Hi All
I want a 9.3x64 and l'm considering getting a near new CZ550 in 9.3x62 as a donor. Can anyone tell me if this has successfully been done before and what involved?
Alternatively l have the option of a modified m98 built 9.3x64 but l am worried about ending up with a roughly built rifle that has issues.
George.

Welcome gk. The x64 has a different size case head than the x62 so that is an issue. It is also longer which, depending upon the action and mag length, may create an issue with seating bullets. The feeding may be an issue as well with rail work needed and perhaps a different follower.

Then there are the additional questions regarding the safety as some like it and some don't as is, the bolt handle, some want a new trigger job and the list can go on but these are generally cosmetic items.

May I suggest you also post this query in the gunsmithing forum? You may get more answers.

Best of luck,

Jeff

Well some changes will have to be made to the CZ to work right, new magazine box, follower, possible some feed work, a bit of metal rubbed off for length (not sure on this one, though) not to mention they'll remove the barrel, set it back and re-cut the chamber. So, you still have the possibility of having a rough done rifle. Oh and you have to have the bolt face opened up in either situation. So really, you're probably looking at nearly the same amount of work/cost in the metal. Only real difference would be using the factory sights and stock from the CZ vs getting a different stock and irons if you choose.

Unless you've already got the CZ or get a KILLER deal (like 400$ or less) then its really a wash as to which choice.

gk1 I have a 9.3x64 that was built on a std 98 action. The bolt face must be opened up and the feed rails polished a little. Other than that no other changes are required. If you have a 9.3x62 rifle you do NOT have to set the barrel back, the x64 reamer cleans up the chamber completely. As for magazine length the X64 case is 64 mm long .It fits the 98 magazine just fine. Trainloads of 98 mausers have been chambered to 300 Win Mag and that case is 66 mm long so why won't a 64 mm case work?? To convert a 9.3x62 to a 9.3x64 is no different that converting a mauser 30-06 to a 300 Win mag.

You have a PM.
Pharms

Another interesting option would be to find an Interarms Whitworth for a bargain, and order a new barrel. Would probably have to have the bolt adjusted but magazine should work in the magnum models.

The wood is usually very nice in the Whitworth models and well fitted. That would make a very nice 9.3x64.

Good luck on your decision. I've done projects like this in the past, and it's amazing how much money can pour into them before you know it.

Mike

I would not suggest using a mag action. The bolt face would now be larger than the 9.3x64 case head. You might want to check out P537 of the 6th Edition of the Nosler Reloading Guide. Chub Eastman talks about the 9.3x64 he had built. His was built from "an old model 70,30-06 that had a bad barrel. It was an easy conversion by just opening the bolt face and screwing in a barrel."

Thanks for all the replies. I'm leaning toward modifying the CZ 550 in 9.3x62 and I just wanted to now if others had done this particular conversion as it seems fairly easy for a gunsmith. I have a ZKK 600 in .30/06 and its mag box seems fine in the length but the pressed in shoulders could ideally be further forward. I have no idea if the CZ 550 magazines are similar in construction to a ZKK 600 though.

Sauer 202 rifles in 7.5x55 and 8x68s use the same bolt as Sauer 202 rifles in 375, 300 Win, 7mm Rem or 300 Wby.

This is the same case base as the 9.3x64.

There isn't enough difference to worry about.

If a push feed rifle can do it, I don't know why a CRF rifle couldn't do it.

Use the CZ, the x64 reamer will clean up up the x62 chamber. Easy to tweak the CZ to make it work, as long as the smith knows what he is doing.

I bought a VZ24 in x62 and it cleaned up real nice into the x64, with the exception of the Bauska barrel being undersized and a Lother Walther fixed that.

I also had an 09 Argentine made into a x64 with no problems, unless you count the flake of a stockmaker that really tried to screw me.

But after all the trials and tribulations I ended up with two rifles that I really like. Just cannot wait to get them to Africa.

I have decided to go with a CZ 550 in 9.3x62 as my starting point.
Does anyone who has one of the have a measurement of the magazine box length?
Cheers
George

That option will work just fine. The rim diameter of the 9,3x64 is 0.496". That is just slightly bigger than the 0.476" that most 9,3x62mm cases are (nominal).

Lothar Walther will sell you a 23.6" or 25.6" long chambered barrel that your gunsmith can shorten a bit for a really good fit all the way around. If your barrel is already 24" or so, then the chamber just needs a careful clean-up.

You will love the cartridge. Huntingtons has RWS brass. Away you go. z1r does great work on this cartridge and those rifles.

Thanks lawndart, I'm really looking forward to this one. The 9.3x64 should be heaps more popular than it is.
The CZ l'm getting has only fired a part packet of ammo, so l'll use the barrel and get it re-chambered and put some decent recknagel sights on it.

My mate ended up getting impatient so he just bought a really nice commercial FN made in 1951. It all looks good but someone pointed out that its unlikely that it was originally chambered in 9.3x64.

I have a 9.3-64 B . I had it built. It's a great round. But. But. Huntington doesn't list 64 brass. Jamison is OOB to the best of my knowledge. Quality Cartridges is the only current maker of the brass.
Before you build the rifle buy 2 or 300 rounds of brass. . Mine stood silent for nearly 2 years because of UN available brass. RWS brass is great stuff and I have some that is going on its 15 th reloading. Mine has a Lothar Walther stainless barrel which is 12" twist. I hunt with the 250gr TSX at 2750 fps. 65.5 gr RL 15 cci 250 primer. I moly tumble my bullets to reduce throat erosion.
The CZ has a faster twist if your into heavy bullets.
If you NEED a powerfully medium bore get a 338 or a 375 . If it is an UN NECESSARY toy or if you lay in ALOT of brass build the 9.3x64 Brenneke

I favor Kabluey's 9.3x338 . Same ballistics, redally available brass.
The 9.3x375 Ruger would be sweet also. Building a wonderful rifle that has all the bells and whistles you want. That shoots like a house a fire, fits like a good glove and that you really want to hunt and shoot but not being able to because of UN available brass is a bitter pill to swallow every time you look at the rifle.

I stand corrected. Huntington's does list 9.3x64 . . I'll have to call when I get back from moose an bou d hunting.
I will say the Jamison brass has held up well so far. But only 4 reloadings on some of it at this point.

I shot the 9.3x64 for a couple of years and its a great caliber.I would opt for a standard Mauser action with this cartridge as its more stremlined and can be made lighter...

The 9.3x64 has suffered because the 375 H&H replaced it I am told...The 9.3x64 case is basically the 338 Win. with the belt turned off of it..In fact you can make 9.3x64 cases from .338s but you have to lathe turn the belt off and thats a pain.

After shooting it for awhile, I returned the the 9.3x62 with a 26 inch barrel and 5 down and one in the chamber for 6 rounds and one rifle with a drop box took 6 down and one up..With that long tube and RL-15 I can get to within 100 to 150 FPS of the 9.3x64 depending on bullet weights bullets and at simular pressures.

Today I shoot the 9.5x62 or .375x62 if you will and it has more capacity than the Scovill round and I can get 2500 plus some with a 300 gr. Swift and near that with a 320 gr. Woodleigh.

All good calibers, you can't go wrong with any of the above. The only down side to the 9.3x64 has been brass becomes unavailable from time to time.

I got 160 RWS cases and would be happier with double that,however l don't think the 9.3x64 will become obsolete in the near future.
The CZ 550 is a lighter action than M98, but l think that the mag box on the M98 is easier to modify. I have a friend who built a 8x68 on a zkk 600 (which is essentially the same as a CZ550) and the gunsmith opened up the action and box by 1/8" fairly easily from the .30/06 length.
My choice to go the CZ was also determined by all up costs. Since it's already in 9.3 cal and has a functional stock, it's going to mean it will cost much less than if I had started of with a ex mil M 98.

"The 9.3x64 should be heaps more popular than it is."


It won't be for a couple of reasons.

One is the 375H&H
Two is legality in Africa for dg
three is because so many makers make the 9.3 x 62
in factory rifles and most people can get within co eee of the 9.3 x 6 in terms of performance with all bullet weights.


The '64 won't become obsolete as it has it's following in Europe so brass will always be available, just sometimes it's hard to come by.

160 cases should last you a hell of a long time
as you can neck size only and this makes them last longer.


Oh, I'm in the 64 camp as I have a Franconia in 9.3 x 64 so my comment re the 62 in a previous post was based on shooting both 62 and the 64.

.

Its a shame modern well designed beltless rounds like 350 Rigby, .30 &.35 Newton,8x68s,9,3x64B...didnt take stronger hold.

At one stage[1980], Norma produced 9.3x64B rounds.

Then there was the 35/375 H&H.(see Pet Loads)

If a 9.3x62 won't do it, get a 375 H&H and if it won't get a 458 Lott.

Ammo for any of them (or 458 Win) is available about everywhere.

.

I have both calibers 62 and 64. I think the 64 is a great round and hits hard also . I find recoil to be very light. You might give Wayne a call at AHR and see if he can help you if so you will have afine rifle

Claiming brass is unavailible is a pretty lame excuse for not shooting a 9.3x64. Should re-phrase that to read "unavailible at the local Walmart". RWS makes excellent cases, Jamison markets cases in this calibre also. When they are availible buy up a couple hundred and you are good for a lomg time.If you have a rifle and no brass right now don't get your panties in a knot. 338 or 458 brass can be converted with a little work. Yes it requires a small lathe.1/ Cut the belt off 2/ recut the extractor grove using a shell holder as your go guage 3/ Run your case through the FL size die.Load and shoot same as any other case. I've found Win brand cases produce a case with the exact same capacity as the RWS cases. Its a little effort but it beats the hell out of looking at a rifle with no ammo for 2 years. I believe Buffalo Arms will also supply 9.3x64 cases made from 338win. I have no trouble keeping my 9.3x64 fed and it will be one of the last rifles I would part with.

Just checked Buffalo Arms web site and they are presently not listing cases formed from 338 brass. They claim to have "ample quantities " of 9.3x64 Jamison brass in stock. I have no personal experience with the Jamison brass as I have never had a problem obtaining RWS brass.So if anyone is short of brass give Buffalo a call @ (208)263-6953. Hope that helps.

You can always find Brass somewhere, as you say it is just not at Wal Mart.

And once you have 100 cases or so, unless you are shooting every day, it will last ages.

RWS is great brass.

.

ALF,
Anytime that Steyr gets too ugly for you I'll be happy to take it off your hands. I'm not too proud to shoot it.

For those that have a 9.3x64, could they please measure the magazine box length?

I'm trying to determine what length l need to deal with for my CZ 550 conversion. I've been told that these are 88 mm long for the 9.3x62 versions.

Thanks in advance.
George

George, this is a very easy conversion. Most likely the only thing you need to do is open the bolt face slightly. With the Winchester Model 70 no change is needed to the rails or follower in every conversion I am aware of.The CZ 550 will probably be the same. The magazine length of the CZ550 is 88mm
To really make it worthwhile over the 62 is to have a 26" barrel on the 64.
RL17 will give 2650-2700 fps in the 9.3x62 with the 250gr & a good 2500 fps with the 286gr. This is very different from the old days & not much different from the 9.3x64. Beau.

I took a CZ 550FS in 9.3x62 and had it rechambered to 9.3x64. He opened up the bolt face a little and it feeds and shoots great. It's a Fantastic elk rifle.

Why not just stay with the 9.3 X 62? Does everything well, shoots everything well that you can feed it, kills everything well, reloads everything well. It's just an everything well cartridge as is!!

Larry Sellers

quote:

Originally posted by gk1:
Hi All
I want a 9.3x64 and l'm considering getting a near new CZ550 in 9.3x62 as a donor. Can anyone tell me if this has successfully been done before and what involved?
Alternatively l have the option of a modified m98 built 9.3x64 but l am worried about ending up with a roughly built rifle that has issues.
George.

VZ 24 3.310
09 Argentine 3.310
CZ 550 7x57 Mauser 3.455

I do not think you will have any problems getting the CZ to work.

I finally picked up my donor cz550 in 9.3x62 and l can easily fit four 9.3x64 cases in the mag. The mag length measures 3.468" and suprisingly the mag box does not have any pressed in ribs at the case shoulder position. Is this the case with all cz550 magboxes or is this what they do for the 9.3x62? I have 3 zkk's and they all have these ribsin the magboxes. There are numerous areas between the new and the old models that have been implemented to simplify manufacture but surely the ribs would not add that much extra cost to the bottom line.