9.3x62 or something else??

[WoodencrossIII]

Hi I’m thinking of having a 9.3x62 built or I should say a rebore job done on an older 8x57 Mauser I have, I owned a 375 h&h once and have since traded it last year but have gained intrest again in something of this caliber. I’m thinking someday to take it to Africa and hunt whatever I can. But, I’m thinking over the 375 ruger , 375 H&H or the 9.3x62 and if I use this Mauser rifle then I’m thinking I’m limited to the 9.3 chamber which is fine I want some input from people who use this 9.3 and maybe others I know the H&H has prolly 1,000 more foot lbs in energy with same bullet weight but sectional density for .366 cal bullets is higher also the rifle I had was a browning x bolt and was a nice rifle but I’d prefer a Mauser I’m thinking or something different then I had. Thanks

 

[Professor Mawla]

You cannot really go wrong with a .375 Holland & Holland Magnum . It is legal for hunting dangerous game in all parts of Africa ( while the 9.3x62 mm Mauser is unfortunately not legally qualified to be a dangerous game calibre in some African countries ) . Purchase a nice Winchester Model 70 Safari Express in this calibre and rest assured that you have all you need to hunt all of Africa a hundred times over .

 

[bruce moulds]

you can have 375 power in a 9.3 by going with 9.3x64 brenneke.
in a 30/06 length action.
for situations where you only need x62 velocity, just load the x64 back a bit.
bruce.

 

[shootist~]

Be sure to check the magazine length as well. My 8mm Persian magazine will not come close to accepting my 250 grain 9.3x62 reloads at 3.375", and some people load longer than that.

Factory loads might be a different matter.

 

[Scrumbag]

Does the 8x57 shoot? It's a great deer / moose / black bear / plains game round in itself so don't worry about shooting it unless you want a wider diameter bullet.

Looking at action or mag box length is important. If you are set on changing chambering and want a step up in terms of bullet weight from the 8x57 might be worth thinking about 9x57, 9.3x57 or going for a 308 derrived case and thinking .338 Fed or .358W and being able to load the rounds relatively long.

ATB,

Scrummy

 

[Muskox]

I wouldn't build a 9.3x64 unless you just want to make your life hard.

The 338 Winchester and 375 are 100 time easier to feed. I doubt unless you live in Germany or Austria (and I used to live in Germany, and have some knowledge of what the inventory would be) you will not find 9.3x64 ammo available anywhere.

There might be some in Windhoek.

 

[John Wasmuth]

9,3x62 with modern powders and developed loads is a cartridge to be reckoned with. It’s been satisfactory since 1905. Works superbly in a M98 Mauser and is legal in enough countries in Africa to fill the billet on dangerous game.

 

[WoodencrossIII]

That’s prolly what I’ll be going with it’s a sporterised true K98 that I think would make a great 9.3x62 which is most likely where I’ll be going with this project, I just didn’t want another rifle similar to a 35 whelen but rather closer to the 375 h&h but within standard length action and not magnum length so that’s why I thought the 9.3x62 is the best build idea I can still hunt African game and use the rifle I wanna use, I like that I can use 300 gr bullets and this round is proof in the pudding others hunters use it on Cape buffalo and other game. Thanks for all the input so far it’s always fun to hear other perspectives gives me lots of angles to decide with

 

[John Wasmuth]

I’ve got one built of a Zastava Mauser with a 23.5 inch ER Shaw barrel 1:12 twist converted from 8x57JS and one factory Zastava M70 Mauser with a 22 inch barrel. Both are great shooters. Some great loads out there with power pro 2000 and big game that will reach close to if not over 2600 FPS with 286 gr sp and solids.

 

[Scrumbag]

I’ve got one built of a Zastava Mauser with a 23.5 inch ER Shaw barrel 1:12 twist converted from 8x57JS and one factory Zastava M70 Mauser with a 22 inch barrel. Both are great shooters. Some great loads out there with power pro 2000 and big game that will reach close to if not over 2600 FPS with 286 gr sp and solids.

Is that Ramshot Big Game?

I have a lovely old FN 9.3x62 that I tend to only feed low heat powders.

Scrummy

 

[John Wasmuth]

Yes Ram shot big game.

 

[bruce moulds]

I’ve got one built of a Zastava Mauser with a 23.5 inch ER Shaw barrel 1:12 twist converted from 8x57JS and one factory Zastava M70 Mauser with a 22 inch barrel. Both are great shooters. Some great loads out there with power pro 2000 and big game that will reach close to if not over 2600 FPS with 286 gr sp and solids.

2600 with 286 gn in 9.3x62.
i find that speed with about max sensible loads in the 9,3x64.
the 64 has greater case capacity, so the x62 must have higher pressure.
bruce.

I wouldn't build a 9.3x64 unless you just want to make your life hard.

The 338 Winchester and 375 are 100 time easier to feed. I doubt unless you live in Germany or Austria (and I used to live in Germany, and have some knowledge of what the inventory would be) you will not find 9.3x64 ammo available anywhere.

There might be some in Windhoek.

yes the 338 and375 are easier to feed, but not as much fun.
the x64 outperforms the 338 by a wide margin.
once you have cases for x64 you have ammo, and like any cartridge, better ammo than you can buy.
bruce.

 

[WAB]

I’m new to the 9.3x62. We have a highland stalker in that caliber. I am very impressed with it. In its relatively short life it has taken Cape buffalo, warthog, nyala, wildebeest, eland and whitetail. All with no fuss. My wife plans to use it for her leopard hunt next year.

 

[Muskox]

2600 with 286 gn in 9.3x62.
i find that speed with about max sensible loads in the 9,3x64.
the 64 has greater case capacity, so the x62 must have higher pressure.
bruce.

yes the 338 and375 are easier to feed, but not as much fun.
the x64 outperforms the 338 by a wide margin.
once you have cases for x64 you have ammo, and like any cartridge, better ammo than you can buy.
bruce.

Only in heavier bullets in the 338, and not even remotely in the same weight bullets, and the 375H&H kicks both of their asses:

250 Grain bullet in a 9.3x64 in a 25 inch barrel has a velocity of 2640-2802 with RL 15

Nosler Load Data

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The 1 inch difference in barrel length could account for the 22 FPS difference in velocity.

250 Grain bullet in a 338 Win in a 24 inch barrel has a velocity of 2640-2780 with H4831

Nosler Load Data

Explore the world of Nosler, renowned for crafting the finest bullets, ammunition, rifles, and brass. Discover our extensive lineup, including Partition, AccuBond, E-Tip, Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition, and more. Experience superior quality and performance with Nosler products.

load-data.nosler.com

265 Grain bullet in a 338 Win in a 24 inch barrel has a velocity of 2617-2745 with Norma MRP
A difference of 23 grains under the 286 grain bullet in the 9.3x64, but it is still 80 FPS faster with a shorter barrel.

260 Grain bullet in a 375 H&H in a 24 inch barrel has a velocity of 2648-2793 with RL 15

Nosler Load Data

Explore the world of Nosler, renowned for crafting the finest bullets, ammunition, rifles, and brass. Discover our extensive lineup, including Partition, AccuBond, E-Tip, Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition, and more. Experience superior quality and performance with Nosler products.

load-data.nosler.com

286 Grain bullet in a 9.3x64 in a 25 inch barrel has a velocity of 2551-2690 with IMR 4350

300 Grain bullet in a 338 Win in a 24 inch barrel has a velocity of 2326-2432 with Supreme 780
A difference of -14 grains and an -inch of barrel (there is some plausibility to your statement with heavier bullets). Saying that the 9.3x64 is up to 258 FPS faster according to Nosler.

300 Grain bullet in a 375 H&H in a 24 inch barrel has a velocity of 2517-2600 FPS with W760
The 375 really blows both the 338 and 9.3x64 out of the water.

 

[baxterb]

I shoot a 286 North Fork in my 9.3 x 62 at an easy 2505 fps with ramshot over the same chrono that showed 2470 with a 300 gr out of my 375 H&H. Pretty close...

 

[bruce moulds]

baxter b,
you are comparing apples with apples as those bullets have similar s.d.
my 9.3 x64 does an easier 2600 with 286 nosler and swift aframe.
the x64 also does 2550 easy with 300 gn swift aframe, and both loads could go faster with more powder.
i prefer to stay in a lower pressure zone than you seem to be in with the x62.
the 300 gn swift load puts it a little ahead of the 300 gn 375 at 2550, as the 9.3 bullet has a higher s.d.
with swift or northfork you have some serious big game medicine in boyh calibres, far more powerful than the 338.
250 gn bullets in 9.3 are useful, as is 260 in 375, but they just make the calibres more versatile.
if that wt bullet is what you use all the time then a 338 or 340 might be your gun.
using a 300 gn bullet in a 338 would suggest you need a bigger gun.
bruce.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hi I’m thinking of having a 9.3x62 built or I should say a rebore job done on an older 8x57 Mauser I have, I owned a 375 h&h once and have since traded it last year but have gained intrest again in something of this caliber. I’m thinking someday to take it to Africa and hunt whatever I can. But, I’m thinking over the 375 ruger , 375 H&H or the 9.3x62 and if I use this Mauser rifle then I’m thinking I’m limited to the 9.3 chamber which is fine I want some input from people who use this 9.3 and maybe others I know the H&H has prolly 1,000 more foot lbs in energy with same bullet weight but sectional density for .366 cal bullets is higher also the rifle I had was a browning x bolt and was a nice rifle but I’d prefer a Mauser I’m thinking or something different then I had. Thanks

@Woodencross111
Let the g same you hunt decided. If it's PG with a possible cape buffalo then the 9.3 will do admirably. If DG isn't on the cards then the 9.3.
Where you live could also influence you.
I went with the 35 Whelen and learnt to load it properly to 338 mag levels and up and used it on all my plains game and would have no issues using it on buffalo in Australia or if legal even on buff in Namibia.
To joy in picking what you want is in itself frustration because you have to work out what t you need then all the input can confuse more.
Have fun choosing mate
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

That’s prolly what I’ll be going with it’s a sporterised true K98 that I think would make a great 9.3x62 which is most likely where I’ll be going with this project, I just didn’t want another rifle similar to a 35 whelen but rather closer to the 375 h&h but within standard length action and not magnum length so that’s why I thought the 9.3x62 is the best build idea I can still hunt African game and use the rifle I wanna use, I like that I can use 300 gr bullets and this round is proof in the pudding others hunters use it on Cape buffalo and other game. Thanks for all the input so far it’s always fun to hear other perspectives gives me lots of angles to decide with

@Woodencross111
I don't understand what you mean when you said you didn't want another rifle similar to the 35 Whelen. The Whelen and the 9.3x62 are basically 2 peas in a pod until you start reloading. The 9.3s performance can be boosted slightly but the Whelen can be SAFELY given a BIG boost.
There's no flies on a Whelen loaded with 225 grain projectiles at up to 2,950 fps, 250 grainers at 2,700 fps, 275 grain Woodleigh PPSP at 2,500 plus fps and if you want to go to 310 grain Woodleigh can accommodate you. These loads SAFELY give 4,000 to 4,300 for of muzzle energy. So as you can see there is no flies on the Whelen.
Bob

 

[AZDAVE]

I have several 9.3x62's and have shot more game in africa with a 9.3 (x62 bolt gun or x74 double rifle) than any other caliber. It is a very well balanced round that in a modern action with modern powders and bullets make it capable of DG hunting. You must also remember that the 9.3/375 class of rounds are great killing rounds for thick skinned DG but not stopping rounds.

I looked at the 9.3x64 but the components are much harder to source so i went with the 9.3x62. If I felt the need for more than I can get out of a x62 i would build a 375/9.3 ruger wildcat.

My rifles have a long throat so I can load the bullets to the length of the magizine. I load to modern pressures 60KPSI in my rifles (All are modern) in the FN with a 25 in barrel I am getting 2752fps with a 250 gr accubond. Also load 286, 300, 320 gr bullets that all produce over 4000Lbs of muzzle energy. If I feel that I need more I will take a 416,404,458, or 500 class of rifle.

The two best powder I have found for the x62 is RL-17 and Big Game. I have heard good things about CFE223 but haven't had time to test any loads with it.

You can't go wrong with any of the rounds that are mentioned in this thread. See what you can source rounds and reloading components for the easiest in your area. Have the 8mm rebored and go hunt something.

 

[baxterb]

baxter b,
you are comparing apples with apples as those bullets have similar s.d.
my 9.3 x64 does an easier 2600 with 286 nosler and swift aframe.
the x64 also does 2550 easy with 300 gn swift aframe, and both loads could go faster with more powder.
i prefer to stay in a lower pressure zone than you seem to be in with the x62.
the 300 gn swift load puts it a little ahead of the 300 gn 375 at 2550, as the 9.3 bullet has a higher s.d.
with swift or northfork you have some serious big game medicine in boyh calibres, far more powerful than the 338.
250 gn bullets in 9.3 are useful, as is 260 in 375, but they just make the calibres more versatile.
if that wt bullet is what you use all the time then a 338 or 340 might be your gun.
using a 300 gn bullet in a 338 would suggest you need a bigger gun.
bruce.

I got my starting load info from John Barnsness who has loaded up to 66gr of Big Game in the 9.3. He had it pressure tested and it was under 60K. I stuck at about 63gr. Primers still rounded, and shoots lights out. I also have a 25 1/2" barrel as well. The rifle is built on an FN 98. (HUsky 640). The 9.3 is often found in small ring Mausers, so yes, prudence is needed when trying to squeeze more out of it than was originally designed.