I made the mistake of visiting the drilling forum, which made me recall that someday I'd like a drilling 12X12X9.3X72R. It also made me think that a Ruger #1 so chambered would be a right dandy rifle in it's own right.

My main concern is the availability of quality brass. I have a fairly low regard for Bertram brass, so I was wondering if there is an obtainable supply of quality brass for the 9.3X74R.

RWS 9,3x74R is available ... but you have to look for it.

Rumor has it that the new Norma brass is made the same place as RWS. The new Norma brass is not inexpensive but does weigh much closer to RWS than it used to (202 grains per old case to about 220 grains per each new case).

Both the new Norma and the RWS last much better than the old Norma.

PaulH, I just wanted to note that you mentioned 9.3x74 and in another place 9.3x72 in a drilling. The 9.3x72 is a much different cartridge, straight tapered case, originally a black powder round I believe with a 193 gr. bullet at about 38-55 velocities. The 9.3x74 is a high pressure much more modern round.

I've got an old drilling with a 9.3x72 and it's not something you really want to hunt "big" animals with. Ok for a close range deer gun though.

A No. 1 in 9.3x74 would be an excellent rifle.

Paul,

Don't know if you saw my post about the BGRC shoot at Lodi but a member there won several prizes with a beautiful 9.3x74R double. I could introduce you to him if you would like more information about ammunition and components. Do let me know.

Best wishes,

Paul: If you check the Master Index for Rifle and Handloader you will find an article a while back by Remington's Dieter Sturm about his experiences with a No. 1 built in this fine caliber. I would love to have one, too, as it is a classic caliber that would be very useful on North American game and a lot of the African stuff.

mstarling

Norma, RWS, Hirtenberger are all owned by RUAG.
I never experienced any problem with the old Norma brass since the cambers in my rifle were on the tight side.

Paul- Horneber makes brass with correct stamp and Sellier Bellot makes ammo.

Cheers
/JOHAN

Thanks for the input, I wasn't aware of the older 9.3X72R bp round, I'm definately interested in the "modern" 9.3X74R. If I ever had the spare change getting both a double and Ruger #1 so chambered would be a dandy practicle pair of rifles.

Paul... let me know how you go on your 9.3X74R. I have one NIB R#1 stainless in 45-70 on the chopping block... I was thinking just the same... a 9.3X74R would be nice. About a year ago I had one in 30-30 made up and boy did that turn out nice. Now this 45-70 will be a 25-35, a 450-400, or a 9.3X74R... I just cannot for the life of me decide on this one.

I had a #1-B rebarreled from 7mm Rem Mag to .405 Win in 2003. Took it to RSA, wacked a Wildebeest with one shot.

Now I kinda wish I'd gone the 9.3x74r route, it would have made a very classy rifle.

Oh Well, so many cartridges, so little range time...

BTW, Natchez Shooters Supply now carries RWS brass. They currently show 9.3x74R in stock at about $25/box of 20. Good stuff. I shoot it in my double.

http://www.natchezss.com

I like the idea of that loooong case in a Ruger #1. I have one done in .338x74Keith; the 9.3x74R necked down to .338 & slightly "improved". Very nice round in the #1. Makes me think a 9.3x74R would have been just as good.
Brass is readily available from Norma & RWS. I prefer the RWS, it has a thicker web and handles heavier loads longer (read head seps.).

@all

I have loaded the 9,3x74R as well. The accuracy of the cartridge is quite good. I’m getting a muzzle velocity of 833m/s with the 200 Grains bullet of Gian-Marchet®..

Below a picture of the loaded round:


Good shooting and good hunting
Collani