I have a 257 Roberts, 308 and 338 Federal. I'm looking for that next step up. I probably will never get to hunt dangerous game but you never know. I know the H&H is the king but for weight, recoil, performance, and history I'm leaning toward the 9.3x62. Will any non thick skin dangerous game be able to tell the difference between the 3 calibers at 100 yards or under? Just looking for opinions, the 9.3 does intrigue me.

9.3x62 is quite intriguing indeed. If you do decide to hunt dangerous game then I would choose a .375 H&H for practical reasons (legality everywhere and ammo availability).

As far as animals telling the difference between the three, it all depends on how active they are on internet forums

Scott,

If you are going to go, then go all the way. 375 H&H. The recoil is very manageable and as far as history, well............. I have a Browning A-Bolt in this caliber that is very accurate and have had zero problems with straight out of the box, for 20 years, and many rounds. The weight is quite moderate for rifle and caliber compared to current CZ, RSM, etc. Shop around and you won't regret the "old .375 H&H". Have fun with your choice!

375er

quote:

9.3x62, 375 Ruger or 375 H&H

There's very little you can do with one that the other two won't do just as well.....

That said.....the .375 H&H is so classic that it's hard to pass it up!

the only logical choice is the H&H. If you need to step up from the .338, then you need to step up. A .416 might make as much sense too.

identical results on game .. the 9,3 would allow you the cheapest route .. rebore a 30-06 and go....

all of them can throw a .300+ Sd bullet 2400fps+

get which ever one you want and shoot it

QUOTE]...
That said.....the .375 H&H is so classic that it's hard to pass it up![/QUOTE]
The 9.3x62 preceeds the 375 H&H. What in this context does clasiic mean? I have no idea.

If you want to talk about classic look no further than the 9.3x62. Much lighter than any .375 I have picked up too.

If I had to choose one of those you mention, it would be the .375 H&H.

If I could have them all, I would only want two, and the .375 Ruger would be odd man out.

I have more than one 9.3x62 and a few .375 H&H Mag. rifles. I like all of 'em.

The only problem with the 9.3 is ammo availability and a much narrower choice of bullets. As one who has had their ammo fail to arrive on a flight, not being able to replace your ammo in a remote destination could be critical. .375 H&H is available anywhere big, dangerous game is hunted.

If I was gonna make the "step up" you're referring to; my choice would be .....

1. 375H&H
2. 9.3x62
3. 375 Ruger

There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with any of these cartridges, (2 of then are my all time favorites) and I don't see another cartridge on the horizon that's gonna move the 375H&H from it's place in the "Grand Scheme of Things" anytime soon.

The 9.3x62 is more comfortable to shoot than a 375H&H in a lighter rifle; IMO that's about the only difference between the three.

quote:

.375 H&H is available anywhere big, dangerous game is hunted.

Correcto-mund-o Swampie but if you're gonna have to replace ammo under the conditions you are referring to (the Dark Continent) 9.3x62 ammo will most probably be available also BUT if you get off the plane in North America ..... well, you can't go wrong with the 375H&H.

9,3x62 ammo is widely available in Africa. PMP load it with both solids and swift A frame and there are Norma dealers now in most countries who stock solids and softs...but not always available in small towns, whereas somebody will have .375 H&H

I am biased...As anybody who readys my scriblings will know, I have used a 9,3x62 for over 20 years with considerable sucess..and typically carry one to back up clients when hunting lion, buff or ele.

The .375 is more versitile. The 9,3x62 is easier to reload for in many ways and makes a great round for pigs/deer as well as bigger stuff. In Africa the lighter 9,3 bullets (232grn and 256grn ) are hard to come by but I shoot the very cheep speer 270grn bullets at 2300fps for all soft skined game from Impala up. I have used them on eland but moved up to the bonded core Oryx for Lion, Eland and Girrafe.

Swift made a second rate A frame in 250 grn. They have now solved the problem and make a superb A frame in 286grn- a great bullet for buffalo/eland/bongo/giant forest hog etc.Would be a good choice for bear. Woodleigh makes very suitable solids for elephant.

Being in America you should be able to buy cheep Privi Partizan 232 grn bullets (15gram) which make loads for stuff the size of big hogs/deer. Norma and RWS make expensive bullets in 232 and 256grn respectively and the barnes 250grn TSX are never a bad choice.

One of the reasons I like the 9,3 so much is that it has the same bolt throw as my original hunting rifle (a Bruno in 7x57) and I liked all my rifles to have identical handling, bolt throw, safety etc.- I have never short stroked a 9,3 but have done so on the range playing with .416 rigby.

My current 9,3 weighs under 8lbs with a Leupold scope mounted and 6 rounds in. Switch to a aimpoint and it is more li8ke 7½ lbs. A real pleasure to carry

Great info and supports my recent decision to purchase a 9.3x62.

SFD,
1. 9.3X62
2. Ruger .375
3. -------
I own two .375 H&H's, a Winchester SS Classic and a Brno 602 and they are big heavy safari pigs compared to my 9.3X62 CZ550FS (full stock)... I have also handled the Ruger .375 Alaskan and like the way it handles.. So my best advice is to handle all three rifles before you buy.. May seem the obvious thing to do but up here most of my rifles have come mail-order..
You might also consider a .35 Whelen as they are more common, very versatile and they can handle any game in N.A.

Great feedback from everyone. I love the history of the 375 H&H but every other gun I own is a short action. Going to more of a medium action like the 375 Ruger or 9.3x62 would be an easier transition, I think. The CZ 550 FS would be a nice little 100 yard DG rifle if I ever needed one.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
but every other gun I own is a short action. Going to more of a medium action like the 375 Ruger or 9.3x62 would be an easier transition, I think.

I think you are over thinking a bit.

Personally, if faced with your situation, I'd haunt the used gun racks and shows until I found the right rifle. The three cartridges are so close in performance that the differences are mostly apparent on the internet. The right fit, feel and price will have a much bigger impact in the field.

Dean

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
If I had to choose one of those you mention, it would be the .375 H&H.

If I could have them all, I would only want two, and the .375 Ruger would be odd man out.

I have more than one 9.3x62 and a few .375 H&H Mag. rifles. I like all of 'em.

Ditto for me.

quote:

Originally posted by maki:

I think you are over thinking a bit.


Dean

Isn't that what you're supposed to do on forums?

Be guided by Ganyana. Overlook the pun.

quote:

As far as animals telling the difference between the three, it all depends on how active they are on internet forums

Depends on what and where you're going to hunt. If you're going to Africa for plains game and want a "handy" rifle but want to be sure you have enough ... just in case ... the 9,3x62 is wonderfully effective. Ammo is available if there's a screw up in transport (I've had this happen).

If African dangerous game is in order and you're hunting anywhere but Zim ... the .375 H&H really is the minimum. Again ammo is available most places.

If you're hunting Alaskan dangerous game and want a handy rifle ... the .375 Ruger seems ideal but ammo could be a problem if yours is lost.

I haven't tried the Ruger but may. I have used the other two and they're good and easy on you in the recoil department.

The 3 are so close it isn't funny.
I dig the hell out of the H&H but didn't like the rifles that it was offered in.
I went with a sweet CZ 550 Fullstock in 9.3x62. It handles like a dream "to Me".

Different strokes for different folks.

John

If I could only have one of the three, it would be the .375 H&H. I've had one or more .375 H&Hs for 48 years now without a gap. My current one is built on a Mauser magnum action, and I like it, though if I had to build one tomorrow, it would have a lighter and shorter barrel than mine does. (That wouldn't be difficult as my current .375 H&H barrel is very heavy profile and 26" long.)

My second choice would be a .375 Ruger...essentially the same performance without the belt.

My last choice of the three would be the 9.3x62. Despite what everyone says, I have not found it to be the equal of the .375s, and I have had at least one of the 9.3x62s at all times now for over 45 years.

There is a reason it is made in lighter guns and does not kick as much as the bigger rounds. The reason is not that it is somehow magic.

One of the things I don't like doing is loading any hunting cartridge at a balls-to-the-wall level to get performance that I can have with less pressure from other rounds.

I am NOT knocking the 9.3, guys. I like them for NA non-dangerous game and even dangerous game at more than a few yards range (not in the willow thickets). But, if I was going to possibly hunt dangerous game for thrills, I'd want the big .375 H&H or .375 Ruger case capacities, 300 grain bullets, and relatively low pressures (especially in hot countries).

Sometimes in life just a little teentsy edge can be a real BIG advantage. When push comes to shove, I want all the edge (and advantage) I can get.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:

quote:

Originally posted by maki:

I think you are over thinking a bit.


Dean

Isn't that what you're supposed to do on forums?

Well, I guess you're right about that .

Dean

Edited for a typo that made me look like an S.O.B.

quote:

Originally posted by oldun:

quote:

...
That said.....the .375 H&H is so classic that it's hard to pass it up!

The 9.3x62 preceeds the 375 H&H. What in this context does clasiic mean? I have no idea.

The 9,3x62 has quite a history, too:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9.3x62mm

http://www.reloadersnest.com/article_9362_oct2803.asp

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
I know the H&H is the king but for weight, recoil, performance, and history I'm leaning toward the 9.3x62. Will any non thick skin dangerous game be able to tell the difference between the 3 calibers at 100 yards or under? Just looking for opinions, the 9.3 does intrigue me.

Scott, your original post says it all, you will find lighter 9.3's than a mag length 375. The 9.3 is a wonderful all around caliber and the 375H&H historically speaks for itself. The only cog in the gears that I could see in the future for you is if you do go to Africa some day and hunt DG the 375 is the minimum in many countries, I do know that most if not all PH's I've met know the performance of the 9.3x62 is quite adequate. Even if the minimum is 375 most PH's will tell you to bring it, no worry.

I hear allot about the 9.3 X 62 as compared to the 375 H&H however in reality is not the 9.3 X 64 a more comparable cartridge from a power perspective?


EZ

I think I'll just wait for my 338 federal to get back from having some work. I'll spend my time playing with load development and maybe revisit this sometime next year. Maybe there will be more choices like a Ruger African in 9.3x62. Maybe the new Winchester 375 H&H will actually become available. I love the Kimber Caprivi but am a little leery of their quality especially on a DGR. I like the CZ but not thrilled about the wood I've seen on them or their safety. Basically I'm not really sold on anything right now so I'll wait.

Waiting might just be the answer?? As far as wood goes my CZ550FS 9.3 X 62 is outstanding and the three position safety works like a charm, what's not to like? Shoots a legit 3/4" group at 100 yards to boot.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
I think I'll just wait for my 338 federal to get back from having some work. I'll spend my time playing with load development and maybe revisit this sometime next year. Maybe there will be more choices like a Ruger African in 9.3x62. Maybe the new Winchester 375 H&H will actually become available. I love the Kimber Caprivi but am a little leery of their quality especially on a DGR. I like the CZ but not thrilled about the wood I've seen on them or their safety. Basically I'm not really sold on anything right now so I'll wait.

Scott,

If you are looking at something in the price range of a Kimber Caprivi, I might suggest you take a little drive over to Cabela's in Ft Worth. They have a very nice Kimber 89 (Oregon) in 375 H&H for $2,500.00. I personally believe Kimber of Oregon rifles are considerably nicer than the new Caprivi's. I have 3 of them and they are all shooters and function flawlessly.

EZ

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
I have a 257 Roberts, 308 and 338 Federal. I'm looking for that next step up. I probably will never get to hunt dangerous game but you never know. I know the H&H is the king but for weight, recoil, performance, and history I'm leaning toward the 9.3x62. Will any non thick skin dangerous game be able to tell the difference between the 3 calibers at 100 yards or under? Just looking for opinions, the 9.3 does intrigue me.

After owning all three I would suggest the 9,3x62. Of the one's I've owned and shot the 9,3 on average is (for whatever reason) the more accurate round. Privi makes both brass and bullets for it allowing cheap practice.

I would get the Ruger... then the H&H

quote:

Originally posted by eezridr:
I hear allot about the 9.3 X 62 as compared to the 375 H&H however in reality is not the 9.3 X 64 a more comparable cartridge from a power perspective?


EZ

Absolutely.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Waiting might just be the answer?? As far as wood goes my CZ550FS 9.3 X 62 is outstanding and the three position safety works like a charm, what's not to like? Shoots a legit 3/4" group at 100 yards to boot.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I really like the CZ550 FS. It just seems like all the recent ones I've seen have very mediocre walnut with no character. I saw one on GunsAmerica about a year ago that was awesome. Had a lot of tiger stripes in the wood. I loved it but it already had a sale pending. If I ever saw one like it again, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

My 9.3X62 CZ 550FS is almost the ideal weight for a 9.3 unlike the American which is a little too heavy. It is really accurate, and has a nice piece of wood with good figure in the butt and straight stable grain in the forend.

I do not hold the 9.3x62 in the same league as the 375HH or the 375 Ruger. a great round....just not as powerful as the other two.

quote:

Originally posted by temmi:
I would get the Ruger... then the H&H

Me too--I like new stuff, and prefer not having a belt on..my cartridges...

If you don't have one on your slate right now, by the time you plan a hunt to Africa, things may be much different in terms of avaialbel ammo there, I know from several different hunters who have been that the 375 Ruger is popular there already.

As others have said these cartridges are close, but the 375's are a notch up in power and have better bullet/ammo availability.

I like AC's perspective, don't like to load to max pressures to get close to other rounds with standard pressures--another reason for the preference for the 375's to me.

Technically the Ruger round is a good one. Much better than the other companies' recent new cartridge designs. But it will never have anywhere close to the availability of the other 2, so I'll never own one.

If you want to go for dangerous African game or even Giraffe, I'd go H&H.

For any North American game or African game up to Eland at an absolute max of 200 yard, the 9.3 will give you a lighter, handier, altogether more enjoyable rifle.

Brazos_Jack