Do you have any loads with the Hornady 286 gr Interlock bullets using N140 or Varget powders? What is the OAL?

Pawel,

since you did not get a lot of hits on this post, I figured I'd reply. Maybe this will uncork the bottle...

It seems to be a European trait to look for load data for an exact selection of components. Sometimes you may find such data, but in most cases you won't. You did not make it any easier on yourself, by selecting the N140 powder, a powder most commonly used in Europe, when enquiring on a (largely) US oriented forum. I had secretly hoped posters like our very own "Gerry" might have used N140 in the 9.3x62, but maybe he hasn't, or maybe he is just out of town right now.

Still, all is not lost. It is not necessary (in fact, mostly not possible), to get load data for the EXACT component selection you were hoping to use. In fact, even if you did, that data would still have to be used as a STARTING POINT for you, and you would have to work up loads in your own rifle. There are just too many variables - powder lot, chamber size, bore diameter, # of lands and grooves etc etc etc - for you to be able to simply take over data from somebody else.

So, for a starter, you are just as well off, if you take N140 data published in the VV loading manual for use in the 9.3x62 with a 285-286 grs bullet. The VV manual is available via the VV home page, but, if like I do at work, you have trouble accessing that page, the recommended charges are between 46.3 and 52.3 grs. NOTE: the VV manual often gets carried away a bit, so approach max with caution!

Sometimes we get requests for load data (with specific components) from some of our German shooting colleagues. It appears that the use of commercial reloaders is quite widespread in Germany, where the entry barrier to reloading is much higher (price- and regulatory wise). Even if looking for a "shortcut" to load data is more understandable in the light of this, it is a fallacy to believe that ANY data obtained from an outside source can simply be applied to your gun. For the reasons mentioned above, there is no substitute for working up loads in your personal gun.

Good luck.

- mike

Mike,
Thank you. I will do as adviced.

Pavel & Mike,

quote:

he is just out of town right now

Mikee -

Yes, I've used VVN-140 with the Hornady 286 gr. Spitzer in the 9.3x62.

I don't have the load data available so I can't look up the up the exact charge but 50 something rings a bell. I'll be pleased to post when I'm back home.

In both the 9.3x74R & 9.3x62 I really never bothered to use a specific OAL because I orginally checked the max cartridge OAL and use a Lee Factroy Crimp Die; crimping the bullets at just under the top edge of the cannelure. In both cases the OAL was less than maximum reco'd cartridge length, so I've just left it at that.

Ah, Gerry to the rescue! Good on you mate!

Oops, I had forgotten the question about OACL. Pawel, the best you can do, is to set yourself up to measure the max OAL for your particular chamber. What cartridge length other people use is of little or no relevance to your particular chamber/magazine/bullet/case/bullet combination.

There are a myriad ways of doing this. I personally rely on the Hornady (previously Stoney Point) OAL Cartridge Gauge. It allows you to establish OAL for your chamber very easily.

http://www.sinclairintl.com will sell you one of these gadgets (and the modified cases that go with it) for not too much $$$.

- mike

Pawel,

Not the Hornady but the Nosler 286 PT listed in the Nosler #6 manual gives Vit N140, 53 gr start, 2392 fps and 57 gr max, 2524 fps. 26" Lothar Walther barrel, 1:10 twist, Norma case and WLR primer. OAL is 3.290".

Alan

I use the data from Hodgdon's site for Varget with the Hornady 286gr bullet. I believe Hornady designed that bullet for the 9.3x74 cartridge so when I load to fit my magazine I end up with rounds that have the cannelure out past the case mouth. Hasn't caused any problems and they shoot quite accurately in my rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by mho:

So, for a starter, you are just as well off, if you take N140 data published in the VV loading manual for use in the 9.3x62 with a 285-286 grs bullet. The VV manual is available via the VV home page, but, if like I do at work, you have trouble accessing that page, the recommended charges are between 46.3 and 52.3 grs. NOTE: the VV manual often gets carried away a bit, so approach max with caution!

I agree that the VV data somethimes are pretty hot, but that isn't the case this time. I load the 286 Mega for a friend. A starting load of 49 grains N140 didn't function in his BAR semi-auto. First load to start repeating was 53 grains and a load of 55 grains doing 670 m/s works OK in the BAR. No pressure signs at all with 55 grains.

I am using 55 grs of Varget with 286 gr bullets in my 9.3x62, and it shoots great.

Good info from Mike.

I'm also in the testing process of a 9.3x62, and for the 286gr Nosler Partition I've had good groups with both H4350 and RL15. Haven't tried Varget yet, not sure I will. Another series of tests with RL15 to confirm "accuracy and repeatability" and I won't be searching no further for any magic, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

Dom,

About time you started working up loads for the 9.3x62. Work up to about 58 gr RL15/R903 for about 2400 fps. I had great results with R903 -easier to get in Germany than RL15 last time I bought some.

Waidmannsheil,

Don

Looking to hijack this post because of its title. I am looking to buy a Tikka T3 in 9.3x62 but curios to know how much velocity I will lose with their 22.44" barrel over the 26" reloading manuals specifications. That is 3.5" which could be allot or it could be minimal. What barrel lengths do you all have and what velocities are you getting?

Start at 55.7 grains, work up to 58.6

It will work like a dream. Stop when you get to 720 meters/second.

LD

quote:

Originally posted by Nevadan:
Dom,

About time you started working up loads for the 9.3x62. Work up to about 58 gr RL15/R903 for about 2400 fps. I had great results with R903 -easier to get in Germany than RL15 last time I bought some.

Waidmannsheil,

Don

Hey Don, got a decent load, I can get RL easy and convenient.

For drive hunts, where 100 meters is a very long shot, I don't need to shoot hot loads or drive them top speed. Here's what my current load turns out of a 22" barrel R93:

Lapua Case
CCI 200 Primer
Nosler Part. 286gr
RL 15. 56gr
COL 3.494
Avg Vel 5 shots: 2229 fps