I've about 90% decided that my next rifle will be a 9.3x62 in a CZ550. I like the looks of the 550 FS model, however:

1) I know the 9.3 isn't a speed burner round, but how much performance/velocity/energy would I be giving up going from the 23-24" barrel (in the 550 American or Lux) to the 20" barrel (in the FS)?

2) The only local store (that I've found) that carries CZ550's only has Lux models, with same European-style curved buttstock as the FS. I actually like the look of that stock (and you can't argue with the extremely nice wood on them!), but it is perhaps a touch low for use with a scope (i.e. you have to raise your head off the stock to look down the scope). Is the straight stock in the 550 American higher and more in line with shooting with a scope?

3) The FS and Lux models have a hood over the front sight. IMHO, this is the one "ugly"
feature on these guns. Is this hood easily removed? Require gunsmithing? If I get one, should I just not worry about it (most likely route).

4) anyone have any experience with the Norma 232 grain "Vulcan" Bullets? A source for them? Graf's carries only Oryx bonded bullets from Norma. . .

5) I was thinking of working up loads with 250 gr NBTs (for shooting/practice) and 250 gr X-bullets for hunting (too bad there isn't a 9.3 fail safe - I like these slightly better than X-bullets). Ought I be able to get 2500-2600 fps with these bullets?

Thanks,

Troy

[ 07-10-2003, 17:01: Message edited by: tcencore260 ]

I have a 550lux 9.3 and with CZ rings it lines up fine for shooting.
Also the hood slides right off the front sight.
Sportsman's guide has the 232gr Norma ammo.

I just purchased a 550 American in 9.3x62 and in the process of developing some loads with Re 15 and 250 grain North Fork bullets.This has a fixed magazine, nice wood and I paid $439 plus shipping for a new rifle. It also has the single set trigger on it which I'm not sure about yet, however I have adjusted the primary trigger and find it to be acceptable, slight creep but breaks at 3lbs. The stock is for a scope and is well designed for one...no sights. I will be shooting it in a few days. It is now my opinion that the CZ 550 rifles are absolutely the best buy out there, and that statement comes from a M70, and custom mauser man. I think you'll be pleased.

I'd expect you could approach 2500 fps with a 250 gr. given 20 inches of barrel. My 9.3 is custom job with a 22.5" barrel and 2600 is not too difficult. I like Re15 a lot. Why not hunt with the 250 Nosler - unless it has BIG claws you'll be well-warmed, and even then... Probably a good idea to practice with what you'll be hunting with anyway - get the trajectory ironed out, etc.

You might lose 100 fps, but a 9.3mm bullet is big and doesn't need to go fast to hit hard. I have iron sights on my 550 American, and it fits me perfectly--it's actually a bit low for a scope.

You should be able to get 2,500 with a 250 in a 20" barrel, but you'll have to load hot. I cut my 550 American's barrel to 22", and my fastest 250 gr. loads were with RL-15. Hope this helps, Okie John.

tcencore260
well, the vulcan bullet will expand fast and loose weight quickly, the wounds can be quite big. I think it's a cluster bomb

I suggest the nosler PT/BT or Oryx 285 grain or any other fairly heavy constructed bullet.My advice is to stick to the bullets from 250 grains and up.

The 9,3X62 will do it's best with powders like NORMA 202 or 203B, look up an american with equal burnrate if got no access to Norma powder. A 285 grain bullet from a 24 inc barrel will do around 740 m/s. for loading tips look at www.norma.cc or www.vihtavuori.fi/

Cheers
JOHAN

[ 07-11-2003, 22:39: Message edited by: JOHAN ]

I have used the 232 grain bullets very sucsesfully I have shot a large Eland cow with it and a couple of Kudus, the Eland was shot behind the shoulder and the bullet was recoverd at the oppisite loin. I was impressed, at looked very good same reults with other kudu, but then I once shot a large kudu bull on the shoulder and the bullet disintegrated. so be were

I've about 90% decided that my next rifle will be a 9.3x62 in a CZ550. I like the looks of the 550 FS model, however:

1) I know the 9.3 isn't a speed burner round, but how much performance/velocity/energy would I be giving up going from the 23-24" barrel (in the 550 American or Lux) to the 20" barrel (in the FS)? [/QUOTE]

With 270gr round nose speers I'm running 2300 and change.

2) The only local store (that I've found) that carries CZ550's only has Lux models, with same European-style curved buttstock as the FS. I actually like the look of that stock (and you can't argue with the extremely nice wood on them!), but it is perhaps a touch low for use with a scope (i.e. you have to raise your head off the stock to look down the scope). Is the straight stock in the 550 American higher and more in line with shooting with a scope? [/QUOTE]

I haven't had any trouble using the scope, and my face fits around the butt nicely. My father, who's shorter than me, some how ends up with his chin on the but and his face higher up(?)

3) The FS and Lux models have a hood over the front sight. IMHO, this is the one "ugly"
feature on these guns. Is this hood easily removed? Require gunsmithing? If I get one, should I just not worry about it (most likely route). [/QUOTE]

The hood slips off easily just by using your fingers. I found it useful, especially if you use irons, since they cut a hole in the top of the hood to allow light in.

4) anyone have any experience with the Norma 232 grain "Vulcan" Bullets? A source for them? Graf's carries only Oryx bonded bullets from Norma. . . [/QUOTE]

I fired a box of norma loaded 232s, but that's as far as i got.

5) I was thinking of working up loads with 250 gr NBTs (for shooting/practice) and 250 gr X-bullets for hunting (too bad there isn't a 9.3 fail safe - I like these slightly better than X-bullets). Ought I be able to get 2500-2600 fps with these bullets?

Thanks,

Troy[/QUOTE]

my guess would be around 2400 maybe low 2500s.