Outstanding Gemsbok sir.
I'll have one last tidbit of sayso about the 9.3X62. Being a reloader for more years than I care to think about, I do not adhere to this trend to wring every possible FPS out of a cartridge. I've been guilty of doing so in the past but with age sometimes comes wisdom, (of a short). Less recoil (if you are sensitive), less stress on your action and really? Does that extra 75-125fps kill and deader? At realistic hunting distances, does 1.5-2in less drop make that much difference? I leave the answer to each individual.
In firearms history (smokeless powder) it seems the magic velocity range to deliver deep penetration and bone breaking power has been in the 2020-2500fps range. Excessive velocity delivers premature expansion and limits penetration. That said, modern bullet construction has helped producing bullets that hold together instead of blowing up as in the past. But the extra velocity gives more energy you say. True, it does that indeed. But for big nasty tough animals that can kill you very dead energy figures doesn't seem to impress them much. Tissue destruction and broken down bones gets their attention.
The 9.3X62 has been harvesting game up to elephant since 1905. With a 286grn bullet at 2380fps it will out penetrate most heavy rifles. It doesn't have the frontal area of the heavies but it will do the job. Is it a stopper? No but with a cool head and proper shot placement it will still do that job. I've been guilty of pushing the 9.3X62 to near 9.3X64 velocities. It can be done! But in hind sight, why?
The 9.3X62 has become my favorite medium bore rifle. At factory velocities it has harvested more game both here in the states and in Africa for me. I've never lost an animal with it.
So in closing I'll take the 9.3X62 in original form. It works for me and has worked since 1905 and is one of the best under appreciated cartridges ever developed. Thank you Herr Bock.
