Bruce,
In my experience the 9.3x62 is indeed more "inherently accurate" than the .35 Whelen--and that's not just my opinion but that of one well-known accuracy gunsmith. Exactly that should be so is a mystery, but he often compares the 9.3x62 to a "big .308." They're that easy to get to shoot really small groups.
However, the other side of all this is exactly how small groups have to be in order to kill big game, especially BIGGER big game at, say, 300 yards, or even 400. Not many hunters chose either round for shooting beyond 400!
That's interesting, and surprising, John. I had no idea of the Mauser's reputation for accuracy. I can't fathom why, other than perhaps the shorter neck.
However, if I end up with a Whelen, and it puts select bullets into the groups that the '06's I've shot do, I'll be plenty satisfied. As you say, there's no call for a long-range setup using the Whelen or the 9.3x62. Maybe I could get a 1:8 twist .358" bore and talk Berger into some experimenting. Definitely would want the AI chamber then....
