A couple of questions about the 30R Blazer round. Haven't been able to find much info on it.

1. Ballistically is it comparable to the 30.06 or closer to some other .30 caliber? I assume the 'R" is for rimmed?

2. Any idea what the availability of ammo is in Africa, Australia, Europe, etc.?

Thanks in advance,
Longfeather

The 30R Blaser fits somewhere in between the 30.06 and 300 Win. Mag., I believe. I think with bullets above 180 grains, it would have a noticeable edge on the '.06 as it is a larger case. (As you suspected, the "R" does stand for Rimmed.)

I would imagine that ammo availability in Europe would be fairly wide-spread, although still relatively expensive. Most likely, it would be considerably less common in Africa and all but non-existant in Oz and NA.

quote:

Originally posted by pinotguy:
I would imagine that ammo availability in Europe would be fairly wide-spread, although still relatively expensive. Most likely, it would be considerably less common in Africa and all but non-existant in Oz and NA.

Distribution of the .30R Blaser remains confidential in this country and it is not a ctg. you'll find at every gunstore.

My theory is, IF Andre Mertens can not find
30R Blaser ammo, then I do no want to have a reason to be looking for it.

Built one out of a 30/40 AI that had the chamber marred, been awhile , but I think I got the RWS brass from Huntingtons.

Hard to find at least here in the US.

Really found it to be no improvement over the 30/40 AI, basically it amounts to an improved '06 with a rim.

quote:

Originally posted by longfeather1:
A couple of questions about the 30R Blazer round. Haven't been able to find much info on it.

1. Ballistically is it comparable to the 30.06 or closer to some other .30 caliber? I assume the 'R" is for rimmed?



2. Any idea what the availability of ammo is in Africa, Australia, Europe, etc.?

Thanks in advance,
Longfeather

On paper the .30R Blaser has a 30 & 65 m/s advantage in velocity over the .30'06 with 150 & 200g bullets respectively.

In Australia, ammo is available (or more accurately it can be ordered) from the few RWS stockists in major centres. Hirtenberger brass could probably be sought if you know the right dealers, if not expect to pay between $60 & $80 per 20 for unprimed cases when available.

quote:

Originally posted by longfeather1:
A couple of questions about the 30R Blazer round. Haven't been able to find much info on it.

1. Ballistically is it comparable to the 30.06 or closer to some other .30 caliber? I assume the 'R" is for rimmed?

2. Any idea what the availability of ammo is in Africa, Australia, Europe, etc.?

Thanks in advance,
Longfeather

I'm really curious about why you asked about this 30 caliber rimmed cartridge. If you don't mind my inquiry, could you explain what you are thinking about. This could be interesting. Maybe you have a project in mind or something equally interesting.

Thanks,
KB

quote:

The 30R Blaser fits somewhere in between the 30.06 and 300 Win. Mag.

Yup, that's where it fits.

Good cartridge for someoene who doesn't reload and is willing to purchase expensive ammo (with good bullets though) and even better cartridge for someone who does reload.

The brass is expensive and even here in The Fatherland not on every shelf but certainly for someone with the right logistical tail not an issue. Further abroad I'd take a more quizical look before making the jump.

Had Blaser chosen to simply put a Rim on the .30/06 Sprg. case they'd had changed the equation considerably. Bad business decision IMO.

Had a fellow on the range two eveings ago with a 30R Blaser. He took one shot (right through the X-Ring, I might add); waited patiently another 25 minutes before being able to check his target with the rest of the Shooters. On the way back to the Benches remarked, "That'll have to do, it's on - but can't afford to shoot too much expensive ammo just to confirm zero."

Gerry, in terms of ballistics, expense and availability how would you rate the .30R compared with the 8x75R that Blaser also chamber their D99 in?

Would an antipodean have to be certifiable to contemplate purchasing one?

GBE,

Let's see....remember; you're getting your money's worth.

Ballistics:

The 30 Blaser is right between the .30/06 Sprg. & the .300 Win. Mag.

The 8x75RS is somewhere between the 8x65R & the 8x68S Magnum.

Neither the 30 Blaser or the 8x75RS are slouches but I don't I'd wanna go out on a limb and try & compare them ballistically the each other. Having said that the 8x75RS is getting a real media revival here in The Fatherland currently with light for caliber monometal bulets that are pretty speedy.

Expense:

Well, this depends on how you cut the Mustard. Personally, I'd not consider either cartridge UNLESS I was a reloader - but that's my opinion. Both cartridges require Die Sets that are expensive; but that's a one time cost. Both cartridges are expensive when factory ammuniton is used (compared to more mundane everyday offerings) and then the 30R Blaser gets the nod. Trouble is that the 30R Blaser case is a one-off so if you're outa cases.....you've got no where else to turn. The 8x75RS can easily be re-formed from 9.3x74R brass which is it's parent case anyway. After you're done with the Dies & Cartridge cases it's a toss-up between the two .308" & 8mm bullets are widely available.

The 30 Blaser has three factory loads listed, Blaser CDP, W. Romey w/Sierra & Woddliegh & RWS. RWS (2 loadings) & Blaser (1) were in the €53,- to €70,- per Box of 20. Romey ammunition is always VERY expensive.

The only listing I could find for the 8x75RS was Blaser CDP ammunition at €111,- per Box of 20 with the annotation; Not on Hand, Special Order Only.

If I was gonna lay out the cash for a D99 I'd select the 8x75RS - just because I could do more with that cartridge in a Double Rifle and there's heavier 323" bullets available. Would I do that here in Germany, yes, 'cause I could keep the logistics in check. About Way-y-y Down Under? Not unless I was confident my Australian Distributor could provide me with an initial supply of cartridge cases. At least with the 8x75RS you have two options with the brass; the 30R Blaser only one.

Gerry Good Post.

But let me ask you guys a question. For the kind of hunting you would do with a D99, would not it be much simpler to get a 9,3x74R, or a 7x65R?

I have shot a coule of animals with my 9,3 double at 281 yds [coyote] and a little over 300 yards [kudu].

Is the hassle of difficult to find ammo/componets worth the trouble, when the 7x65R and 9,3x74R are so good?

Also the Blaser rimless break open guns I have shot [several] have always functioned 100%.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
...when the 7x65R and 9,3x74R are so good?....

Don't forget the great 8x57JRS; it would be my first choice if I decide to buy a double rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
...when the 7x65R and 9,3x74R are so good?....

N E,

I was attempting to answer GBE's mail. I supected for hunting Down Under.

Yes, you are correct. For our hunting here on the Continent a D99 or similar DR in 9.3x74R is The Business!

If I really felt I had to have the ultimate Double Rifle for European Drive Hunting my choice; being the traditionalist I am would be one of the older generation Suhler 140 series SxS boxlocks in 9.3x74R (I prefer ejctors that Krieghoff, although a better appointed rifle; doesn't offer). I kick myself daily for not purchasing one years ago when they were so advantageously priced and well within financial reach - Ugh! I've shot many of them and they shoot excellently with surpizingly little recoil and at the ranges we normally cover with more than adequate accuracy.

I shoot a 9.3x74R Drilling as my everyday bread & butter Rifle and a resounding Yes! to the many attributes I, like yourself; feel this cartridge possess. Although with every passing year the Blaser K95 Stutzen 7x57R sees more use - especially during the summer when tending to more "stalking" than "sitting"; it's a weight thing.

quote:

Originally posted by wildboar:
Don't forget the great 8x57JRS; it would be my first choice if I decide to buy a double rifle.

I like the 7x65R and it is a good cartridge too, but I agree with wildboar - the good Ole 8x57IRS would be my second choice - if the Double would shoot them, with Nosler 200 gr. Accubonds. I load this combination for a friend who shoots 50-60+ Wild Boar a year - he's more than satisfied with this combination and he's been full circle; .30/06 Sprg., 308 Win., 300 Weatherby Magnum & 9.3x74R. For the past coupla years he shoots nothing but a Blaser R93 in 8x57IS for Stalking & High Seats & a SxS in 8x57IRS for Drive Hunting.

Thanks for the reply Gerry.

I'm thinking about a drilling or double for use in Australia where the largest game to be taken are sambar deer (weighing between 150 & 350 kg and are usually taken here with anything between the .30'06 to .375 H&H).

Why the .30R or 8x75RS over the 7mm or 9.3mm? Probably because I think a 200g pill is about optimum for where & how I hunt sambar. Besides I like the idea of doing something different

I was also under the impression that horneber and/or hirtenberger load for the .30R Blaser and hoped at least one other maker loaded for the 8x75RS?

Wildboar

I should be tared and feathered for not mentioning the 8x57 Rimmed. I have shot some of them and it is a great choice.

Gerry
I agree on the K 95. I have a Stutzen in 308 that I have taken turkey, deer, wild pig and black bear. It is an excellent hunting gun.

While the 508 is not a classic Kipplauf round, it is one of my favorite hunting calibres, and has served me well.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Is the hassle of difficult to find ammo/componets worth the trouble, when the 7x65R and 9,3x74R are so good?QUOTE]

Difficult to argue with this kind of logic !

quote:

I was also under the impression that horneber and/or hirtenberger load for the .30R Blaser and hoped at least one other maker loaded for the 8x75RS?

Well, I looked this morning because this ammuntion request is a little outa my normal scheme of requirements.

Horneber only manufacturers brass cases - not loaded ammunition.

Hirtenberger does not list any 30 R Blaser ammunition.

I had a MEN 8x75RS cartridge that my Gunsmith buddy gave me with an original "Scharfrand" (Cutting Edge) bullet - Cool! No longer manufactured.

Kabluewy,

I'm in the procees of putting together a companion gun package to go with my 450/400 double. I'm looking into a takedown switch barrel set-up in 9.3x74 & 30.06 (or something simular). Preferably an O/U express rifle. One of the guns I'm looking at is available in 9.3 and/or 30R Blaser. Hence my questions.

Thanks for the info all
Regards,
Longfeather

Go with the 9,3x74R.

A 40+cal double and a 9,3 scoped double make a perfect pair.

I have used that combo on 3 Safaris to Zim.

quote:

I'm looking at is available in 9.3 and/or 30R Blaser.

long....

Looks like we kinda hijacked your thread but I think most of us at least mentioned either 9.3x74r & 30R Blaser in the Posts (hope that counts).



Sounds liek an interesting undertaking. I'm a fan of rims on cartridges for break open rifles, appears you are also.

Good Luck with your project.

More than a decade ago, I choose the 30 R Blaser for several reasons, where availability of components to reload was paramount. Realities are so different in far away places ,like my country.
First, I like break open guns , and think that a rimmed cartidge is a must for them. Then , no components are available to reload , and here the most popular calibres are 308,3006, 300 Win.Mag., 7x57 and 7 Rem. Mag... ,so I could disassemble and use the components of the forementioned cartridges . The 30s has more bullets to chose from ,and the 30R has more power than the 7x65R -my second option- so the decision was easy. Just disassemble the 308 or 3006 and use their powder and bullets. It´s easy to reload and very accurate , with enough killing power for red stag , fallow deer and wild boar. RWS brass was imported from Europe .
I am very happy with the 30 R Blaser.

quote:

Originally posted by longfeather1:
Kabluewy,

I'm in the procees of putting together a companion gun package to go with my 450/400 double. I'm looking into a takedown switch barrel set-up in 9.3x74 & 30.06 (or something simular). Preferably an O/U express rifle. One of the guns I'm looking at is available in 9.3 and/or 30R Blaser. Hence my questions.

Thanks for the info all
Regards,
Longfeather

The 9.3x74R half of the combo is a given. For the other barrel set, my choice would be the 7x65R or the 8x57R. The 30R is just too obscure for me to deal with. You could just get the 9.3 barrels and be done with it. Personally, I would have little problem using the 9.3 for every situation I didn't feel the need for the 450/400.

I always thought a good cartridge for a O/U Express rifle would be the 7.62x54R, using .311 bullets. Heck, the 303 Brit would work well too. Ammo is no problem with either. Maybe that's just too simple for such high dollar guns.

KB