Can anyone give me a good reason not to rechamber a CZ550 FS from 9.2x62 to 9.3x64? I think I can get a couple hundred feet more velocity from the 20" barrel.
Posts: 1275 | Location: Fla | Registered: 16 March 2001
There is someone on this board who has done that very conversion. I think his handle is VLH or VLF or something like that. If I recall correctly from one of his posts, he said he had the bolt opened up on his CZ but did not need to modify anything for correct feeding. I also think he said the magazine capacity was reduced from 5 to 4 rounds...
Posts: 454 | Location: Califon, NJ USA | Registered: 18 January 2002
The 23.5" barrel would better serve the 9.3x64. I think that with the 20.5" barrel, any difference between the two cartridges will be more noticeable on the rear end of the rifle.
I had a Voere 98 in 9.3x64 that was very light, with a 25.5" barrel. It kicked like a mule.
Kurt, That is the kind of information I was looking for. If I thought I could get an honest 2350 out of it I'd go ahead but I'm afraid the reduction in barrel length would drop the velocity so much it wouldn't be worth the trouble.
Posts: 1275 | Location: Fla | Registered: 16 March 2001
With a 20 inch barrel you would in effect be shooting a 9.3x62 but a 9.3x62 with a 20 inch barrel would be 100 FPS or so less than the 9.3x64, soooo it boils down to choices..
I have never been able to get but about 100 to 125 FPS more velocity out of the 9.3x64 over the 9.3x62. considering the difficulty of obtaining 64 brass its just not worth the hassle and besides I have shot everything including Buffalo with the 9.3x62 and it just kills so well that I cannot fault it...I have shot a maybe a dozen buffalo with the 62 and none went over about 25 to 50 yards as I recall and some just bit the dirt on the hit and couldn't get up.
The 9.3x62 is just a wonderful cartridge, a fistfull of dynomite in a small package. I like the 320 Woodlieghs in my gun with a 26" barrel at about 2400 FPS or 286 Noslers at 2520...As you can see the 9.3x62 utilizes a long barrel very well indeed.
Posts: 42230 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000
Ray, Sometimes we get the bug for a new cartridge and someone has to talk us out of it by telling us what we should already know. Thanks, You just did!
Posts: 1275 | Location: Fla | Registered: 16 March 2001
Glad to help, not sure I'm right, and I understand, I know if Horneber ever get enough brass over here for a 9.3x64, I'll just naturally have to have one with a 26" barrel and cut my 9.3x62 to 21 inches!
I probably shouldn't have told you that, Doc
Posts: 42230 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000
I know you hate the speer 9.3 270 gr bullet but I am having great results on Roo's with it and I expect the same on pigs later this year. I think for pigs and roo's the speer bullet in the 9.3 is a real winner. I get 1/2" exits and full penetration from any angle with this bullet on large male roos and thats after hitting some heavy hip and spine bones.
Agreed I would not use this bullet on scrub bulls etc. I would probably choose the new woodleigh 286 gr protected point.
Whatever I point my cz lux 9.3x62 at seems to hit the dirt hard, it truly is a great calibre.
Posts: 7505 | Location: Australia | Registered: 22 May 2002
Anyone who is considering a smooth feeding thumper should look seriously at the 9.3x64. I had Ralf Martini, a B.C. gunsmith barrel a 98 action in this calibre. He suggested that I not go much shorter than 24 in.So 24 inches it is.While ammo and empty brass is NOT availible at Walmart it is not that difficult to find.If I can get brass for my rifle in Canada with our stupid/backward gun laws you should be able to get it just about anywhere! Ralf imports RWS brass and usually has a little in stock. Old Western Scrounger and Huntingtons both list brass in their catalogs.Buffalo Arms also lists 9.3x64 brass formed from 458 win brass.I formed 100 cases from 458 last winter and did not lose a single case. Machine the belt off,rebate the rim slightly using a shell holder as a "GO" gauge and run the case through the sizing die. While not for everyone it is do-able. Certainly easier than feeding some of the old British express calibres.Somehow I can't buy the excuse" can't find brass"for this excellent calibre. Bullets are not a problem.Nosler makes a 250 gr BT that holds together remarkably well along with a 286 partition that is a natural on any big game. Speer makes a 270 gr bullet that is a little soft but it is cheap and works well for fireforming and reduced loads. Barnes makes a 286 gr X bullet.Swift makes a 250 and a 300 gr A-frame. Rws offers their excellent 293 gr TUG bullet. Woodliegh makes bullets in 9.3 cal as well. IMR 4320 is hard to beat with any bullet weight.RL15 is also very good.The power of a 375H&H in a std length action and smooth feeding. This is quite a cartridge.
I have a Sako Mauser at the gunsmith for konversion to the 9,3x64. It will have a 26" barrel, and will be equipped with threefold express sight and bead front sight on ramp with ring around the barrel.
