This is my favorite cartridge of all time. I've played with a lot of loads in a lot of different guns. Currently I have a Ruger #1, Blaser D99, Blaser BD14, and Blaser S2 in 9.3x74r. I'm on the hunt for K95 barrel too.
Please share what kind of rifle you have coming and what kind of hunting you want to do so we can steer you in the right direction.
I have found that brass thickness between brands varies considerably, and thus affects pressures and velocities for a given powder. All of mine are either falling block or jaeger patent breech, so I run things right up to 50k psi territory without worry. The brass really can't take much more unless you're ok throwing them away after 3 firings or so. For weaker actions I'd approach max loads with caution in order to extend the life of the rifle. A chronograph really helps determine what's reasonable.
I've developed a bunch of unpublished loads in my rifles using QuickLoad and a chronograph simply because the bullet and/or powder combinations don't exist with any available data out there. I've got recipes for Cutting Edge 200gr Raptor (IMR-3031 of all things) that was very successful on my last safari. Everything ran like it was on fire but died quickly, including giraffe. I suspect maybe Varget, IMR 8208XBR, or 4064 would be good to try but I haven't. The 3031 is just very consistent unless it gets real hot outside. The Raptor shoots good in just about everything, and I have one picky 9.3 that only shoots that bullet well (and I might be a little autistic but if anything is much over a mean radius of 0.3 or say >1 moa for 5 shots I throw it out and try something else until it shoots). The main disadvantage to the Raptor is it's dismal BC, even with the plastic tip. My pet load is 62 IMR-3031 and the bullet likes to be seated just off the lands. 2800 fps in 22" barrel
With "medium weight" bullets like the Hammer Hunter Tipped 242 gr and Nosler 250 Accubond I've found very good accuracy and velocity out of Alliant RL-17. I've played with Viht N550 some and it earns an honorable mention here. The 242 HHT and 250 AB have a very good BC and with an accurate rifle the 9.3x74r becomes a legit 500 yard cartridge, still carrying enough velocity to open and nearly 1900 ft/lbs energy. 67-69 RL-17 gives 2550-2620 fps.
For 286 Swift A-frame (good luck finding at the moment) and 325 Norma Oryx (ditto), and any other heavier bullet like 286 Hornady, PPU, Woodleigh heavies (haven't tried those yet), Alliant RL-16 has been the magic dust. Very tight SD, outstanding accuracy and velocities with the heavies especially. 65-66 RL-16 gets about 2380-2400 fps from the 286. I got the 325s to 2260 fps, but thats probably a bit much for a normal break open gun. The 286 Swift made quick work of a cape buff with one shot.
Of my favorite powders listed here, the only legit data I've seen published is for N550 w/250 AB from Nosler, and Speer's 270 HotCor with RL-16.
Note that your chamber design/throat will determine how this info works for you. Since these don't need to feed from a magazine I load the bullets out to .030" off the lands to start which increases case capacity a fair amount over spec. The Raptor I load .005" off the lands just because that rifle likes it. I would not attempt to exceed these velocities even a little bit in a traditional double/drilling action and definitely start low. I think it's perfectly reasonable to go up in larger increments like 1 or 2 grains until you start approaching max though. If you don't have a chronograph/radar, get one!
The long taper and nearly shoulder-less case can lead to some quick thinning in the case head area so be mindful and use your bent paperclip or borescope to inspect any suspect case with a few firings on it. Also make sure you've got a case trimmer setup because you'll need it.
For brass I would suggest getting PPU from Grafs. It is quite durable and good quality, and the cheapest you'll find. I have some Lapua brass but I haven't seen it in years. It was the best available. Nosler and Norma offer brass but not worth the premium over PPU. Hornady also offers brass but I'm not sure about quality. Avoid S&B brass like the plague. Get more brass than you think you need so that you can always use new or once-fired on your important hunting trip.
