Have one of the new Dumoulin Mausers and may see some light financially shortly. Outside chance it goes to Africa in '17 for plains game and a possible buff cull.

First choices are 375 or 416 Ruger. Acknowledging that 9.3x62 may be a lesser expensive route. ( it has a .473 bolt and feed ramps)

Plans are a 22" bbl, McWoody or B&C stock, and a Luepold 1-5 or 2-7 of some flavor, maybe an M8 fixed 6x.

What say the experienced or just opinionated loonies here?

22" good choice.

1.5x-5x or 2x-7x great choice. A 4x would be another choice.


IMO,a wood stock would be more along the "classic" style of an African rifle. Look for a stock that has straight grain through the tang/wrist area.

Don't think you would go wrong with any of the three. I've hunted plains game in Zimbabwe with my CZ 550 in 9.3x62 using the 286 grain Nosler Partition and it worked great on everything from bushbuck to eland. Also took a cull giraffe which was a bit interesting but it did work. (Note: if you take a 9.3x62 take a few solids also!!)

The bigger caliber's are probably more suited to cape buffalo, but the 9.3 will work. Maybe a little easier build with the .473 bolt, but probably not a big deal to fix that for the 375 or 416. Most important I think is to build what you WANT - don't settle for something and have to live thru the "… I should'a …." thoughts.

Good luck with the build and Africa in '17.

You make some really valid points. I will agree as I found myself in the same situation. I wanted a 375H&H (pre 64 model 70), but figured I'd never have one. A real good deal came along on a nice CZ550 American 9.3x62mm so I bought it and kind of gave up on wanting a 375, but it was always in the back of my mind. Even after using my 9.3x62 and loving it, it was not a 375H&H. I used the 9.3x62mm on elk and it worked great and it was damn accurate, but it was still not a 375 H&H....... Now I have a pre 64 model 70 375H&H and sold the 9.3x62mm and couldn't be more happy with that decision...

Really leaning for one of the Ruger loads as I already have a 300 WBY and a 270 Win. Guys I would be going with will be taking what they took last May. An '06, two 375 H@H's, and a CZ in 416 Rigby.

Thanks for your's and BSA's input.

You have a controlled feed Mauser action that wasn't set up for fatter aspect ratio cartridges. I'm thinking this will lead to more work, if not problems, to get correct and absolutely reliable feeding.

Just thinking out loud, I'm not a Mauser guy.

Geeze, mathman, I can't believe we would disagree on thick and thin!

Seriously, I have thought about that, but .532 dia cartridges are hardly rare in a Mauser action. My biggest concern is with going from five to three in the hole, but that is far down my list.

Ken, maybe it could find it's way into a classic wood stock at some point, but right now I'm thinking more working type rifle. Besides, a Mcwoody with a red pad doesn't fall too far from the tree.

Thanks again for the input guys.

Check out Gunners thread on his 400 Whelen. 400 grain Woodleighs around 2200 if I recall. That's about what the old 450/400 runs and would be a hoot.

If ya don't want to fool with a wildcat, I'd have a hard time not going 9.3x62.

Not that I've ever shot a buffalo.

I don't think I'm communicating my idea very well.

It's not just "Mauser actions" but it's your particular .473 Mauser action and the feed rail and magazine box geometry already in place. And the Ruger rounds aren't just .532 head cartridges, they're beltless so the case bodies are fat and on top of that they don't taper much.

I would go with a 9.3x62. Maybe the 376 Steyr. Gunner500 built a 400 Whelen off one and seemed to be quite pleased with the results. As acknowledged it will be less work and cost to stay with a with a non magnum.

I am finishing up a FN commercial in 9.3x62 with a Douglas #3, McM Sako compact w/ edge fill, NECG sights, Talley QR and a VX3 1.5-5x20.

That package will go right at 8 pounds.

No, you're communicating just fine, mathman. I fully understand the case dimensions vs a belted mag. Like I said, the case and much larger have been put into military Mausers many times.

I do appreciate the concerns and heads up.

If the area your going will allow you to use the 9.3 for buff, go with that cal.

Not really worried about the legalities or min. caliber rules. Like I stated earlier, the two I would be going with will have two 375's and a 416 Rigby. One is really contemplating a 470 double rifle for the trip.

One other point is that to hunt the rifle at home, it needs to have TSX, TTSX, Etips, or some other form of non lead bullet readily available. Comifornia doesn't seem to be headed towards common sense use of lead core bullets for any time soon. But lighter weight examples of any of them should do just fine for close range deer, black bears, or hogs.

Thanks again gentlemen.

calikooknic,

You might try the 9.3X64. The bolt face is less than .030" larger than the 9.3X62.

Yeah, kinda/almost half way between the '06 cases and the Ruger.

.473-.496-.532

How many sources for Brenneke cases are there? I know you use that for one of your 6.5 wildcats.

IMO for optimal reliability with the fat cartridges on a Mauser you really need new bottom metal and a new follower along with the feed ramp and bolt face work and a M98 smith that is well versed in making this setup work. Not that any of that is impossible but it'll probably add another $1000 if not more to your build.

I did a nice little custom with one of those actions once. I really like how it turned out.

Terry

Listen to Terry. I wouldn't take for my 9.3X62.Low recoil and very accurate. Yes, I have a couple 458 Lotts, 450 Ackley magnum, and a 416 Rigby, but I love my 9.3.
I believe Duane Wiebe has extended magazines and followers.

Thanks, Bart, Butch and Terry. No flies on the 9.3, and has been one on my short list for some years. ( thanks, Finn )

Funny thing, I ask for loony advise and get common sense. Go figure. This place must really be going down hill!