It sure seems you guys love the 9.3X62.What makes it so special? Is this a project I need to do? I'm always looking for an excuse the play with rifles.

It's a neat little round. It has a lot of history. It hits like a big bore, kicks like a .30-06 and fits in a regular mauser action without any fuss.

Should you build one? I dunno, I did.

Terry

A virtual brother of a .35 Whelan.

quote:

Originally posted by Gary Surko:
It sure seems you guys love the 9.3X62.What makes it so special? Is this a project I need to do? I'm always looking for an excuse the play with rifles.

check out http://www.z-hat.com

quote:

Originally posted by Ole Miss Guy:
A virtual brother of a .35 Whelan.

Virtual big brother. The 9.3x62, well, TC1 summed it up nicely!

Mine shoots 250gr "X" bullets at 2600+ fps and holds 5 in the magazine. Kicks less than a 338 because it uses less powder to acheive the velocity. Very Accurate round and it has a lot of interesting African History.
Mine Weighs about 7.5 lbs with the scope:





There's a lot to like about the 9,3x62 if you ask me........................DJ

The 9.3x62 Mauser
http://www.african-hunter.com/the_9_3_x_62_mauser.htm

-Bob F.

quote:

Originally posted by Gary Surko:
It sure seems you guys love the 9.3X62.What makes it so special? Is this a project I need to do? I'm always looking for an excuse the play with rifles.

Gary,

Here's some of my research on the 9,3x62:

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

http://www.african-hunter.com/the_9_3_x_62_mauser.htm

Great round I just have a lux cz 550 shoots well is light holds 5 rounds in the mag, I like the speer 270 gr for thin skinned game others knock it but it's the best for feral animals, use a woodleigh for tougher game.

Hello,
I have an assortment of Mauser actions and kept reading and hearing about the round and went ahead and had a Douglas barrel put on one in the caliber, NECG sights, barrel band, plain but solid walnut stock, nice recoil pad and danged if the rifle does not shoot very well indeed. Just recently shot up my last supply of Nosler 250, white tip, and as others have stated, kicks about like an '06, more punch and bigger bullet and has a hundred year history as well. Had my barrel set up for 26", .820 @ muzzle, and with the iron sight system, holds just right for off hand, and kind of reminds me of the old East African plains game rifle (stalking rifle if you will.) Rifle weighs in there at around 8 pounds and balances nicely. Yes, glad I devoted one my prized VZ24's to the project and it is still a work in progress for plan this winter to send off to the magician of all magicians, Doug Turnbull for rust blue job and color case harden bottom metal, bolt shroud, grip cap, etc. Feeds and ejects like it is supposed to and do enjoy the combination of Mauser and 9.3x62. Good combo!!

I love the round and am having a second working gun in 9,3X62 done right now. I sent a Husqvarna late production 649 in 30-06 off to High Plains Re-boring to have it bored and chambered to 9,3X62. It is a cheap and efficient way to get another one...$250.00 + or - with shipping. Norman does good work and is quite reasonable.

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:
Mine shoots 250gr "X" bullets at 2600+ fps and holds 5 in the magazine. Kicks less than a 338 because it uses less powder to acheive the velocity. Very Accurate round and it has a lot of interesting African History.
Mine Weighs about 7.5 lbs with the scope:





There's a lot to like about the 9,3x62 if you ask me........................DJ

A great looking rifle. I am curious as to whether that rifle could weigh that little. If it does tell me your secret.

If you would be disappointed if it weighs more, please do not weigh it.

The 9.3x62 is sort of an anemic 375 H&H. It got a big play here on AR a few years ago by Ray Atkinson and away it went!

Hell, a few years ago I had never heard of it but now own one too. It is a very efficient cartridge.

Don't let them kid you. At nominal loads it kicks a lot more than a 30-06, even on mind-altering drugs!

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

A great looking rifle. I am curious as to whether that rifle could weigh that little. If it does tell me your secret.

If you would be disappointed if it weighs more, please do not weigh it.

Lightweight barrel contour. Tried to trim all the wood that wasn't needed away.

I guess the scales could have been off..................................DJ

I know it has killed ele and all mater of game.

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

A great looking rifle. I am curious as to whether that rifle could weigh that little. If it does tell me your secret.

If you would be disappointed if it weighs more, please do not weigh it.

Lightweight barrel contour. Tried to trim all the wood that wasn't needed away.

I guess the scales could have been off..................................DJ

I have been trying to justify building a 9.3x62 if I could get it down to 7 lbs. or less. Even with a 22" featherweight barrel, my "figuring" still puts it at about 7.5 lbs, or more, without a scope or bases.

I noticed that Douglas Barrels is now chambering for the 9.3x62, which shows how popular it has recently become.

Douglas' estimate of the weight of their fwt barrel is 2 lbs., but of course it could be less in the 9.3 diameter/chambering than the average caliber.

I ordered a McMillan stock that will be a bit over 2 lbs. So, I just need to figure out whether the action, barrel, and stock can possibly come in under 7 lbs. I have my doubts I'm afraid.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

A great looking rifle. I am curious as to whether that rifle could weigh that little. If it does tell me your secret.

If you would be disappointed if it weighs more, please do not weigh it.

Lightweight barrel contour. Tried to trim all the wood that wasn't needed away.

I guess the scales could have been off..................................DJ

I have been trying to justify building a 9.3x62 if I could get it down to 7 lbs. or less. Even with a 22" featherweight barrel, my "figuring" still puts it at about 7.5 lbs, or more, without a scope or bases.

I noticed that Douglas Barrels is now chambering for the 9.3x62, which shows how popular it has recently become.

Douglas' estimate of the weight of their fwt barrel is 2 lbs., but of course it could be less in the 9.3 diameter/chambering than the average caliber.

I ordered a McMillan stock that will be a bit over 2 lbs. So, I just need to figure out whether the action, barrel, and stock can possibly come in under 7 lbs. I have my doubts I'm afraid.

Your right, my memory is wrong. I went back and double checked. It was just under 8.5 lbs with the scope and rings not 7.5. The Kahles scope is pretty light though the steel Talley rings aren't particularly so. Without the scope and rings it's probably about at the 7.5lbs you were figuring.
Maybe I need to quit playing with my Kimber's, they get my memory on how much rifles weigh leaning to far to the light side................................DJ

Come to think of it, if you really did want a 7.5lb all up 9,3x62 a rebarreled Kimber 8400LA Montana might just get you there.........................DJ

I've got one in a Blaser R93. It is my most accurate barrel. 5 shots under a inch. I like it better than my 375 barrel. Lot of thump for the powder spent.

Ed

I also have a Blaser R93 in 9.3x62 and also a Husqvarna FN 9.3 Mauser.
I have enjoyed using the Baser 9.3 for around ten years now, taking a variety of game with RWS 268GRN H-Mantles, 286grn Woodleighs, 293grn RWS TUGs, 300grn Swift A Frames and 320grn Woodleighs.
I have found that this caliber works well with its low velocity of 2250 to 2450fps and has similar recoil to that of my Heym 30/06.
I have not found the need for more velocity in this type of caliber and this may be why I do not own a 375H&H.

A friend and his Buffalo taken with my Blaser 9.3x62
ozhunter

TC1 said it right the first time!!
Just came back from Africa last month where two of us used 9.3x62mm rifles, and every shot from the 9.3 was a killer, couldn't say that for the lesser rifles used. Recoil? It was too much for me three years ago when my arthritis was serious, but after three years of chiropractic, the 9.3x62 kicked no more than a .30-06, but it spoke with a LOT more authority. The 9.3x62mm was designed in 1905 to be an all around African cartridge, and it still is!!
LLS

/

Alf,
Good words for "tupperware" stocks. I have had some excellent results with them too.

Will,
You really have to think of those one-pound stocks if you want to get less than 7 pounds with a light barrel in 9.3 to .375 caliber, and then it will balance well.

I did it with a Pre-64 M70 in .375 H&H.
No. 3 sporter Douglas 24" barrel and a "Brown Pounder" (Brown Precision) stock.

Tupperware is not as light as the Pounder.

We may obsess about weight here, but should not forget balance.

My 9.3x62: The CZ 550 Medium FS is sweet with tiger-striped walnut full stock, 3-position side-safety, no C-clip (has the double-nut on the firing pin), no-plastic follower (all the "metal" is steel!!!), 2 cross bolts, usual single set trigger, ~21" barrel, ~7.5 pounds bare IIRC, shoots 1/3 MOA for 3 shots with factory Norma ammo, 5 down in the magazine. All of this straight out of the box for only $495 when I got it. Hard to beat.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that CZ uses a 1:9.5" TWIST on their 9.3x62mm rifles.

There, I said the T word again.

I bought a CZ 550 American for a VERY GOOD price from a board member. Took it to Africa when a scope failure just before the trip forced me to rethink the rifles I would take.

The little rifle is very handy, has only moderate recoil, and simply delivers the goods in the field. It kills way better than one would expect!

I like it so much I am building one on a VZ.24 action with a synthetic stock for foul weather use. Will weigh in at 8 pounds with a 1.8-5.5 x38 Zeiss Conquest scope.

As Will told you is a very efficient cartdrige and also with max loads kicks more than a 30-06. With medium loads is a pleasure to shoot.

Whatever you hit if bullet placement is more or less good it will go down. I use mild loads (44 gr of IMR4895 with 250 gr Barnes TSX), this give me good hunting accuracy and doesn't recoil much at all. Not know the velocity but must be near 2,500 fp/s I guess

I really reccomend it as a very practical cartdrige if you have some medium or big bodied creatures around or if you have to do difficult shots (running, thick bush, etc).

L

If you want a light 9.3x62 that will shoot tight groups and weigh in at 7.5lbs scoped then get a Tikka T3. I know they are not fancy but Man do they shoot straight.

quote:

I use mild loads (44 gr of IMR4895 with 250 gr Barnes TSX), this give me good hunting accuracy and doesn't recoil much at all. Not know the velocity but must be near 2,500 fp/s I guess



L

Lorenzo,

According to my reloading guides 44 grains of IMR4895 would be more like 2000 fps. A load of about 54 grains would be closer to 2500 fps. You might want to check it out.

SMH

quote:

Originally posted by HUNTS:
Lorenzo,

According to my reloading guides 44 grains of IMR4895 would be more like 2000 fps. A load of about 54 grains would be closer to 2500 fps. You might want to check it out.

SMH

I took note of that as well. It is hard to say what velocities you get without a chronograph, but according to book values, 2500 would be at the high end of the velocity spectrum and 44 grs at the low end. Chronograph it and see, or alternatively just shoot it and be happy.

- mike

quote:

Originally posted by Lorenzo:
As Will told you is a very efficient cartdrige and also with max loads kicks more than a 30-06. With medium loads is a pleasure to shoot.

Whatever you hit if bullet placement is more or less good it will go down. I use mild loads (44 gr of IMR4895 with 250 gr Barnes TSX), this give me good hunting accuracy and doesn't recoil much at all. Not know the velocity but must be near 2,500 fp/s I guess

I really reccomend it as a very practical cartdrige if you have some medium or big bodied creatures around or if you have to do difficult shots (running, thick bush, etc).

L

That puts you right at the ballistics for the 9.3 x 57 (little brother) which is also a very excellent killer.

It fits into a cheapo surplus K98 action. It used to be available to German East African farmers in cheap Mauser type B sporting rifles.
The Volk could not afford English-made Mauser in .375 rimless belted nitro-express Holland.

Thanks, sorry for the error, I should have said 54 grains and not 44....sorry.

PS. Ruger&Hornady just came out with a winner called .375 Ruger. Now, that's an African package anyone should be able to afford.
Unless this board is the only place in US this 9.3 is popular, I do think it's time for some larger US cartridge company to provide loaded ammo.

Paolo

this board really is one of the only places in the US where the 9.3x62 is popular! The vast majority of American hunters and shooters have never heard of it. She is a nice round with a lot of good uses, but here in the US folks use other cartridges such as the .300 magnums and th e.338.

I would not call it a "Big" brother to the 35 Whelen, .358 to .366 is not that big of a difference. With comparable bullets in weight and construction, no beast will know the difference between the 35 and the 36. I get a kick out of how some folks on this site attribute magical powers to some cartridges. Both are efficient and deadly, no flies on either , just no magic involved. And Yes, I have both, but when I went to Africa, I used my .318 express on the plainsgame with 250 Woodleighs and it worked fine too!

The 9.3x62 is an excellent round for elk, moose bear, stag, boar. Many use it at big game drives as it leaves good blood trail and unlike some fast magnums it is easy on the meat. It's very efficient cartridge as well, and unlike .35 Whelen it's not necked up anything.

quote:

Originally posted by RIP: My 9.3x62: The CZ 550 Medium FS is sweet with tiger-striped walnut full stock, 3-position side-safety, no C-clip (has the double-nut on the firing pin), no-plastic follower (all the "metal" is steel!!!), 2 cross bolts, usual single set trigger, ~21" barrel, ~7.5 pounds bare IIRC, shoots 1/3 MOA for 3 shots with factory Norma ammo, 5 down in the magazine. All of this straight out of the box for only $495 when I got it. Hard to beat.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that CZ uses a 1:9.5" TWIST on their 9.3x62mm rifles.

There, I said the T word again.

Same as mine.

Only I had to contact CZ to replace my original plastic follower and mag plate! ( Mag plate! with all that stress from recoil )

Suddenly the ( usually EXCELLENT ) accuracy fell off: the culprit was a loose C nut and consequently too weak firing pin spring. I loctited it ( with the nut a little on the strong side of spring compression = power ) and left the C nut where it was - in the position of "too weak": one quick glance occasionally and I know, if the loctite still holds ( it does ).

The bolt glides like on bearings. The accuracy is there. The recoils is very tolerable because of that excellent recoil pad.

The trigger was adjusted, but is a >hint< too hard: will have the gunsmith have a look at it.

One thing: there is nothing to hold back the cartridges in the mag from touching the front of the mag - I think I will have made a "shoulder retention" in the mag well.

Consensus:

a FINE arm!

What do the other manufacturers use for a twist, and what´s the catch??? Did I miss something?

H

I'm having too many thoughts about this project...straighten/wake me up.......anyone......everyone.

I have rifles in 338-06, 375 H&H, 416 Taylor, 45-70 plus most of the smaller calibers...and a 375/444M in the works. (I don't really need a 9.3 cal rifle)

I just acquired a VZ24 action expressly to build a 9.3x62...always wanted one...sent the bolt off to have a tacticaly style handle installed and bent to clear a scope...have a Bolt trigger and Sunny Hill shroud in hand...a Boyd's stock with cross bolts ordered...I drilled and tapped the receiver for scope mounts, contacted Lothar Walther for their #724 contour barrel...(NA for 6 weeks)... and have the pieces and parts for open sights on hand ready to install...IF...I order the barrel.

I like the BC's of the Nosler Part and Barnes X .366 bullets and the numbers generated by my several interior ballistics programs and loading manuals.

I never before had any problems with deciding what rifle/caliber I wanted the building it, BUT...this one is making me crazy.

I keep thinking of just going with the original 8x57mm, a 7x57mm, a 35 Whelen or a 280 Rem, all of which I don't have represented in my rack.

I'm not a happy camper right now.

Thanks

Foobar, order a Pac-Nor barrel and be happy! I have an old VZ-24 that "inherited" a new 9.3mm Pac-nor and it does just fine. I only used it on three head of game in RSA back in May, but each was a one shot slamdunk kill (Nyala, Waterbuck, Impala) and was light years better than the peformance from my .270. The 9.3x62 is a real winner, if only a US ammo firm would decide to load the ammo. Excellent bullets available from Barnes, Nosler, Speer, Norma, and Woodleigh.

LLS

Putting the finishing touches on a VZ.24 in 9,3x62. Has a Douglas bbl in it that works fine.

I took a CZ 550 American in 9,3x62 to Africa in 2004. Used 286 gr Noslers. Took Impala, Warthog, Blue Wildebeast, Zebra and Kudu with it. All save the Kudu were one shot drops. He had not read The Perfect Shot

9,3x62 is a wonderful cartridge that can be built into relatively light and very handy rifles ... more easily than .375 H&H.

Go for it!

PacNor is just over the hill from me and are very good barrels, but they are more expensive over all for a prefit barrel. Lothar Walther is $220 for a prefit barrel and I can't beat that price even using a Midway A&B barrel if I could find one in 9.3 cal and renting a reamer.

I'm trying to keep the completed weight of this VZ24 between 8.5 and 9.5 lbs. I built my 375H&H finished at 11 lbs. It soaks up the slap but is a bit of a chore to haul around. I'm thinking of bobbing the nose to 23" and taking out some of the lead in the stock. That might help some.

Too many projects going on at the same time and waiting for various pieces and parts for each keeps me on the cranky side until I get one or two finished, I guess.

And...I just found a 17 Rem take-off barrels cheap for one of my almost finished projects which has me swapping money around. I shoot more rats than big game anyway so maybe having to wait for the 9.3 barrel works out better in the long run.

Have to keep a positive outlook!!!!