Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 9.3x62 Load needed for Namibia

Hello to all the reloaders on the forum.

I need some help and advise...

I have been reloading for a few years now, mainly for hunting purposes. I havent had the need for software like QL yet as I have always kept well below the max loads posted in reloading manuals. I have also never had the the need to push the limits off my rifles yet, untill now...

I have the opportunity to go and hunt a Cape Buffalo bull later this year in Namibia. The rifle I would like to use is my 9.3x62. Namibian law unfortunately states that the minimum rifle that may be used to hunt dangerous game must exhurt atleast 5400 joules of energy at muzzle.

From my research on this forum and other forums it is possible with Alliant RL-17. Some othert powders also come close.

My main goal is to get to 5400 joules of energy, I would be happy to use any powder with a choice of the following bullets:

Swift A-Frame 300gr
Swift A-Frame 286gr
Woodleigh 320gr

It would be great if someone could run my info through QL to see what the most effective pullet/powder combination is to get to 5400 joules of energy. (3983 ft.lbf)

Caliber: 9.3x62 CZ 550
H20 volume of cases: 75.30 gr (Norma)
Total Cartrage Lenght: 87.50 mm
Barrel lenght: 601 mm

Thx

Oelof from South Africa

PS. I have seen quite a bit of Mule Deers loads being mentioned. But have not seen any data on this.

Oelaf,
I've used the 300 grain swift/9.3 on many Alaskan game. I've never used them on buffalo though. They expand well down to 1500-1600 fps. They've penetrated deep. I'm not sure if you can get ahold of alliant 2000 Mr, but that's what I've used. 64 grains for 2400 fps.

Reloaded 15 or reloader 17 works fine too:


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/13539716/1

Thanks for the info.

We do get Alliant powders in SA but the 2000-MR and RL-17 are not very popular over here. Hoping to get some soon.

Great news!!

I phoned up the company that imports Alliant powders to South Africa. They are expecting a shipment of RL-17 to come in as soon as this lockdown is over.

I have been leaning towards using the 320gr Woodleigh's as there is quite a bit of reloading information available for this bullet/powder combination.

A speed of 2400fps is quite reachable with this combo.

I would also look into R-16 as it is more temperature stable than R-17. They load very close to each other and the only thing that is very different is R-16 is less dense so in some cases you run out of room before reaching R-17 velocities. I think the 9.2x62 has enough capacity for this not to be an issue.

I would also consider the Barnes TSX especially for follow up shots where an exit wound is an advantage. Isn't there a very similar bullet in SA, the Rhino?
I was reading about the 375 Rhino and they gave the early prototypes to buffalo cull shooters and refined the design after their input.

oelof,
how does your PH feel about using that cartridge?

the norma website lists the various loadings they produce. i don't believe any of them come to the level you describe.

Roelof.
The only powder I can get to 5400 joules in Quickload with a 286gr A-frame at less than 60,000 psi is RL-17. Gives a projected 2,518 FPS in a 24” barrel. None of the other powders available in our part of the world will do it at lower pressure and without seriously compressed loads.

Obviously please treat with caution and work your loads up etc. etc.

That load is going to “skop” off a bench...

Hi Tejano,

Thanks for the info. I will look out for RL-16 if I cant find RL-17.

The Rhino bullets are quite popular in SA. Very good buff killer. I however do not have alot of info on reloading the Rhinos to the valocities I need to get with the 9.3.

Barnes are by far my favourite bullet. Unfortunately I will not be able to get the barnes 286gr to the speed I need, its very long and will take up too much space in the case.

Thanks for the info.

I believe it is quite possible to get the 320gr Woodleigh to the 5400 joules with RL-17. I dont know if you can check for me and maybe send me some QL info in a PM? I would really appreciate it. I dont have QL.

I will probably start at around 58gr and start working up in .5gr increments untill I reach 2370fps. There are two diffirent 320gr woodleigh bullets. The PP & the RN. Not sure which one to go with yet. Still doing some research.

As mentioned here is my rifles and case info:

Caliber: 9.3x62 CZ 550
H20 volume of cases: 75.30 gr (Norma)
Total Cartrage Lenght: 87.50 mm
Barrel lenght: 601 mm


I agree... that load is going to "SKOP" like a donkey!! Eina!!

Oelof - tried to PM but you’re “over your message limit”?
Anyway, according to Quickload with your Case data above:
Woodleigh PP Weldcore 320gr 49A
On Node 6 @ 2399fps with 61.9 grains RL17 and 100.2% case fill (5545 Joules / 56594 psi)
Woodleigh SN Weldcore 320gr 49
On Node 6 @ 2414fps with 63.7 grains RL17 and 98.3% case fill (5612 Joules / 55985 psi)

Hi Hearties,

Thanks ver much for your info and helping out. Sounds good. Still on node which is always a good thing.

Looks like the Woodleigh RN 49 will give the better performance between the two.

I will start low and work my loads up as mentioned. Many thanks once again!!!!