In a gun store today they had a CZ 550 FS in 6.5x55 (I'll get to the 9.3) Anyway, this is a very nice rifle 20.5" barrel full stock, very nice. My question is, CZ also offers this rifle in 9.3x62, so how much velocity do you lose in the 20.5" barrel? Or to ask it better what kind of velocities can be achieved in this barrel length? I don't even know if the 9.3 version is available in the U.S. (maybe one of you knows?). I have a .358 Win and if velocity will be similar or no dramatic gain I will probably just by the 6.5x55 because that is another caliber I want to play with. Thanks, Sean

I don't have any load data handy for the 9.3X62, but my guess would be that you're looking at 250 gr bullets 2500-2600, and 286 gr 2300-2400 fps. It would definately be a step up from your 358, it's basically on par with the 35 whelen ackley, but available bullets are typically heavier then for the 35 bore. Go for it! The swede really needs a slightly longer tube to do its thing.

The short Mannlicher stocked rifle shows marginal loss of velocity while making the gun that much handier. The FS model is avaliable in the US from CZ USA

I picked up a CZ550 full stock in 9.3x62 about a year and a half ago, so they are definitely available. Bores over .35 have enough volume in a short barel to burn a sufficient amount of powder. Velocity loss is minimal. Small bore magnums are the cartridges that suffer from short barrels. European boar rifles in 9.3x62 use barrels as short as 18 inches. This cartidge picks up where the .358 stops, and can carry you into .375 H&H territory.

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Mine came from Florida, last in stock, with a box of Norma factory loaded 232 grainers. I've been loading 270 grain round noses and as much powder as i can cram into the case, no signs of pressure and the chrony tells me 2300 and change. I haven't tried any 286 grainers as of yet, but if and when i do i'll post the results. My guess is if you know where to look and who to ask, you can find anything you want, including a CZ550 in 9.3x62. I'm very happy with the rifle i've got, besides the follower which was plastic, the rifle was all wood and blued steel. I'm not entirely thrilled at the current velocity, but since i haven't shot at anything more lively than paper targets, i've got not field experience to comment on. I took it hunt two years in a row, but no luck either time. This year i'm going back to my original deer gun, 7.65 Argentine.

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cz550 lux and american models carry same caliber in 23.6" barrels...lux model is european style stock with iron sights,american is lower comb no sights model

550 fs with manlicher stock is only short length barrel in 550 family.

best price on a 550 can be found at www.pdmall.com go to gun shop,then cz connection -rifles-centerfire......$429.00

I have a CZ 550 9.3x62 FS. They are made and selling ...

There is the plain model with straight stock, which is too thin for me. Then the standard model which has a humpback stock with too much drop ( FS, too ). Its manageable, though.

Then there is the American model, straight stock, no sights. New is a "Excellent" ?? model with jeweled bolt.

The 9.3x62 falls in the "Medium" class with two cross bolts, along with the 7mmRM and the .300WinM. So the CZ is the gun for handloaders.

I would ( and have ) chosen the 9.3x62 for the short barreled model as it uses powders in the 4064 to 4350 burning range. The 6.5x55 thrives on slow powders, so could make bettter use of a longer tube. The 7x57 would also be an alternative.( there is also a thing called .308, but in CZ�s this comes with a detachable mag, and its no classic caliber )

Good shooting! Hermann

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