I was finally able to pick up my new Ruger Express Re-bore conversion in 9.3x62 Mauser. Wow what a nice rifle. I plan to take it deer hunting in the next few weeks but I'd like to work up a load for it in the next week. I have some cheap factory ammo but want to load up some 286grn Noler Partions. Every other hunting rifle I shoot is a magnum 7mm on up to my 500 Jeffery so I universally use Fed 215m primers. Yesterday I picked up some Win LR primers for the 9.3 but then thought what about the 215m's they've never let me down and work great. I was hoping someone who has more experience with this cartridge might chime in on this topic? I plan to hunt in the mountains at 6,000ft and don't anticipate it being colder than 20 F. I'm leaning towards 58.5 grn's of RE15 as my max load with that bullet since Nosler and quick loads seem to be ok with that powder charge.


Thanks Brad

Brad you bring up a good point..

I use & always have used Large Rifle of W-W, Fed & Remington..
All manuals I've seen indicate the use of Large Rifle Primer..

"BUT" The new Hornady manual list their data using W-W "LARGE RIFLE MAGNUM"

For what it's worth to you.. Varget has been my go to in all my 9.3X62's including my Ruger Express same as yours..

Bullet= 286grn. Woodleigh, Swift, Hornady
Varget=57.0
Case=Horn
Pri.=WW/Fed Lg. rifle
Vel=2420fps. (Horn bullets avg.2435fps)

I'm interested in what others have to say regarding conflicting data of Large Rifle vs. Large Rifle Magnum..

I load all of my 34 big game rifles with magnum primers, except my .308Win. practice loads and always have. In my almost 44 years of active handloading and this for well in excess of 100 big game rifles of my own during that time plus quite a number for other shooters, I have found this to work very well.

I have had seven 9.3x62 rifles since May, 2006 and currently have three, an original very choice Oberndorf Type B, a factory original Brno ZG-47 now in a Micky Edge with Satterlee safety and I just got a CZ-550 and have a Micky AHR stock and safety for it. I have loaded a few hundred rounds for these rifles, using only CCI 250 and Winny Magnum primers under top loads of RE-15 and Ramshot Big Game and I consistently get sub-moa groups with 286NPs, Hornadys and using 4x scopes with my 65 year old eyes.....perfect, IMO and I wish I had these rigs when I started this as they are superb for serious BC bush uses.

That is what I have found and I would go with the magnum primers and never look back. HTH.

I've used Fed 215M in 30-06 for ball powder in the past without problems. As long as you are working up and not starting at max charges from a standard primer load, you should be Ok. You may or may not get better accuracy, kind of a crap shoot.

There is no reason you shouldn't work up your load with a magnum primer.....just write it in your records.....that said, I don't think it's at all necessary!

I,ve loaded for the 9,3x62 for 20 years and have never used a magnum primer for it, or felt I needed one..
A magnum primer is not necessary with the medium burning powders in the x62.

The only thing you gain is a little more(relatively unstable) pressure....

M

Thanks so far for the input. I had a situation a while back with some possibly bad CCI primers and have been sacared to shoot anything but Fed 215m's. I guess I'll try the win LR primers and see what happens for now. I may try both and see if I notice a difference at some point in the future.

Brad

Brad

Glad you got the rifle & you love it. A couple of points

The 9.3X62 loads in the Nosler manual are well below the mauser action capacity of 60,000 PSI.

You can go up to 2550 2495 fps with the 286 gr bullet and be safe - see John Barsnes' pressure tests at the Ramshot lab.

Your above load will barely give you 2400 fps - I presume you will chronograph the load.

I do not expect any big differnece in using 215 primers - may be 25 fps more with a bit more pressure.

In that caliber, I would just stick to Lapua Mega and Privi Partizan bullets - low cost and good enough for bufalo.

You could also try the ramshot double based ball powders with 215 primers. Barsness had great results with that powder.

I hope you find the info I sent you useful. I will be keenly following your posts.

Cheers

EDITED NOTE: SOrry my memory failed me - Barsness got 2495 with ramshot powder. Be safe & have fun.

"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."

John Barness, whom I have had many friendly discussions with concerning guns, hunting and mountain life in general, uses a load of 65 grs. of Ramshot Big Game and states that this gives him 2475 fps-mv in his CZ-550, with it's 23.6" barrel.

I load 66 grs. for my beloved old Oberndorf Type B and this gives sub-moa groups at 100M. I load the 65 grs. in my factory original Brno ZG-47 in 9.3 and this is VERY accurate, but, the primers flatten a bit more than I care for and since this is a customized wilderness rifle, I will cut this load to 63-64 grs.

I have a CZ just like John's and since I just got it, I have not shot it. However, it has the same 23.6" bbl, and I would expect very similar velocities to what he is getting with the same loads.

I do not think that one can get 2550 with the 286 NP or Hornady safely in any rifle with a bbl length that most factories produce.

Yo Brad,

Congratulations on your new rifle - I hope it brings you alot of pleasure.

As far as primers go I've never loaded a 9.3x62, or a 9.3x72R or 9.3x74R with a magnum primer and I've loaded a few of each. I think your WLR primers will be just fine - I also use the WLR's in my current batches of 9.3 loads, too. Never had a hickup, accuracy is sterling.

For Deer you'll be well-served, maybe even overly so for Deer with the Partitions but they're certainly a fine bullet in this cartridge. Currently, there's many good .366" bullet options on the market and I've never had one of many different brands let me down. For the upcoming Drive Hunt season here in The Fatherland I've 50 each of 286 gr. Hornady's and PMP Round Noses loaded, they work great for the task at hand.

I always appreciate reading the velocities obtained from this cartridge; especially with some of the longer tubes - it must be some kinda new "Wunderkind" with an extended barrel.

This cartridge earned it's reputation with a 286 gr, bullet-o right at @ 2300+ fps, where it does Yeoman duty. Don't get me wrong ..... like others, I too appreciate eaking all the potential outa loads for my cartridges but haven't had a .366" bullet bounce off an animal yet at the sedate velocity noted above. It really isn't difficult to find Nirvana when loading this cartridge, if Diana graces you with a smile this Deer hunting season you'll be a True Believer in the 9.3x62!

Waidmannsheil.

I am so thrilled with this. I still need to get really good at reloading without taking the rifle off my shoulder. I used the front trigger & rapid fire of about 15 to 20 seconds.

Interesting question. I've done a lot of experimenting with various powders in the 9.3x62. In short, the only powder that I couldn't get to match published loads was H414, and I'm wondering if it was because I used a magnum primer. In some circumstances with other cartridges I've noticed that a magnum primer gives reduced velocity and I think it might be because the magnum primer is so powerful that it moves the bullet before powder combustion fully starts. I would like to try it with a regular primer next to see what the results might be...

In addition to the 9.3x62 rifles I have had since I first bought my Obie Type B, I have a Merkel drilling in 9.3x74R-12 ga. and have loaded for it during the 13 years since I bought it. I have always used the same magnum primers for this cartridge and with excellent results.

I sometimes use my hunting rifles in cold conditions at the end of the season and I feel that the magnum primers offer a bit more in such conditions. The Merkel gives 2400fps with 286 NPs and .6" groups with it's 4x scope, so, I consider this a good load. YMMV.

For what it's worth: the blue RWS reloading ''bible'' suggets the use of standard primers.

I use Federal 210 exclusively in my 9.3x62s as it has from 4% to 8% more capacity than a 30-06. I used 215s a few times with the same loads and the results were loads that were too hot..

I suggest you load down 2 grs. below your max with 215 primers...

I see no reason not to use 215s if your satisfied with the accuracy, and understand the load must be some less than those used with 210s, in most rifles. most loading books use 210s or the equivelent..

Great caliber btw.

I use WLRs/RL15/286NPs in both of my 62s. I have no complaints..

My standard 9,3x62 load is 286 gr NPTs w RL-15 on Graf or Norma cases with WLR (for standard or Magnum loads) primers.

I got to 2425 fps a bit before the load you mention with 24" Douglas barrels.

Follow good reloading practices and work up!

My standard load has been extremely effective. Has taken small stuff (Impala, warthog, Reedbock) and medium stuff (Kudu, Wildebeast) with genuine ease. Have never recovered a bullet ... all pass throughs. Most have been DRTs.

Knocks the snot out of feral hogs and whitetails ... DRTs are common! Literally knocked over a 225 pound piggie last trip. Great chambering

The case doesn't need magnum primers but if you have a supply of 215's use them. Saves confusion at the reloading bench.

58 grains of either 2208/Varget (less temp sensitive than other powders) or 58grains of RE-15 with 285/286 projectile are common accuracy loads for the 9.3x62. It is a load that keeps being mentioned time and again and is what works in my rifle.

The 9.3x62 is not about velocity. It doesn't need velocity to work well. Go for the most accurate load.

You will love it.

quote:

Originally posted by Code4:
Go for the most accurate load.

Exactly, and that can be with both standard as well as with magnum primers, you have to test that in your own rifle
Here is what Sven-Eric Johansson write about different primers in his book “Allt om krut & lite till” (same as “Everything about powders and a little more”)

quote:

Primers
We also compared different primers in caliber .30-06. The tests were carried out with the new brass manufactured by Norma and with 180 grain bullet Norma Oryx. All the cartridges were loaded with the same powder and same charge weight. The shots are shot at 20 degrees Celsius. We have previously seen in a sample reported that difference between blasting primers is not so great at room temperature. When one lowers the temperature to degrees below zero, you get a much bigger difference. Here we have the highest pressure is 400, l MPa and the lowest is 387.9 MPa i.e. a difference of 3%. The difference in speed is only l%. The differences is not that big, but big enough to avoid mixing the blasting primers. Differences can also be more with other primer lots, gunpowder lots and brass lots.

quote:

Originally posted by metric:
The only thing you gain is a little more(relatively unstable) pressure....

When reloading, always keep an eye on your base expansion, Norma engineers say that 1 – 2 hundreds of a millimeter in expansion and you are around maximum pressure with that case

Measure here before and after you fire your loaded round

I have loaded literally hundreds of rounds of 9.3x62, and I have used CCI 250 primers in them all.

I have been loading and hunting with the 9.3x62 since 2000 and have never used a magnum primer. My powder of choice is Vihtvuori.

My CZ 9.3X62 and I say no.

I don't have a 9.3x62, but, I do have a 375 H&H/35 Whelen/300 Weatherby/6.5x55/257 Roberts/38-55 winchester, and have been using Magnum Primers for the past 30 years with no problems. Don't sweat the small chit.

Thanks everyone for the info. Last week I loaded up some with the WLR primers and had two not fire out of about 12 rounds? I've had this happen with other rifles when I haven't use Fed 215M primers. So today I loaded up some different powder IMR 4064 and used both the WLR and Fed 215M I'll see how they shoot and report back. It may be that the Graf brass primer pockets are way too deep don't know for sure. I think I'll order some Nosler brass or hornady when I get a chance. Deer starts in about 3 weeks so I have to get it together pretty quick. I still have plenty of other rifles to fall back on but I really want to use my 9.3x62.

Thanks Brad

quote:

had two not fire out of about 12 rounds?

Had twelve rounds feed into the rifle. Pull the trigger twelve times. It went bang 10 times. Tried to refire the two duds wouldn't fire even though primer had a solid strike.

Brad

I would send those primers to the manufacturer and ask for an explanation. I am surprised to hear of this from WLR Primers. I have had this happen with a whole bunch of Vitahvouri primers I tried a few yeras argo. They were rather hard and would fir on the second shot. So I just used them on fire form loads for my 280 Ack Imp.

What kind of accuracy & velocities are you getting. I found Varget (AR 2208) to be the best powder as per the data I sent you.

quote:

Originally posted by Brad aka Pill Shooter:
Had twelve rounds feed into the rifle. Pull the trigger twelve times. It went bang 10 times. Tried to refire the two duds wouldn't fire even though primer had a solid strike.

Brad

I had the same issues with some Norma Brass & WW Lg Rifle primers.. Pockets were simply too deep.. Strike alway's looked good.. I went to Fed210 & everything worked great.. Simply went to Hornady brass & all primers now work as advertised.. Threw out the Norma to make sure no future issues could arise..

It think that this happens a lot more than people talk about. I had this issue with CCI Mag primers when a few years back I couldn't get my Fed 215's. I talked with their head primer guy and he had me load up 20 fresh cases with primers only and fire them. Of course they all worked fine. The loads that I had were close to max and I'm thinking it may have some thing to do with primer pocket depth and heavy full case charges some how not working together. I'm going to try some 4064 with 215 mag and WLR primers and see how they group. I agree Graf brass is way out of spec since I've already tossed 15 case because they wouldn't fit in my RCBS #3 shell holder bad sign since I've never had to toss brass because of this. I may go ahead and order some Hornady brass since I've had good luck with my 416 Rigby and 458 Lott with their brass. Thanks for the heads up on the Norma brass. I'll keep everyone posted as the story unfolds.

Thanks Brad

Never have used magnum primers, see no need to do so. My CZ American will shoot MOA with my loads using standared primers. Don't want to mess with something that works. Any increase in velocity would be meaningless anyway.

I use magnum primers in belted cases and regular in all the rest.

A pictures worth a thousand words. I guess I'll stick with my Federal 215M's after all.

Thanks Everyone

Brad

What happens if you increase the powder load 1 grain in your LR round?

M

RL 15 is a double base powder.
I'd start with a magnum primer.

A little additional info. I recieved some loaded ammo from the guy who sold me the rifle IMR 4064 54.0grn with speer 270's it grouped about the same as the fed 215 group so I thought that the rifle might like this load. I may go back to RE15 after hunting season however at this point I'll stick with the above load. Oh by the way I had one miss fire using WLR on the above group took it out of the rifle and tried to fire it a second time it fired. At this point I'm very happy with the above group.

Thanks Brad

Great stuff Brad. Nothing like real tight groups to fall really in love and gain full confidence in the rifle! Happy hunting.

Just to train onto this thread... Does anyone shoot Barnes TSX 286 grainers over RE15?

I used the max load listed in the Barnes manual of 51 grains of RE15 and it felt like a squib load! The chronograph showed a consistent 1870 FPS, so it was practically a squib load. I had always read that the all copper bullets increased pressure, but this was a ridiculously slow "maximum" load.

Anyone have any experience? This is my first try with Barnes bullets and their load data.

Thanks,
Dave

A7Dave

I think you have a typo on the max load. It should be 60gr or 61` gr of Re15 & not 51 gr for the 286 gr bullets!!

Check this out http://www.realguns.com/loads/93x62mm.htm

This site has been updated with Re17 in place of Re15.

A while ago they had 60 gr of Re15 as max for Barnes TSX 286gr bullets.

PM me if you want some good info on 9.3X62 articles, bullet tests loads etc.

Cheers

That is MOST interesting, as John Barsness gives a load of 65-66 grs. max. of Ramshot BG under 286 grs. for about 2575-2500 fps-mv in hunting rifles.

I have 66 grs. under the 286 NPs in my 74 yr. old Oberndorf Type B in 9.3 and it shoots sub-moa with a 4x Leupy and my 65 year old eyes. I loaded 65 grs. with the Nosler in my 1956 Brno ZG-47 factory 9.3, among the finest rifles I have ever held in my hands and one that shoots like most target rifles are supposed to and the primers are flattened a bit, but, extraction is fine.

Does anyone know and the above are with mag. caps, if the primer pockets on Lapua brass, which is what I have 300 of for my ZG are deeper than the Norma or Graf cases I also have hundreds of? I have never used Lapua before and am curious as to what the flattened primers are a result of, as the load "should" be kosher according to JB and he has always written sound advice on handloading.