Has anyone used Hodgdon Varget successfully & SAFELY in a VINTAGE 9,3X62mm Mauser?
Any suggestions for Varget Loads?

I've used it in a Husqvarna M146 that I had rechambered to x62 from x57. Using data as listed on Hodgdon's website it worked quite well for Kudu, Red Hartebeest and Springbok last year.

Don't know if a 1930's rifle is "VINTAGE" enough for your needs but I'm satisfied with the results.

There is several Varget loads in the hodgdons load data for 9.3x62 for several bullets

270 gr speer -varget 59.5gr -2440fps

The reason for the Varget question is pictured below.

It is a 1917 Erfurt Small Ring Mod'98 Mauser Riflebuilders rescued.

The stock was broken and the bottom metal almost totally destroyed when I got it.

Some low-grade French Walnut and a new tube make a difference.

As long as you reload to the pressure test for the RECEIVER, it doesn't matter WHAT caliber or case you use.

I don't know what the small ring mausers are rated for except that the 6.5x55 Swedish M96 and 7x57 are rated 46KCUP by SAAMI standards...the 9.3x62 is rated 50KPSI, roughly the same as 46KCUP. My 1891 7.65 x 53 Argentine Mauser is rated at 52KPSI and it is REALLY old.

Start low and work up slow.
Luck

Some of the Norma ammo is loaded to a slightly pressure.

In any event, published rates not withstanding, I would let common sense and safety be your guide...and what the reloading manuals list.

Luck

Nice rifle! One thing to remember is that the 9.3x62 made it's reputation with loads that pushed the 286gr bullets at around 2,200fps instead of the 2,400 fps that modern loads produce.

Every animal I've shot with mine had thru and thru penetration so dropping 200 fps wouldn't have made much difference.

quote:

Some low-grade French Walnut

I like all my "low grade" english walnut too

My vintage Simson was made before 1912 as per proof marks compared to German Rifle collectors assn information. This rifle was restored with a new stock & rust blue.



I use AR 2208 which is the same as Hodgdon Varget and these are my loads. Pressure signs are very mild, easy bolt lift, extraction etc. Most important in my view, the re-seating of the primers is like in a new case, which indicates that the primer pockets have not been affect in the slightest.

ADI 2208 60 gr Nosler Bal Tip 250 gr 2534 fps
ADI 2208 60 gr Barnes TSX 250 gr 2527 fps
ADI 2208 59 gr Lapua Mega 286 gr 2418 fps
ADI 2208 55 gr Woodleigh RN 320 gr 2215 fps

I am not sure how pressures will affect your small ring action. I would keep velocities 100 to 200 fps below my above loads. I would NEVER try the hot loads published on the web for CZ 550 actions.

Not to change the subject --- But---!
Is AR 2208 the same as ADI 2208?

I do not have a source for "ADI Propellent" in COLORADO USA

Don't the small ring Erfurt actions have extremely thin front ring walls?

quote:

Originally posted by Riflebuilders.com:
Not to change the subject --- But---!
Is AR 2208 the same as ADI 2208?

I do not have a source for "ADI Propellent" in COLORADO USA

ADI is the manufacturer, AR2208 the powder designation/product code.

You do have a source for most of the ADI powders in the US; Hodgdon rebrands them.
Have look at their MSDS list for exact cross-references [ADI product codes in parentheses]: http://www.hodgdon.com/msds.html

Anyone have a good place to purchase either VARGET or AR2208 on line?