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I have an FN Mauser action, Jc Higgins 1950-ish in great shape.

Not sure if I can make a 9.3X64 on this action, might be too small.

Who would you have do the barrel and action work?
I don't have either cartridge but would like to have the 9.3x64. One of the problems you'll run into is brass which is made by RWS-that said you might find it at Old Western Scrounger or Huntington's. It has a base diameter of .504", with a rebated rim of .492" and the case length is 2.520", so I suppose it would fit in a standard length action. I'd guess your Mauser has a magazine length of 3.340+- which you would probably want to lengthen to 3.450" or even a bit more. That would mean also grinding the rear of the feedramp and opening it up to feed those fat cases.

Wolfe Publishing had an article in the 1990 Handloader Magazine-if you can find a copy or order a duplicate you'll likely find quite a bit of info. Here's a link to another article:

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/EUR/

I found this link for some brass from Buffalo Arms:
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm?viewfrom=37&catid=41&step=2

Here's Hungtingtons:

http://www.huntingtons.com/CasesRWS.html

I've had Harry McGowen do work on several Mauser's (military and commercial). He's been around forever and knows his stuff. Good work, reasonable prices. He will do what you want as long as it's safe and able to be done. If you want to contact him here's his info. He can surely get you started or pointed in the right direction.

McGowen Rifle Barrels
5961 Spruce Lane
Saint Anne, IL 60964

815-937-9816

Hope it helps, if you do go with the 9.3x64 please post some pics, would love to see the finished project.
David

The action will work fine for a 9.3X64. The biggest problem with the 9.3X64 is the availiblity of brass. Huntingtons is advertising RWS again but it isn't real cheap.

As far as a good smith, Dennis Olson in Plains, Montana is legend for putting together totally reliable big bore rifles. His rifles feed the best of any I have seen in all larger bore bolt action rifles. He also is reasonable in both cost and delivery time from my experience and puts out quality work in all phases of gunsmithing.
David,

There is nothing wrong with putting the 9.3x64 in a Mauser action, the cartridge was designed for it. The 9.3x62 is in between the .35 Whelen and the .375 Whelen as far as power is concerned, whereas the 9.3x64 is significantly more powerful.

It does take some work to get the x64 into the Mauser but nothing that a trained gunsmith can't handle. Feeding is paramount if you plan on taking it to Africa. This has to be absolutely 'NO FAIL' over there. Failure to feed can mean injury at the least and death at the worst.

I consider either cartridge to be superb but I think that the 9.3x64 deserves first shot in Africa. I shoot both and they are both in Mausers. Brass is also available through Natchez, although they may be out on occasion. Be sure to look around for bullets. The selection has improved quite a bit.

Here is some additional information:

9.3x62 Mauser
Some time ago someone said, �Necessity is the mother of invention.� In a way this fits the birth of the 9.3x62. The necessity came from the European farmers and ranchers in Africa who had a need for a firearm that was affordable and yet had enough punch to handle the tenacious crop raiders and large predators they were plagued with. Most cartridges of that time were adequate to handle most plains game, but when it came to dangerous critters, they needed something bigger.
Big-bore double guns were the answer but were financially out of reach for all but the well-heeled. They needed one rifle that would do it all and still fit their pocketbook.
In 1905 German gunmaker, cartridge designer Otto Bock came up with the answer. Using the strong military 98 Mauser action, he designed a cartridge that would fit and feed through the standard-length action. Using a case near identical to the .30-06, he developed the 9.3x62, which with softnosed bullets was more than adequate for even the largest of the antelope, and with solids it had enough sectional density to penetrate and do in the big boys.
An interesting note taken from the recent A-Square loading manual shows just how much respect the 9.3x62 has. It seems that in 1958 when Kenya ruled, the .375 H&H was the minimum cartridge allowed for dangerous game. A footnote was added that the 9.3x62 could be used by experienced hunters.
The 9.3x62's combination of moderate velocity with bullets of high sectional density and a large frontal area (diameter) has proven itself so well it is still one of the most popular cartridges outside the U.S. for any big game. So popular, it is offered by most all European rifle manufacturers today.
When looking at the 9.3x62 by itself, it looks like a .35 Whelen or .338-06. However, when placed side by side, it is obvious which of the three is larger and has a slight edge in case capacity. Even though the 9.3x62 is a slight bit shorter in length (1mm), its straighter case walls and shorter neck give it the advantage.
It is understandable why, in the U.S., the 9.3x62 was not popular in the past. Bullet selection was minimal and availability was spotty. Not so today, as most major U.S. manufacturers produce a selection of 9.3mm bullets along with the normal imported offerings of Norma, Woodleigh and Brenneke. Weights from 234 to 300 grains are available. The most popular bullet weight has always been the 286 grainer.
Factory ammunition and brass are readily available from Norma or RWS; however, it is not a big problem to use .30-06 brass. The normal fireforming process is all that is needed.
Loading data can be found in most all the popular manuals. Nosler, Swift, Barnes, Speer, Norma and A-Square all list extensive data for the 9.3x62.
The 9.3x62 seems to be one of those cartridges that is not finicky to load for. Most all loads tested shot well, some just better than others. This is a hunting cartridge using hunting bullets, but in some cases accuracy was well inside one inch at 100 yards.

9.3x64 Brenneke
If there was ever an overlooked cartridge that was adequate for any big game anywhere in the world, including the dangerous game of Africa, it could well be the 9.3x64 Brenneke. It was the brainchild of Wilhelm Brenneke in the period around 1910 and was the largest and most powerful of the Brenneke cartridges. The cartridge had an enthusiastic acceptance from big game hunters in Europe, and it didn�t take long for it to find its way to Africa.
The infamous ivory hunter John Taylor rated the 9.3x64 Brenneke as an excellent medium-bore cartridge right along side the .375 H&H Magnum. Not only was Taylor a professional ivory hunter, but he was also a student of ballistics and cartridge performance. Taylor�s theories of knock-out power expounded upon in his books are still considered by some as a valid comparison of different cartridges.
Two things contributed to why the 9.3x64 Brenneke never gained the interest of American hunters. First was the lack of adequate bullets that could perform under the higher velocities, and second was the advent of World War II, which stopped all production of German sporting firearms for quite a few years. In the meantime the .375 H&H proved its worth and is still doing so today.
When European arms manufacturers started production of sporting firearms, sometime after World War II, the 9.3x64 Brenneke surfaced again, slowly gaining popularity as ammunition and components became available. Within the last few years, premium 9.3 bullets such as the Barnes X-Bullet, Swift A-Frame, Nosler Partition and others have made the 9.3x64 Brenneke a cartridge to take note of.
Ballistically it is the near twin to the .375 H&H. Factory loadings for the .375 H&H 300-grain bullet list a velocity of 2,530 fps. The 9.3x64 Brenneke factory load for the 286-grain bullet is 2,690 fps. With a bore size difference of only .009 inch (.375 versus .366) and a bullet weight difference of only 14 grains, you can see how close in performance they are. When you do the math, it even gives the edge to the 9.3x64 Brenneke.
When handloaded the 9.3x64 Brenneke is very impressive. Easy to load with its nonbelted case, the Brenneke, like the 9.3x62, shoots most any load well. Bullets in the 250- to 270-grain range work superbly on any big game in North America. The heavier 286-grain bullets in either softpoint or solid work well on the big boys.
With the 9.3x64 Brenneke there is one big plus and one small inconvenience. The plus is that any standard-length action can be used. If a .30-06 or action of that length and bolt face configuration is used, the only alteration needed is to open the bolt face to accept the .496-inch rim of the 9.3x64 Brenneke brass, screw in the barrel and head for the range.
The inconvenience is obtaining brass. The only manufacturer of loaded ammunition and brass is RWS. It is imported in sufficient quantities, but you won�t find it at Wal-Mart. Most any specialty gun/reloading store will be able to get it for you. A one-shot purchase of 100 rounds of brass should last a near lifetime, as case life is very good.
After using the three 9.3 cartridges over the past few years, I can�t help but be impressed. When ranges are kept within a reasonable distance, the performance, with proper bullets, gets the job done as well as any cartridge on the market. Friends and hunting companions who have witnessed or used any of the 9.3s on big game have come away with praise, and some have gone on to build their own 9.3s.
It is interesting to note that with all the new ultras, shorts, belted magnums, etc. that have surfaced over the past 30 to 40 years, none do any better job as all-purpose cartridges than the ones designed by Otto and Wilhelm 100 years ago.

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?magid=95&tocid=1379

[Linked Image]
DW, The 9,3x64 is a really nice round but is disadvantaged by hard to get and expensive brass. The dies also are at a premium price. I would recommend you lay in about 200rds or so of brass before building a rifle. If you ever wanted to resell the rifle it would be more difficult in a rare caliber.
The 9,3x62 is a little slower but still plenty potent for most African hunting. Superb quality Lapua brass is easily available and not too expensive as are the dies.
If you don't mind rare caliber hassles with brass,dies and resale value build the 9,3x6-4. If not there's nothing in the world wrong with the 9,3x62.......DJ
Horsefeathers! If you want to afford to go to Africa, you afford to get your dies and brass specifically for reloading the very best that you can.

There are 3 suppliers for brass here in the States and you certainly don't have to lay in a 200 piece stash unless you want to, because it is a common and well use cartridge in Europe. If push comes to shove, call Deiter Horneber in Germany and I know that he will be able to get some into your hands. The cartridge was designed for Africa. Leave your reloads with your PH and then buy new brass in Africa to bring back to the U.S.

The 9.3x62 is a fine cartridge as I have already stated above, but it is not equal to the 9.3x64 by any means.

Regards.
There are 3 suppliers here in the US that were all completely out of RWS 9,3x64 brass when I called them to buy a supply before I built one a while back. Of course the situation may have changed by now, but smart money says to check first............DJ
My vote goes to the 9.3 x 64. I built my first on that exact action you speak of! Only the bolt face and extractor had to be modified on my rifle, (it was initially a 30-06). As far as the brass goes it is readily available through NATCHEZ shooter supply, in fact I am holding a box containing 100 rds as we speak. Was 16.00 per 20.

I have shot a few head of game with both of my 64's and have no complaints about there performance. For my money I would do it again in a heart beat. If you go this route drop me a line and I can supply you with some starting loads which work great in my 2 9.3x64's.

Good Luck,

Brno284
As far as the brass goes it is readily available through NATCHEZ shooter supply

I just went to order a few boxes and found this reply. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[color:"red"] Currently Out of Stock, click the alert icon to be notified when product is available. [/color]
I'll say go with the Brenneke (9.3x64) because it offers the same power as the 375 H&H. I imagine that it also offers signifigantly more recoil than the 9.3x62 though. What will you be using it for? The Big Five?
Give them a call, I spoke with Chuck when I recieved mine. My guess is they havn't got around to updating the web page since the new stock arrived.

Take care,

Brno284

Can the 9.3x64 hold 1 more round than the 375 H&H in a Model 70 magazine?

Seems with the case diameter being slightly smaller and the case straighter (less slope), it might hold 1 more down, I would love to know?

Thank you.
David, cmg shoots a 9.3x64 built on an M-98 action with 22" bbl. You might want to PM him as he has significant experience with this cartridge. I'm thinking of re-chambering my CZ 550 FS from 9.3x62 to x64 and have found his advice useful.
David, why not the x66?

That's the one I want to build.

As you all know, 9.3x64 dies are hard to come by... But I just happen to be perusing ebay, and guess what?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RCBS-9-3X64-Bre..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c13f61685


Which AFAIC, makes a VERY good argument for the 9.3x62. grin
I've built one 64 on a 700 and building another right now on a 98. I absolutely love the 64. It has lots of power and easily tuned. I have gotten great results in 250, 270, and 286 grain bullets. For those of you who have one, I suggest you try R-17 with the 286. It will take a lot of it but it shoots fast and straight. BTW, if you need brass I can possibly help.
I've one built on a 1909 Arg. and built by Satterlee Arms. Bought the action some yrs. back by a fella named Chic....standard 98 Mauser. Your J.C.Higgins won't require carburization as mine did so that is a good start. Martini sells brass and Roccos in Texas does as well as Huntingtons. I have laid up store of some 350 plus pieces of brass to date....spendy but what the heck. It had me going since I came to these various forums and the talk of how it compares to the .375 HH without the belt.......don't regret to this day by getting it built, still need to get load development done with the 250 TSX to date. Using H414 and GM210M's along with RWS brass.

I seriously doubt I will be dissappointed in the 64 Brenneke with game here as my VZ24 9,3x62 easily took out a bull and a grizz with .286 Partitions. I suspect you to choose either calibers and not be dissappointed with any animal you choose to hunt it with. The 62 has the advantage in regards to brass availability and less recoil.

Keep us informed as to what you choose and who you will commission to do the work along with pics.....
I have gotten very good results with Varget (69 -/+ .5). I have built 300s, 338s, 7s, etc. So far, 9.3 X 64 is my favorite.
Excellent.

May I ask what velocities you are getting and what barrel length you use or would consider optimal?

Thanks.
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7971019521/m/3941089431
David, either will do i think. If you can get your hands on enough brass to satisfy yourself do the 64. I load for my buddies two 62's. One on an FN with a 23" Kreiger barrel and the other on another FN only with a 26" Lothar Walther. And his CZ550 9.3x62 rechambered to 9.3x64 wink And then my Cz550FS 9.3x62 that i had Dennis Erhardt (Frontier Gunshop) rechamber. In fact, he's done all the metalwork on all of these rifles. whistle
They are both fantastic rounds but ya gotta give the Brenneke the nod i feel. It's like the 458 WM works but the 458 Lott works better. wink
I am going to be building a 9.3, I just can't decide 62 or 64.

I already have a 270. 308 Scout and 45/70 carbine lever.

Someday I hope to hunt the big 5 in Africa but I am not holding my breath.

Ammo cost does not matter, I can order some great ammo from custom loaders and if I have a couple hundred rounds in various set ups I should be set for life.

Big ? of course I know you do not need the .64 for hunt deer heck my .308 or .270 are great for that BUT the ? is would I be an idiot to hunt deep with a .62 or .64?

I'm a shooter but not a hunter, however I have done a bit of traveling, so take it from that perspective. If I was planning a gun that I might take to Africa I would get a 9.3x62. Why? Because when you are traveling you never know whether your luggage will arrive with you, except for carry on, which, of course, you cannot do with either guns or ammunition. If you arrive with your rifle but without your ammo, 9.3x62 ammunition is widely available around the world, and particular in Africa, whereas availability of the 64 is, I would guess, a lot more spotty. With the 62 you can still shoot your own rifle, with a 64 you would likely have to shoot a borrowed one.
Jamison International is currently making 9.3x64 Brenneke brass.

Jamison brass

Both are great cartridges, but x64 is more powerful. I already owned a 338-06 so I wanted to step up in power to a 375 class cartridge. Which is more appropriate for Africa IMO.

I have two x64 Brennekes. An all weather VZ 24 with B&C stock painted and metal treated by CAS. Second is a blued/wood Argentine action that is not finished yet. I had some difficulties with stockmaker on this project and am just finally gettting around to wanting it finished.

I built my 9.3x62 in 2000 via a Cliff LaBounty rebore of an FN Supreme 30-06. I loaded the 250 gr Barnes X to 2650 fps and took it to Africa in 2002 where it performed admirably on 10 animals from porcupine to eland. I would not bother with the x64.
The 64 just sounds unique and exotic which I like sometimes....

That little extra potential oooomph could really pay off at times if I ever get to Africa.

Really with a 270 (60's Remington 700), .308 Winchester Model 70 (pre 64) Scout, 45/70 carbine and the 9.3X64 Id have everything I could possibly need covered unless I had to go REALLY BIG or really far
I'm thinking I'll make the x62, use 30-06 brass and save the properly headstamped stuff for international travel.
Good plan there. Sounds like a TERRIFIC rifle when all done.
Originally Posted by JYogi
The 64 just sounds unique and exotic which I like sometimes....

That little extra potential oooomph could really pay off at times if I ever get to Africa....


I've read very highly about the 9.3x64 Brenneke. It's at least and even considered better than the 375 H&H.

Originally Posted by David_Walter
I'm thinking I'll make the x62, use 30-06 brass and save the properly headstamped stuff for international travel.


I am seriously considering going with the 9.3x62 when my 7mm model 21 gives up the ghost.
It is one of the very few cartridges that interests me.
9.3x62.

Thread is a little old.
Hi
I have 9,3x64 Sauer-Weatherby and it perfect gun for everything big.
Have use it twice in Africa and only one animal move from shooting place more that 10m, but this case was my and ammo problems. Shooting distances where between 50 and 300 yrd. But not for the Big Five yet.
The recoil is sharper than 375 H&H and bullet greating same power as 375H&H. Same time bullet flight is more flat. If rifle is aimed on MRD (180yrd) then you can make easily shot from 50 - 330 yrd. And the aiming point is between +1 on 50yrd and -15 on 330yrd. Standard ammo what I use is 293gr RWS Uni Classic or Bernneke TUG (there is also new Brenneke TOG 247gr available what flight is more flat than TUG)
But gun have also some minus sides when you hunt in Africa:
First many countries do not allowed hunt on big five below 375H&H. Most of PH in Africa know and accept 9,3x64 caliber as perfect for everything but law is law...
Second if you lose your ammo then you are alone...there is no change to get new one from local shop. Even in Europe you might be in trouble. I'm ordering my ammo from Germany and keeping min.100 or more always at home do not have surprises.
Finally its beautiful gun to use but rare caliber for every day hunting. Also expensive to use as ammo cost 4$ piece and difficult to get. But I'm clad to have it and will not change it to 375 or 9,3x62.
Interesting...is the 9.3x64 gainnig in popularity?
Dude..If you are really going....take what rifle you shoot best,spend your money on optics and good shoes...have fun
Originally Posted by brooksrange
Interesting...is the 9.3x64 gainnig in popularity?


I doubt it. The thread was started in 2004 whistle
Reloading for the 9.3 X 62 22" With 250 gr bullets I see 2650 FPS and 2520 FPS with 286 gr bullets. Good case life. Accurate and 5 rounds in magazine in a under 8 # rifle.

What are real numbers in a 9.3 X 64 22" ?
Originally Posted by kk alaska
Reloading for the 9.3 X 62 22" With 250 gr bullets I see 2650 FPS and 2520 FPS with 286 gr bullets. Good case life. Accurate and 5 rounds in magazine in a under 8 # rifle.

What are real numbers in a 9.3 X 64 22" ?


From what I've read, with 250gr bullets about 2800 FPS and with 286 gr. bullets about 2650 FPS.

Is that worth the difference? I was also thinking of the 375 Ruger- any experience with that one?
I have both My Ruger 375 is more rifle but heavier and not as balanced. IMHO Plus the 9.3 X 62 has 2 more in the magazine
the Ruger is SS which makes it easier to care for in our wet weather. A real looney needs all 3 to make a fair comparison!

My most accurate loads in my 20" 375 Ruger are 300 gr bullet around 2586 FPS 270 gr bullet @ 2650 FPS
went higher but accuracy fell off. Limited testing load depelopment was fast and easy.
KK,
You forgot to mention your 35 Whelen and 35 Whelen AI and how about your latest .338 Ruger isn't it. whistle wink --- Mel
Wow Mel you forgot one eek, 1 35 Whelen Std, your old 7600, plus 1 35 Whelen Imp., 338 RCM, 9.3 X 62 & a 375 Ruger.
Hard to keep up --- Mel
I have a 9.3X62 that is just incredible. If I had something else that shot better, I would take it.
Butch
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