the .300 die, use your 7mm VomHoff FL die to neck for the 7mm bullet for a crush fit. Your die will give you the shoulder necessary for proper headspace. That is how I would approach the case making process without pain or extra expense. |
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It's a good Idea Daryl. Thank you for suggesting. I don't have 300 dies but a friend of mine should have. I'll try this way. Doc |
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Good afternoon gentlemen, Yesterday i had a good chance. 190 meters, Young fallowdeer, the only male between six females. Hitted near the last left rib, bullet recovered under the skin of the right shoulder. Ks bullet. This cartridge is outstanding... Doc. [image] [/image] [image] [/image] [image] [/image] |
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Not much left of the bullet, but appears to have done the job. |
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Congratulations Doc, nice rifle, perfect shot and good fallow deer for the freezer. Louis |
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Well done, nice rifle and a nice shot. Matt. |
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Quote: Daryl, my .375 H&H using RWS 300gr KS (conepoint) ammo shot like that. Good velocity as well. Unfortunately the bullets are crap on game IMO, so accuracy is not an issue. I did take some photos of the groups way back when, but never posted them. They might even have been on video. |
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I love the thought of the 7mm Vom Hofe Super Express. Good to see one being used and posted about here on NE. Well done, Dotchicco. love the roe bucks as well. |
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Quote: dotchicco - please reduce your load. You do not need that much speed or energy to shoot deer or hogs for that matter. 4,860bar is 70,488.34pounds per square inch. This is not necessary for any purpose. |
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Quote:Quote: Daryl I think you have the muzzle energy (joule) and the chamber pressure (Bar) mixed up. |
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The pressure of this load is 4250 bar, 150 bar below the max. From the last time i have changed powder. Now with the N570 i can reach 980 ms with 4250 bar. So it's safer and faster. This load was developed for gams, the Fallowdeer was an accidentally tester. Doc |
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Gentlemen, the field experience with this elegant Caliber is still going with extreme pleasure. After the fallow deer, was the time of a nice chamois. An old Female, 12 years old. She was the matriarch of the herd, survived to the sarcoptic mange of 10 years ago. After a long approach, hiding between stones of an ancient glacier, we waited patiently for 3 hours and half. They were feeding and resting 400 meters below us, and the old female was laying on the floor, so that was impossible to exstimate her age. After long time she finally jumped on her cloven hooves. So after few seconds i was able to shot. At 240 meters the old female was hitted in the Blatt, and just falled down. We need a quarter of an hour to reach the death chamois. And 2 hours of walk to come back to the car. The shot wasn't easy, due to the long wait at low temperature, a precarious support and the site angle. After all, the old 7 Vom Hofe did the job in the habitual way. It has been the most exciting hunt in my life. Doc |
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WOW - great pictures and cool hunt, Enrico. Beautiful country - breathtakingly beautiful. |
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Quote: Italian Dolomiti. Doc |
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Italian Dolomites. Lovely countryside and scenery. I have not been to that part of Italy, yet. Well done and congratulations Dotchicco! |
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Congratulations on your nice chamois, Enrico; now that you have been infected by the mountain hunting virus, you'll see that you should in the future write many hunting reports like this one! By the way, isn't the Mauser 66 in 7x66 VHSE too heavy a rifle for roving the mountains? Louis |
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It's an heavy but accurate rifle, and i'm still strong enough to carry it... For some years i hope.. Doc |
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dotchicco's article on the 7x66 mm SEvH https://mauserfanatic.wordpress.com/2020/09/30/7x66-super-express-vom-hofe-la-chimera-2/ |
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waidmannsheil |
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Nice hunting area, animal and rifle. Interested in your aging of the chamois, it looks in very good condition so is feeding well with a good mouth of teeth? The annual growth rings we can see in the photo looks to age the chamois at about 6 or 7 years allowing 1 year for the hook, another 1 or 2 years for the main length and then can count another 3 or 4 rings to the base? Are there more growth rings below what can be seen in the photo? I have shot a 14 year old buck chamois which despite being in an area with plenty of good food and with other animals in top condition, it was visibly old and in poor condition. It's horns were worn down but growth rings easy to count allowing 3 years for the horn that was worn away. 14 year old buck chamois |
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Quote: |
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Great article Doc! Amazing to see where & how this fantastic cartridge had its roots in German gunsmithing & ammunition history. I knew Herr Brenneke was a genius when it came to a more effective cartridge design, but August Vom Hofe took it one more step being influenced by his work. It is amazing to see such brilliant cartridges & projectiles were already designed nearly 100 years before all the fanfare of 'modern' times! Great old chamois mate, it was certainly a tough hunt waiting patiently to get....one you'll remember for a lifetime! Waidmannsheil |
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One thing I don't understand is what happens to the 7x66 SEvH cartridge when fired? What happens to its neck and or shoulder? Some comments seem to say it develops a bulge or a second shoulder??? I am not sure, therefore the query. If true I assume the chamber is cut differently to how the brass is sized? Strange and would put the brass under stress and greatly lessen longevity. |
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" The 7×66 SE however has one aspect of its design that remains unique (at least to the best of my knowledge), and that is that it features a double venturi shoulder that forms when the cartridge is fired. " |
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Quote:Quote: Turned on the TV at lunch and being shown was some spectacular Italian mountain scenery, lovely rushing mountain rivers and streams and waterfalls. Beautiful alpine forests. Stark rocky peaks. Then the beautiful scenery devolved into a boring bike sporting race commentary. Not interested in that. But was interested to see where it was. The Va di Sole - Trentino. I accidently grafted some buds onto my vines through a purchase of "old vine shiraz" cuttings, som "Moscato Rosa di Trentino". The grower selling them to my grafting contractor, either accidentally mixed up bundles of cuttings or decided to make a quick buck. Moscato Rosa di Trentino is a pink variety of Moscato grapes. My buying winemaker decided he desired them, to make a pink fortified wine. Moscato is often made into a semi sweet pink cheaper wine. But it is will be interesting to see if a nice fortified works out. At the moment the four or so rows of Semillon vines which were supposed to be grafted to Shiraz but instead to a Moscato Rosa, are cropping only a very small yield. No many vines in the four rows, and also the grafts need to grow stronger. But I like the idea of these Moscato Rosa di Trentino and the possibilities of a different Barossa wine from them. So was interested to see the lovely alpine valleys of the Trentino area of NE Italy. In the same region as where our friend Dotchicco hunted in this thread. In the Italian Dolomiti. I really want to visit the alpine region of Italy one day. The scenery is magnificent. The air and atmosphere must be breathtaking. And perhaps combine it with a "tax deductible research trip". To see how the Trentini Moscato's are made and used. This is assuming the covid BS ever finishes, personal travel and freedoms are restored from the currtent Stalinist regimes, and the covid un-vaxxed like me are ever let out of our cages .... Such a beautfitul part of Italy and Italy is such a beautiful country. I have visited it at least three times. A fourth to the Dolomites, Piedmont, in the North and maybe sunny hot Sicilia in the South. Lovely. |
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https://www.tripsavvy.com/guide-to-the-italian-dolomite-mountains-4585156 Italy's Dolomites Region: The Complete Guide The Dolomite Mountains of Italy are a 4-season wonderland |