Ruger African 9.3X62

[Aussie_Hunter]

I posted a thread on here a few months ago about a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3X62 I was buying, unfortunately the deal fell through. Since then I have still been looking around for a rifle in this chambering, I have wanted a 9.3X62 for a long time.

I was lucky enough to come across this Ruger African in excellent condition with a really nice stock. I am extremely happy with it and it's a shooter, worked up a load with Hornady 286grn Interlock RP-SP at an average of 2367fps using Nosler brass and RL15. At 50m with a 4 power scope it put 3 out of the 4 rounds through the same hole and to be honest the 4th shot was probably me not the rifle.

Such a great rifle and calibre, rifle is weighing in at 8.75lbs with the scope mounted, extremely soft shooting with plenty of power. I am really impressed with this rifle in this chambering.

I'm going to work up some more loads hopefully with Swift A-frames and/or Woodleighs and probably take it with me on a scrub bull hunt mid next year.

 

[Bush Buck]

I really like your rifle A_H.
That seems to be the first release of the 9.3x62 which did not have the black frond tip. It looks like someone put a thicker recoil pad on it - which is not a bad idea.
I've never handled an early one but I understand that they had a heavier barrel profile.
If you happen to remove the scope, I would like to know the weight without the scope and rings.

Thanks,
Bush Buck

 

[AZDAVE]

You will like that rifle, I had one but a shooting buddy convinced me he needed it more than me (I have a couple customs in 9.3x62) He has experienced the same good shooting rifle that you have. I have found the RL-17 and Ramshot Big Game are the two best powders for this round on bullets in the 250-320gr range.

 

[shootist~]

Outstanding and lucky find. Looking forward to some hunt reports with it.

 

[Cam300]

Beautiful rifle!

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I really like your rifle A_H.
That seems to be the first release of the 9.3x62 which did not have the black frond tip. It looks like someone put a thicker recoil pad on it - which is not a bad idea.
I've never handled an early one but I understand that they had a heavier barrel profile.
If you happen to remove the scope, I would like to know the weight without the scope and rings.

Thanks,
Bush Buck

This serial number was manufactured in 2011, scope and rings is 0.7lbs so call the naked rifle 8-8.1lbs. I have heard some of the later ones have a light barrel profile, not sure why they made that choice but I don't like the sound of it. This rifle scoped is the perfect weight for this chambering in my opinion. Correct the previous owner changed out the thin red recoil pad for a kick eze which I'm definitely not mad at.

 

[sierraone]

Difference is this is not a Lipsey's African. Not suggesting that is a bad thing, just different. Thinner pad, blackened bolt and ebony fore end piece on a Lipsey's.

 

[John Wasmuth]

Looks exactly like my .375 Ruger built in 08.

 

[sestoppelman]

This serial number was manufactured in 2011, scope and rings is 0.7lbs so call the naked rifle 8-8.1lbs. I have heard some of the later ones have a light barrel profile, not sure why they made that choice but I don't like the sound of it. This rifle scoped is the perfect weight for this chambering in my opinion. Correct the previous owner changed out the thin red recoil pad for a kick eze which I'm definitely not mad at.

Nice rifle!

It looks like it had a spacer added as well. What is the LOP?

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Nice rifle!

It looks like it had a spacer added as well. What is the LOP?

Should be around 14 inches with the new recoil pad, feels good.

 

[Puddle]

Nice looking rifle, and that 286 gr. Interlock with RL-15 is a great recipe.

Mine is the Lipsey's version, but the wood isn't anywhere's as nice as yours. All up mine weighs 8.5 lbs.
My 286 gr. Interlock / RL-15 recipe gets me ~2375 fps and I can shoot that all day. I'm currently working up a 300 gr. A-Frame load for a future hunt.

Someday I'll come across a gunsmith I can trust and will have the factory recoil pad swapped out for a decent one. Until then, it wears a slip-on Limbsaver.

 

[Rocked and Loaded]

Looks exactly like my .375 Ruger built in 08.

I believe the 9.32x62 was a standard chambering for the African and Alaskan models, alongside the 375 ruger, when they first introduced the Hawkeye. That was before they decided to make them ugly and put that silly muzzle brake on them.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Nice looking rifle, and that 286 gr. Interlock with RL-15 is a great recipe.

Mine is the Lipsey's version, but the wood isn't anywhere's as nice as yours. All up mine weighs 8.5 lbs.
My 286 gr. Interlock / RL-15 recipe gets me ~2375 fps and I can shoot that all day. I'm currently working up a 300 gr. A-Frame load for a future hunt.

Someday I'll come across a gunsmith I can trust and will have the factory recoil pad swapped out for a decent one. Until then, it wears a slip-on Limbsaver.

Definitely keen to get my hands on some 286grn or 300grn A-frames

 

[baxterb]

Definitely keen to get my hands on some 286grn or 300grn A-frames

might try 286 North Forks and Ramshot Big Game. I get 2500 easy out of my 25” barrel. That’s a potent load.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I posted a thread on here a few months ago about a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3X62 I was buying, unfortunately the deal fell through. Since then I have still been looking around for a rifle in this chambering, I have wanted a 9.3X62 for a long time.

I was lucky enough to come across this Ruger African in excellent condition with a really nice stock. I am extremely happy with it and it's a shooter, worked up a load with Hornady 286grn Interlock RP-SP at an average of 2367fps using Nosler brass and RL15. At 50m with a 4 power scope it put 3 out of the 4 rounds through the same hole and to be honest the 4th shot was probably me not the rifle.

Such a great rifle and calibre, rifle is weighing in at 8.75lbs with the scope mounted, extremely soft shooting with plenty of power. I am really impressed with this rifle in this chambering.

I'm going to work up some more loads hopefully with Swift A-frames and/or Woodleighs and probably take it with me on a scrub bull hunt mid next year.

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@Aussie_Hunter
Beautiful rifle, I know it's not a Rigby but with the money you saved that's a few more hunts.
Where are you going after scrubbers and who with.
I'm going up next July/August to the Cohen area with Scott Mitchell Safaris. He gave me a godfather deal. You know the one you just can't refuse.
I'm taking the Whelen with 310 Woodleigh RNs at 2,360fps and 225gr Woodleigh RN at 2,900 for pigs. Plus I will throw in the shotty with 3" magnum slugs. The other mate is taking his 444 marlin and Peter can't make up his mind between his 9.3x62 and 404J so he will probably take both.
If @CBH Australia is still up for it he will take his 375H&H.
Bob

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

@Aussie_Hunter
Beautiful rifle, I know it's not a Rigby but with the money you saved that's a few more hunts.
Where are you going after scrubbers and who with.
I'm going up next July/August to the Cohen area with Scott Mitchell Safaris. He gave me a godfather deal. You know the one you just can't refuse.
I'm taking the Whelen with 310 Woodleigh RNs at 2,360fps and 225gr Woodleigh RN at 2,900 for pigs. Plus I will throw in the shotty with 3" magnum slugs. The other mate is taking his 444 marlin and Peter can't make up his mind between his 9.3x62 and 404J so he will probably take both.
If @CBH Australia is still up for it he will take his 375H&H.
Bob

I'm going back to NT this time specifically for scrubbers mid next year but I won't say no to a 110 point buffalo bull if one happens to walk out in front of me. I'll probably take both the 450 and the 9.3 with me but not 100% sure yet, may even take my 458 Lott with me instead. First world problems I have too many rifles in the safe to choose from.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

First outing for the Ruger African, bit of dust came off this big boy when that 9.3X62 round hit him.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

First outing for the Ruger African, bit of dust came off this big boy when that 9.3X62 round hit him.

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@Aussie hunter
You sure notice the difference when you hit them with something bidder than a 30 cal.
Bob

 

[CAustin]

Very nice find. Enjoy!

 

[F. Vaccaro]

T

Very nice find. Enjoy!

I posted a thread on here a few months ago about a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3X62 I was buying, unfortunately the deal fell through. Since then I have still been looking around for a rifle in this chambering, I have wanted a 9.3X62 for a long time.

I was lucky enough to come across this Ruger African in excellent condition with a really nice stock. I am extremely happy with it and it's a shooter, worked up a load with Hornady 286grn Interlock RP-SP at an average of 2367fps using Nosler brass and RL15. At 50m with a 4 power scope it put 3 out of the 4 rounds through the same hole and to be honest the 4th shot was probably me not the rifle.

Such a great rifle and calibre, rifle is weighing in at 8.75lbs with the scope mounted, extremely soft shooting with plenty of power. I am really impressed with this rifle in this chambering.

I'm going to work up some more loads hopefully with Swift A-frames and/or Woodleighs and probably take it with me on a scrub bull hunt mid next year.

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Beautiful, you’re going to enjoy that one.