Has anyone had any success with this powder with 250 gr bullets? How about H100v with the 285 ish gr bullets?
Thanks !
Glen.

So, I guess I'm going to be the guinea pig. I'll let y'all know how it works.

Sorry no one has any info for you. I am looking forward to seeing how you loads develop....

The 9.3x64B is a great cartridge.

I can't be of much help as I don't have a 9,3x64 to shoot yet. I can say that I've had very good success with Varget in both my 9.3x62 rifles. My 9.3x64 is out being stocked and I won't have it until around Thanksgiving sometime. I'll be anxious to get your results with your rifle though.

TT

ForrestB and I tried several different powders in our 9.3x64mmm in prep for a moose hunt. We both found that RL-15 gave the best velocity/accuracy with 286gr Nosler Partitions.

Have some 250gr Nosler Accubonds loaded up, but haven't had time to shoot them yet.

Neither of us tried Varget, but if memory serves me it has a burn rate close to RL-15.

Really like the 9.3x64mm it will do the work of the 338WinMag and 375h&h and that is saying a lot.

Yes it really is an ideal medium bore. Varget is in the 4064,4320,BallC2, Rl15 burn rate. But it is less affected by cold temperature than Rl15. At least in other cartridges I've loaded it in. This summer I hope to get a full case of 1 pound cans of it. I have been using 4350 with the 285 gr bullets but if I could get the same or better velocity with 10 gr less powder, as long as the accuracy was as good that would be awesome.
My rifle has a 21.5" rifled length. Integral muzzle brake brings it to 22.5" overall.

Brass is my biggest problem with it but I have enough to hunt it for quite a while now. .

Which 250gr bullet are you using?

C.T.F, like you I would like to try experimenting with some different powders.

I have not done anything since our previous correspondence but despite messing with seating depth the best mv I could get with the 250gn TSX's and R 15 was just over 2600fps.

Not that there is anything wrong with 2600fps, I just have a niggling concern they may pencil through at distance and would feel better with a bit more mv, testing on some large animals will prove/disprove.

I have a suspicion this cartridge dictates barrels at 23"+ and we have sacrificed optimum performance at 21.5".

I too have looked at trying Varget (ADI 2208) and 2209 as well as some of the Vhitavouri powders.
I have also considered going to a shorter projectile such as the North Fork which will allow for more powder space than the TSX's.

I'll be testing again in a month or two and will let you know what I get.

Paul; I'm very surprised at the low vel u r getting. R u giving the bullets at least 50k jump. I'm not sure I can get 2800 fps with my 21.5" barrel but 2750 fps is just a nice all around load. Barnes X+TSX need to Jump to freedom so they can fly thru the air ,with the greatest of ease
I've still got some X bullets that I shoot in mine along with the TSX. 1in12" twist PacNor ss barrel . I'm waiting till I get the PST 1-4 on it for load development. But will prolly put the SWFA 10×42 MD scope on it for accuracy testing at 300 yards.
Once I have the load all dialed in I'll put the 1-4 on .

I'm burning 65 gr of Rl15 with the 250 gr TSX to get 2750 fps . As always work your loads up slowly !! I got a bit to eager when I first got the rifle and stress tested the action. Cost me some brass.
GS HVs are supposed to fly fast and easily. You might try them . I'm not concerned about the Barnes not opening up out to 500 yards . on big game I thy to always shoot for bone.
I also want to try out the AccuBond 250 gr but would like a 265 gr bonded core or monometal expanding with a BC in the .520-.550. 9.3 hasn't had the long range bullet development that the 338+375 bullets have . neither has the 358. If I had the project to do over again I would have built a 358 Norma on a stainless Ruger action . Sure would simplify some things.

Going to the manufacturers website and lloking for the 9.3x64, I find this

It's not great velocities, but ...

Varget is AR2208
H4350 is AR2209

Those loads look a bit suspicious to me, since I would expect the velocities from the AR2209 to be a bit higher that the AR2208 - I suspect they were calculated rather than developed.

pm sent you guys.

Phil

I agree with the estimated data. They are getting similar velocities with the 62 from 2" shorter barrel. Since they don't give any pressure data I'm fairly sure its a guestimation.
If ADI2008 is the same as Varget then 66.8 gr of it with a 258 gr bullets would likely be Max !!

guys, I actually put my 9.3x64 away a couple of months ago in frustration and some points raised in this thread highlight that something is dramatically wrong with the results I was getting.

I just flipped through my load testing records and saw that when I chronyed C.T.F's load of 65gns of R 15 I actually recorded velocities in the 2500fps range as opposed to the 2700fps that C.T.F gets !

I am aware that there is variations amongst differing batches of R 15 and mine is actually a combination of about 12 individual 1 lb tubs that have been blended together to "even" it out more. I wonder if this could be the cause of the variation of my results or if there is something wrong with my chrony, because 200fps with the same barrel lengths just doesn't make sense.

BTW, I tested all the way up to 69gns of R 15, which incidently proved too hot for regular use, and only recorded 2600 fps ????

Hi!

Can't help you regarding Varget, but will inform you of my loads i my -64;

Here in Norway the ideal powders for 9,3x64 are N140 and N150(Vitha)and 203B and 204 Norma.

With 68grs of N150 I get 2600 fps with various 285grs bullets(Oryx, Woodleigh)

Using 63 grs of N140 gets my good accuracy with the 270grs Speer bullet(training load).
Haven't used 250grs bullets..

Our Norwegian reloading "bible" - Ladeboken - says 68grs of Norma 203b for the 250grs Swift A-frame(col 82mm), giving 2693 fps...

M

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Truccolo:
guys, I actually put my 9.3x64 away a couple of months ago in frustration and some points raised in this thread highlight that something is dramatically wrong with the results I was getting.

I just flipped through my load testing records and saw that when I chronyed C.T.F's load of 65gns of R 15 I actually recorded velocities in the 2500fps range as opposed to the 2700fps that C.T.F gets !

I am aware that there is variations amongst differing batches of R 15 and mine is actually a combination of about 12 individual 1 lb tubs that have been blended together to "even" it out more. I wonder if this could be the cause of the variation of my results or if there is something wrong with my chrony, because 200fps with the same barrel lengths just doesn't make sense.

BTW, I tested all the way up to 69gns of R 15, which incidently proved too hot for regular use, and only recorded 2600 fps ????

Paul, I can see your frustration!! There is something seriously haywire somewhere.
You got up to 69 gr of Rl15 with a 250 gr TSX bullet and only recorded 2600 fps. WOW. and the load was too hot. Very understandable!!

How far from the muzzle to the chronograph?
What brand/ model, Chronograph?
I don't remember if you told me, but what make barrel?
I've reproduced my load with 2 or 3 different.lots of powder and bullets and with moly tumbled Original X bullets and non coated TSX bullets.

I would say your chronograph is suspect first. Unless you are chronographing other rifles with known velocities and getting proper/correct speeds.
Testing your rifle on 1 or 2 more different chronographs should clear up if its your speed machine. All you need is 3 shots. Say with 65 gr Rl 15.
I don't really understand your blending method???
Does your bore copper up much?
Not to rub salt in the wound but I've got 2600 fps from the 20" barrel on the 9.3×62 Mauser. CZ 550 FS I had. It was a max load but it could have gone faster but thrashed the brass and I did back the load down a grain. .
If your chrony checks out then your rifle needs a trip to a knowledgeable rifle builder to figure out what is wrong.

Check the reloading pages on this site. There are some Varget loads for 250gr bullets. Also, the Swift manual lists Varget loads for 9.3X64, but I find all of their loads to be on the low side. My loads came out of the Nosler Reloading manuals and I get velosities close to theirs for a given bullet and powder.

In my 9.3X64, I prefer RL15 or IMR4350. IMR4350 gets the nod if the bullets are flat base. RL15 for the boat tails. Varget is on the list to try, but I haven't found a reason to at this point.

Jeremy

Ya, the 9.3 Kabluey/366 Alaskan has the same capacity and yields the same velocities per bullet/powder charge weights. I haven't seen him around this winter and haven't been able yo ask/see if he has a Varget/250gr load worked up for his rifle yet .

About 6 or 7 years ago? I did a lot of testing on the 9.3x64, used one in Africa several years running..Loved the caliber but brass at the time was only from Horneber and seldom at that, so I went to the wonderful 9.3x62 and gave up very little in velocity from a practical point of view as to field use.

I also found RL-15 to be the powder. with a 250 Bal. tip and 68 grs. of RL-15 I have an average of 2799 FPS in a Lothar Walthar barrel, I think it was 26 inches but don't recall for sure. I sold that gun to one of our own posters. 66 grs of H4895 was accurate as all get out and got me 2689.

Keep in mind the 9.3x62 will send a 250 gr. bullet out a 24 inch barrel at 2700 FPS with a RL-15 load..

IMR-4320, H4895, and IMR 4350 all got me 2650ish with a 300 gr. swift..

My records show I used about every powder except Varget with the 9.3x64,,It sure isn't picky about powder and bullets, it does real well with everything I tried and that was Win 760, H414, both 4895s, Rl-15,19 and 22, both 4350s, some NOrma powders and some N-140 and 160..All loaded in RWS cases and mostly Fed 210 primers..215 primers always ran the pressure up and the velocity was the same??

Loads I settled on to hunt with were:
286 gr. bullets...77 grs. IMR04350 for 2766 av of 10 taking out high and low shots. Max

300 Swift. 63.5 IMR-4350 for 2559 FPS chrongraphed 10...mild but super accurate in my gun and killed anything shot with aplomb. up to and including buffalo.

320 gr. Woodleigh got me about 2500 FPs with max load of WW760 don't have that load data anymore? but liked it real well.

My "zinger load" was a 250 gr. BarnesX with a handfull of H4895 for 2881 FPS and got about the same with WW760..It was a hammer!

IMR 4350 and RL 15 would crowd 2900 FPS with the 270 gr. Speer, but meat damage was terrible with that soft bullet. It was better at 2400 FPS plus for camp meat. Not a suitable DG bullet IMO.

I also had a load of WW760 for the 250 Swift that I won't quote because it was absolute max in my gun that liked max loads, and LW barrels aways get a bit more velocity than other barrels IMO. I got 2918, 2855, 2911 and 2895 and good accuracy and used that load without a problem on a lot of plainsgame.

Wish I had tried some Varget but didn't..I do have the reamer and headspace gage, maybe its time to build another one. It was certainly and do it all caliber form duiker to elephant. Coues deer to Brown Bear.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Truccolo:
guys, I actually put my 9.3x64 away a couple of months ago in frustration and some points raised in this thread highlight that something is dramatically wrong with the results I was getting.

I just flipped through my load testing records and saw that when I chronyed C.T.F's load of 65gns of R 15 I actually recorded velocities in the 2500fps range as opposed to the 2700fps that C.T.F gets !

I am aware that there is variations amongst differing batches of R 15 and mine is actually a combination of about 12 individual 1 lb tubs that have been blended together to "even" it out more. I wonder if this could be the cause of the variation of my results or if there is something wrong with my chrony, because 200fps with the same barrel lengths just doesn't make sense.

BTW, I tested all the way up to 69gns of R 15, which incidently proved too hot for regular use, and only recorded 2600 fps ????

Paul sounds to me like the throat of your rifle is well eroded. My 270Win was geting 200fps less then advertied velocities with max load. I ended up 4 grains over max of AR2209 to get 130grain projies to 2950fps. Check out the throat.

I have found in my rifles the advertised max loads from ADI are a little understated. Just use a chrony and watch for pressure signs.

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Truccolo:
guys, I actually put my 9.3x64 away a couple of months ago in frustration and some points raised in this thread highlight that something is dramatically wrong with the results I was getting.

I just flipped through my load testing records and saw that when I chronyed C.T.F's load of 65gns of R 15 I actually recorded velocities in the 2500fps range as opposed to the 2700fps that C.T.F gets !

I am aware that there is variations amongst differing batches of R 15 and mine is actually a combination of about 12 individual 1 lb tubs that have been blended together to "even" it out more. I wonder if this could be the cause of the variation of my results or if there is something wrong with my chrony, because 200fps with the same barrel lengths just doesn't make sense.

BTW, I tested all the way up to 69gns of R 15, which incidently proved too hot for regular use, and only recorded 2600 fps ????

Paul sounds to me like the throat of your rifle is well eroded. My 270Win was geting 200fps less then advertied velocities with max load. I ended up 4 grains over max of AR2209 to get 130grain projies to 2950fps. Check out the throat.

I have found in my rifles the advertised max loads from ADI are a little understated. Just use a chrony and watch for pressure signs.

Rule, I appreciate the assistance but it really can't be an eroded throat.
It is a brand new Lilja barrel, the very first rounds having being fired by myself, the gun has less than 100 rounds through it as this stage.

I've now narrowed it down to either a faulty chrony or perhaps i'm just not seating them correctly, i'm not sure or just perhaps I have what some people refer to as a "slow" barrel.

I will be re-testing again in the next couple of months, I have other priorities taking precedence at the moment.

On another note I would like to express my appreciation to all the posters here who have shared their loads for this cartridge as loading data (real data) is not exactly common.
Thank-you.

Paul. The seating depth on the 64 isn't that big a deal. As long as your NOT kissing or real close to the lands. Most all 9.3 bullets have pretty tough , jackets or in the case of monometal bullets. I would start at 050 off the lands and do charge weight workup from there. You will probably find 1 or 2 accuracy nodes as you develop the charge weight.
For some reason that I don't know or understand some powders don't do it in some carts in some guns. The last 375 HandH that I had. I tried to workup a 270 gr load with H414. Lots of guys just love 414/760 . I was getting 150 fps less velocity than all the books were. And accuracy wasn't very good. . I only has 1 lb to work with, but it turned me off to 414. Haven't bought a pound of it since. On the plus side your rifle will work good at 2500 fps with a 250 gr bullet. Until chronographs were available to the average reloader. Most of us probly hunted with slow bullets. But we were able to fill the freezer and put heads on the wall. But I do understand you wanting to get correct velocities.
? What primers are you using and do you notice much unburned powder in your barrel?

Glen, i'm using standard cci large rifle primers.

Should I shift to magnum primers ?

Also, i'm seating up to the last groove (from the top) on the T.S.X's which does not touch the lands. I've not measured exactly how much the jump is but they are clear.

I suspect either my chrony was not reading correctly at the time as I DID have an incident where a gust of wind blew it over on to the ground off the tripod that holds it up whilst I was testing at that time, though it did give consistent readings afterwards and showed no other signs of malfunction ???

If it isn't the chrony it may be a result of the blending I have done with my batch of R 15.

I bought a large quantity (12lbs) of R 15 in individual containers and blended them all together before replacing that batch in the individual containers.
If anything I would have thought that such a practice would have "evened" it all out a bit.

I'm not overly stressed with the velocity I am getting, just a bit surprised considering our barrel lengths are identical as are the components we are both using.
The only concern I may have had is if a long shot is presented, say 250yds+, is if the T.S.X's will open up considering the muzzle velocity I am starting with.

I will re-test all the loads in the next month or so and see what I come up with.

Again thanks to all for there help, including Medved.

Cheers.

Paul,

we tried few nights ago the cci 200 and 250 primers in a 375 ruger and honestly we didnt find a difference in the speed nor in the relative pressure.

it was a low end charge of 300 grains bullet with 69 grains of Varget ...

we are using the magnum primers a lot in the 9.3x62 for winter hunting but we are talking at -30 to -40c ...

Medved, again thanks for the feedback, much appreciated in trying to work out my conundrum.

I tell you, if it ever gets to - 30 to - 40 around here my primers will be the least of my problems, i'll be so busy packing my damn bags for somewhere warmer

I don't see anything wrong with the blended powder. But then there is lots about powder that I don't know. Do u shoot at a club or have a buddy with a chronograph. That 69 gr load is way too much powder in a 64. At least of Rl15.
Maybe try a different bullet. So ya got any pics??

Ahh Paul, 30 below ain't bad. Unless its blowing. 40 below is cold. But its a lot warmer than 50+60 below. I use magnum primers for cold weather if I'm burning over 60 gr of powder.
Med ed, how well does Varget work in the 375 Ruger? What bullet weight, powder weight/ velocity do you get?


I'm going to try starting at 62 gr of Varget, 250 gr bullet. And work up from there.

I am likely echoing someone else in this thread (e.g. farbedo).

Varget should be fine in the 9.3x64, especially with the 250 grain Accubond.

I have to agree with Ray that RL-15 (a.k.a. Norma N203B) is the all around go to.

Varget should work well at the lower temperatures.

Mixing lots of RL-15 will cause no harm. Bofors in Sweden (part of the RUAG conglomerate) makes N203B for Norma. Lots that aren't consistent enough (up to 5% variation) are sold as RL-15. Lot variation in RL-15 is one reason why the US Military stopped loading RL-15 into the M118LR cartridge and changed to IMR 4064 in the renamed M316 Mod0 ammunition for sniper use. They should have just switched to Varget.

quote:

Originally posted by Cold Trigger Finger:
Ahh Paul, 30 below ain't bad. Unless its blowing. 40 below is cold. But its a lot warmer than 50+60 below. I use magnum primers for cold weather if I'm burning over 60 gr of powder.
Med ed, how well does Varget work in the 375 Ruger? What bullet weight, powder weight/ velocity do you get?


I'm going to try starting at 62 gr of Varget, 250 gr bullet. And work up from there.

i was fireforming brass for the 375 ruger so no speed measurment but i used 69 grains of the varget with a 300 grains round nose bullet and cci 200. it was really mild recoil like a 9.3x62. im not looking for over speed anyway in the 375 ruger. i like the handiness of the stock and 20 inches barrel ... we are spoiled as lefty. bear season starting and i will use rl15 or varget for the 375 ruger and 300 gr nosler partition.

Phil