Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 9.3 X XX

It would seem that the 9.3 caliber is picking up speed, and having been reading John Barsness' articles for many years, I have to wonder if it's going mainstream.

Three years back, I got tired of the beating from my .375 H&H, and picked up a M700 CDL in .35 Whelen. I've managed to take a CO elk every year since with 250gr Hor SP's, Speer 250gr SP's, and this year, with 225gr Sierra BTSP's.

Would the 9.3 X 62 have a noticable advantage over the Whelen? Could the M700 CDL be converted to a 9.3 X 64?

Somehow, bigger holes in elk seems practical.

You could punch it out to 9.3x66 Sako for 375HH like power. But, if you like the rifle and running 250's at 2600fps and 225's at 2700fps there wood be nothing gained. I have a Sako 85 9.3x66 on order and the reason for that is I like the rifle, like 375 type power but don't want to drag a big heavy HH around. Plus its not made in 35whelen.

The x62 handles heavier bullets than the Whelen - up to 286 grains and above. The x62 will also produce more muzzle energy as it has greater case capacity. Nothing wrong with the Whelen though, at least in NA.

Your M700 CDL could be converted to the x64. The bolt face would need to be opened some to accommodate the larger rim diameter. You'd probably lose a round in the magazine as well. The 9.3 Brenneke is noticeably fatter.

I got a 9.3X62 for Christmas and look forward to taking it hunting. However, if I already had a .35 Whelen that really worked I probably would not have asked Santa for a 9.3.

As far as going to a 9.3X64 or 66, I think you'll be back to near the .375 recoil level.

I can't imagine 36 grains is going to make any difference over the Whelen.

I would like to come across a Husky 98 in a 9.3x62, though...

How about 70 grains? The 9.3 has Woodleighs out there at 320 gr.

- The .375's recoil beats you up.
- You went to a "lighter" chambering and have been successful with plain old cup and core bullets three years running.
- So now you want to increase the bullet diameter, weight and recoil, heading back down a slope that has your old .375 waiting patiently for you at the bottom.

Why?

Right.

Can't see how the elk would know that the bullet was .017" smaller or larger in diameter.

Being an armchair dreamer of far off adventures, I was looking at a 375 Scovil when I noticed I could get a 9.3x62 in a CZ and not pay a bunch for cases and dies. There were even some bullets available to feed it. Took the plunge and even cobbled together a Mark X with NECG Band Front Sight; Boyd Stock with Ebony Fore end cut to 10" from the front of the magazine; yada yada yada. I now have 2 of the little gems which do nothing that my 700 35 Whelan couldn't do, though with more velocity at sane pressures.
They handle better than either of the 375 H&Hs I had and kick less and carry easier. Nothing I have shot nor will shoot will ever know the difference. I satisfied my whim and occupied idle time with thoughts on the new 9.3 project as it unfolded.

The critters you grass will never know ..... oh I said that,
just enjoy the process thats what us self professed loonies do.
Now about the new M1895 405 Winchester, oh that does about what those others do, give or take a 100-200Fps. Have fun and good
shooting.

Estacado

Thanks Guys,

Adding up all of the responses, and dividing by 7 :), I went down into the gun shop, put a couple of swipes with the silicone cloth on the Whelen, and carefully put it back in the safe.

But the 9.3X62 CZ is one huge temptation.

I know. I like my CZ 9.3....

I'll bet you do!

I have a CZ527 American in .223 that is an exceptional shooter, especially for a very light weight rifle. The workmanship and design are very good (although the clip is a bit homely). And recently I picked up a CZ .20Ga O/U. The quality and work on that is even better. Balance and handling are in the class of much more expensive doubles, and finish is better than I thought I'd ever be able to afford.

The 550FS is a heavy b!tch, but balances nicely for me.

Still trying to find "the" load, but factory 286s don't do badly at all: 1" to 1.5" at 100.

IIRC doesn't the same company make 310gr .358 bullets?

A few comments:

If you already have a good .35 Whelen, there really isn't much need for a 9.3x62--especially if the Whelen has a faster twist than 1-16 (which used to be standard in .35 caliber). Then you can use 280 Swift A-Frames or 310 Woodleighs if you want heavier bullets.

The 9.3x62 can safely get about 100 fps more than the Whelen with the same weight bullet. This is because of somewhat (not much) larger powder capacity and bullet diameter. Thus with 250's you can get around 2650-2700, or around factory .338 velocities (though with noticeably less recoil, due to less powder and "rocket effect").

You can also get around 2500 with 286's, with safe pressures, close to what the Whelen does with 250's. (I have had my loads tested.) If this seems like a good deal, then by all means....

In general, the 9.3x62 has replaced both the .338 Winchester and .375 H&H for my use. It also allows two more rounds in the magazine than either of those belted cases (at least in most rifles), which may or may not be important. But when it is, it REALLY is.

I have also noticed that need rarely has anything to do with it.

T..,

Wolfe publishing put out a soft cover book BIG BORES. It has a chapter on 9.3 vs 35 Whelan. I believe there are also seperate chapters for both calibers. You might find it usefull in your quest.

SOMETHING LIKE THIS? It is a Husqvarna 649 large ring in 9,3X62 with a 4X Hensoldt in QD sidemount, and is one of my favorite rifles. You have consumate good taste.

Yes luv2safari!

Please contact me on the price and shipping!!!

Your very special Friend:

Eldorado

My check to ransom my latest project rifle is in the mail and the rifle should arrive by the end of this week. Not an OT statement given that the project involves a 9.3x62 Ruger #1B with a custom Tiger maple stock,and matte blue barrel finish with barrel band. I'm eager as a kid on Christmas morning to unwrap it thanks in part to this thread.

1B

One glorious afternoon, I shot several feral cattle, some with a 30/06 and some with a 9.3x62. The 9.3 dropped them a bit faster, but only a bit. Going from a 35 Whelen to a 9.3 won't get you anything meaningful unless you arrive in Africa without your ammo. Having said that, I love both cartridges, and would love to have a 9.3 on a 98 action. Why not buy a CZ 550 American and scratch the itch? Then you'll be an internet expert just like me...


Okie John