Hey Guys

Most of the time you will find me up on the Big Bores, but I think maybe it's time to introduce my 9.3 B&M here.

The cartridge is based off my B&M Series, 50 B&M-458 B&M-416 B&M and now 9.3 B&M. It is a cut and formed RUM case with overall case length at 2.240 inches. Rifle is a Winchester M70 WSM action, 20 inch barrel.

I just received my dies last week, but have managed to get in some test work, 2cd generation load data thus far. Currently I am at 2650 fps with 250 gr bullets and 2450 fps with 286 gr bullets. I have 3rd generation loads ready, just have not had the time this week.

For myself it extends my series of cartridges, and gives me a medium caliber to complement the bigger bores. This is the smallest diameter I can go in the WSM actions, 358 and less the bullets start to get too long to fit in the magazine. So .366 is it. I have zero experience in the field with 9.3, a good bit with 358 and 338. So I am looking forward to taking the 9.3 out soon. Let me know what you think!

Michael,

Very nice addition to the set! Medium and heavy calibers now well covered.

Very nice! I'm doing an MRC short action in the 376 Steyr necked to 9.3 with no other change. Any idea about the difference in case capacity?

Jim
Thanks. I think so too..


tigger

No not really sure. No experience with the 376.
The 9.3 B&M has a capacity of 86 grs full. Useable around 75 or so I think. Currently I am only at or around 65 grs of AA 2520 so far. Not 100% sure yet, but AA 2520 looks good, IMR 4064 is doing well, IMR 4320 looks good. But I have a long way to go before some things are decided. I have found that each step down from 500 caliber in this case has shown some different powder preferences. I also think the 9.3 is going to show some different pressure signs from the bigger bores too.

Anyway, so far so good. Like I said I have no experience in the field with 9.3. I would like to hear some experiences from the field, especially bullet terminal performance and what have you. I will be conducting tests with bullets soon. My goals for the cartridge are 2500 fps with 286s and 2650 with 250s. I am there and nearly there with only the 2cd generation loads, I suspect I will not only make my goals but exceed them to a point.

Thanks
Michael

The 376 is 80.0/73.4 in original form so they're pretty close. The 376 is an odd case though, not easily made from anything other than a 9.3x64 which is a rarity in itself.

Michael, very cooool

Ol Bull

Thanks!!!!!!!

Well today I went just a tad over 2500 fps with a 286 Hornady!

Getting there.

Michael

OK 9.3 shooters, I would like to hear about how 9.3 performs in the field?

Anybody??

Michael

The 9.3x64 is great on moose.

Your project looks and sounds great! Although, I would have thought you'd be getting 358 Norma capacities.
Still sounds good though.


I noticed Montana short action has a "3.125 mag length.
Should free up a bit more powder space.

9.3X62 286GR TSX VAPORIZED THIS AOUDAD, The guides were telling us if you shoot an aoudad high it wont bleed and you will never find it. Russ (guy on the left) shot this sheep high and uner the spine barely hit the lungs and this thing died in its tracks (no blood), it hit the ground faster then i could blink, I was watching it through my binos and flinched on the shot after, there was no movement nothing! I dont know if this was a freak incident or a heart attack, I assume the shock killed him.

Also this rifle was punching through a wood stump and shooting side by side a 375ultra mag with 300 gr A frames vs 9.3 286 Tsx the 9.3 was blowing throug the stump and the 375 ultra was not, I assume the tsx were not opening just acting like solids but I dont know for sure.


RIFLE
Bijou Creek WIN PRE 64 24.5" BBL khales 3-9x42 detachble mounts w/ iron sights

I think your 9.3 B&M is going to vaporize everything in its trajectory

I necked up a 300wsm to a 9.3 on a computer program and it showed potential but never took it any further, now that you have done all the work we will just buy your B&M brass (do you have them in the works or?)

.366

I have heard so much good about the 9.3 that I wanted to give it a try, and especially with many good bullets easy available. My B&M case is the RUM cut and trimmed to 2.25--then start squeezing. The 50- 458 and the 416 have been very successful. Going further down 9.3 is the minimum and continue to keep overall cartridge length with magazine length. The useable case capacity has surprised me too, to keep in line with pressures with most suitable powders I am at 64 grs AA 2520 right now with the 286 Hornady, and beginning to get to the top end, at a touch over 2500 fps. For instance in the 458 version 78 grs of AA 2520 pushes a 450 gr bullet at 2250 fps. So dropping bore diameter has made a big difference in usable capacity and pressures, which would be logical.

I am trying a variety of different powders I have on hand, but so far AA 2520 is leading the pack. This also happens to be the top powder for the 416 B&M. In the 458 AA 2520 is tops for the heavier bullets of 450-500 grs.

BijouCreek

I have plenty of TSX in 250 and 286 that I will get too soon. Trying to do most of the work and load development with the cheaper Hornady and then carry over to the other bullets, TSX and Woodleighs, and Swifts. I am looking hard at two new boxes of 250 gr Swift As I just got in this week!

VERY NICE RIFLE---You know it's Winchester or nothing for me!

I have not got with Pete at Quality yet on the brass. 9.3 is so new, only started with it a couple of weeks ago when I received the dies, I really have not had time to get brass started. We have brass for everything else. However at some point I will get Pete to head stamp some.

Excellent info! Thanks.

Michael

Michael, only one cow elk to it's credit but my 9.3x64 with a 286 Nosler Partion @ 2500fps sure did the job. My rifle is a rechambered CZ550FS.

This is the original 35Sambar[35wsm]Rifle, that achieved 250gn-2700mv
http://www.kopjerifles.com/ima...nt_35sambar%2070.jpg

http://www.kopjerifles.com/ima...test_bj_35sambar.jpg

Ol Bull

That's good info. Friday I think it was, I hit 2510 or so fps with a 286 Hornady in the 9.3 B&M.

The more I play with this little 20 inch gun the better I like it. I think 9.3 is going to be great to carry along with say the 458 or 50s! It might make the 416 B&M obsolete however! I have been using the 416 B&M as the light caliber rifle for the same chores that I might expect the 9.3 to excel at!

Trax

Interesting rifle, but with a barrel that long I would expect it could hit 2700 with a 250. So I am not too surprised. Nice.

Michael

I really like your wildcat 9.3 - cool.

Here's a picture of my wildcat 9.3/338 - the two outside cartridges loaded with Nosler AB and BT. For comparison the cartridge in the middle is a Remington factory 225 gr 338WM, and the other two are Norma factory 9.3x62.



For background on my choice of using the 338WM brass as the basis. First = simplicity. Also notice the overall length of the 9.3/338 cartridge is basically the same as the 338. Since the 358 Norma brass is more difficult to get and more expensive is not the only reason I chose to not go with it. OAL was the main issue. 358 Norma brass is slightly longer, so the magazine box length would be an issue with the bullet seated to normal depth. The OAL issue would be even more trouble using 300WM brass. I wanted to use the action I had, which is a Ruger. The 338 fits and feeds great, and so does the 9.3 wildcat based on the same brass.

At the time I committed to the project, Ruger had not announced the 375 Ruger, but if they had, I would most likely have used that brass as a basis - if I went on with the project at all.

I have cronographed the loads several times using two different cronys and got a little over 2800 fps, with very little deviation. The only loads I have cronographed were 250 gr Nosler BT, and RL 15 powder.

I tried the rifle for accuracy at 300 yards about a week ago, and again I was dissappointed. It must be technique. I can get excellent groups with most of my rifles at 100 yards, but I can't come close to the groups some of you show at 300 yards. Mine are more like 8" + groups at that range. I'm gonna keep working at it though. At least I can hit the 10" gong at 300 yds easily.

KB

Hi KB

I expected you to show up! Glad you dropped by too. One of the main reasons I decided to go ahead with my 9.3 B&M was the fact that I liked my 9.3X338 Winchesters too!

Here you see two Winchester M70s in 9.3X338.

I have not used them in the field, and I also have not pushed the outer limits with them. I have only taken the 250 Nosler to just a tad over 2700 fps. Pushing 286s at around 2550 fps. This is where I stopped with them. I am in full agreement with you concerning plentiful brass for 338 Winchester, and just run them thru the size die expanding to 9.3 and it's done. Easy! If you are having accuracy issues I suggest you try something besides the 250 Nosler bonded bullet. I have found that with most calibers I have tried them they come up a bit short in that area, and are very finicky about powder. If I were a betting fellow I would say your groups would tighten up a good bit with a Barnes TSX, or even the good old Hornady 286.

While I really like my 9.3X338s they come in about a 1 1/2 lbs heavier than my 9.3 B&M, and a tad longer as with that case I think one needs at least 22 inch barrels, and both my 9.3X338s are 22 inch tubes.

Now to go on with my 9.3 story, about 6 months ago or so I had a 9.3 Ultra, full length rifle done. Win M70 with a 24 inch barrel. Can't tell you why, but I really lost some interest in it for some reason. I have only managed to get the 1st generation load data shot with it. Just starting loads. Maybe this winter I will get back on it. Should be a smoking cartridge, but honestly it is a big gun too! 9 lbs dry! With a 24 inch tube it is starting to get long.

Well anyway good stuff all of it I think!

Thanks, tell us more, I will look at some of my load data on 9.3X338 and get back with you.

Michael

Darn Michael, I just drooled on my keyboard.

I'm still having fun with my wildcat on the Ruger, but I know what you mean about the extra weight and overall lenght of the rifle. I don't know the actual weight of mine, but it is a beast. However, the recoil is something too. I have to pay attention when shooting to keep the scope out of my face. I noticed how close it comes on recoil because I had to take my ball cap off to keep the scope from hitting it.

Your concept of shorter and lighter is great. The ultra magnum full lenght is something I would lose interest in soon too.

I also agree that I should try other bullets, especially the Barnes. Other powder too. I might go back to using H4895 again and work up something with it. That powder seens rather forgiving when expirimenting, so I can start low, and work up gradually.

Yea, get back with me when you find your data.

KB

KB

Glad you liked them. They do shoot great!

The B&M rifle comes in at 7.5 lbs and 39 inches overall length with a 20 inch barrel. Big difference out in the field all day!

The data is on the other computer, in the morning I will boot it up and get back with you. Currently I have forgot what I did with the 9.3X338s.

Michael

KB

In looking this morning at my load data for 9.3X338 I have been using RL 15 as probably the top powder--that I have on hand--for the cartridge.

WW760 did take the 250 Nosler to 2738 fps--but I considered it maxed out there. RL 15 took mine to 2731 fps with 68 grs.

I explored IMR 4350---V-N550---Good, but not RL 15.

I am very sure you have much more data on the cartridge than I do. Basically I got to a point with it I was happy with and stopped.

With the 9.3 B&M I will explore it a great deal more, because it is one of my own and I need to know where it can go and the limits. As good as it is at this point I may even explore a second rifle with an 18 inch barrel at some point. Yes, will loose some velocity, but how much and will it be worth it for the two less inches??? Maybe? I did this with the 416 B&M and on some loads lost as much as 75-90 fps with those two inches---on other loads I lost nearly nothing?? I suspect the 9.3 may react the same. But with 250s at 2650 and 286s at 2500 I might could loose some velocity without sacrificing terminal bullet performance. I will be doing some bullet tests in the next few weeks to determine some of these questions.

I would be interested in some of your data on the 9.3X338?

Feel free to email me at michael458@earthlink.net maybe to share some information!

Thanks
Michael

I shoot a 9.3x62 in a 19" barreled R93 Tracker.

I have had great performance with the cheap 286 Privi factory loads nad my 250 grain Swift A Frame hand loads. I've used it in Hawaiian boar and deer here at home. I don't think the shorter barrel has much effect, however my hand loads don't hot rod the cartridge much. I like moderate velocity and accurate loads. I did take a gemsbok with my 250 SAF loads at 287 yards with the x62 on my first African hunt a number of years ago. So even moderate velocity and a good bullet can rech out and take care of business.

I am going to try the 250 Accubonds in it soon, but the summer is slipping away quickly so that project may have to hold off a while.

I also shoot the 9.3x64 and the 286 North Fork bullets have proven an excellent round in that rifle. I'll get some further testing with that one in Mozambique in September.

Your rifle looks great. I like the 9.3s so much it's tempting me to have something made up just like it.

Now if it were not for that darn left handed thing, it would be a lot easier.

Good luck.

I can't see what your 9.3 B&M does that a 9.3X64 or even a hot loaded 9.3X62 can do. If I want more than my 9.3X62 I would go with a .375H&H or Ruger.

Chopper

Thanks for the info. Glad you like the rifle too. So far it is doing very good and I am pleased with the progress.

Too bad you are left handed--a handicap when looking for bolt guns. Winchester made a fair amount of WSMs in left hand guns, they are out there. I have a pal that is left handed and he has a 50 B&M left hand gun and building a 416 B&M.

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by Remington720:
I can't see what your 9.3 B&M does that a 9.3X64 or even a hot loaded 9.3X62 can do. If I want more than my 9.3X62 I would go with a .375H&H or Ruger.

Hi Remington

I think if we all had that sort of attitude we might still be chunking rocks to do our hunting!

For that matter what does a 375 Ruger do a 375 H&H won't do?

For me if I want more than 9.3 I am not concerned about 375 anything, I will go to 416 or better.

The jest of the 9.3 B&M is not the fact that it can or does something better than anything else. I am proud that it has come to at least equal some of the great 9.3s. The 9.3 B&M is a medium caliber addition to my B&M series rifles that are built on Winchester M70 WSM actions with 18 inch and 20 inch barrels. Makes for a compact, and powerful, light, short handy package. Rifles depending on the stock come in at 6.25 to 8 lbs. The other cartridges are 50 B&M, a .500 caliber 18 inch gun that can chunk 510 gr bullets at 2100 fps. Squeeze down to 458 B&M capable of 450 gr bullets at 2200 fps+ and 500s at 2150 fps. Squeeze down again to 416 B&M and you have 400 gr bullets at 2300 fps and 350s at 2450 fps--all these done on 18 inch barrels, I have a couple each of the 458 and 416 versions with 20 inch tubes. The 18 inch guns go 38 inches overall length.

Now the 9.3 is a medium to compliment the others. At 7.5 lbs and overall length of 40 inches it makes a nice little gun to carry and handle all day.

You see Rem--it's not just the cartridge alone one must look at, it's the whole package. Sure, one cartridge is just as good as another in many many cases---God knows how many different 300 this and that is out there? It's a package deal buddy---Platform, cartridge, bullet combination!

Michael

quote:

For me if I want more than 9.3 I am not concerned about 375 anything, I will go to 416 or better.

Michael

+1 and a big to that statement.

My next step up from the 9.3 is to a .411 bore.

I can't believe any critter would know the difference of .009", a few grains of bullet weight or even a small difference in velocity/FPS. All of which are so close in the 9.3 v. 375 argument. (That's if the 9.3s are loaded to their full potential.)

quote:

Originally posted by michael458:
The jest of the 9.3 B&M is not the fact that it can or does something better than anything else.

At 7.5 lbs and overall length of 40 inches it makes a nice little gun to carry and handle all day. It's a package deal buddy---Platform, cartridge, bullet combination!

Michael

+ 1! It succeeded extraordinarily well!

That's right - it's the package deal -- platform, cartridge, & bullet in combo. I started by thinking about the 9.3x64, then realized that the dies cost as much as custom dies, and the brass was scarce then and unavailable now. Then I compared case capacity and found the 338WM case to be very close to the same capacity as 9.3x64 RWS brass.

Then I thought about the cost of modifying an action for the X64, and realized I had a good action for the belted magnum, with no feeding issues. So, basically I've got the equivilent to the 9.3x64 and brass is readily available. It's certainly not better than the 9.3x64, but I handload anyway. I could get only 3 + 1 cartridges in the rifle either way.

I think that if the 9.3x338 has any ballistic advantage over the 9.3x62, it is mostly moot as a practical matter. However, I'm also thinking that the wildcat will sqeeze enough extra performance to matter from such bullets as the 286 Barnes TSX and the Swift 300 gr. which take up a lot of capacity in the x62 case.

KB

Chopper

Nah, I don't think that .009 is going to be noticed by anything. Way more important to have a proper bullet for the job at hand than .009 difference.

.411 is interesting.


Tigger
I think so too-so far!


KB

With the 9.3X338 You made an excellent choice and there is zero downsides to this cartridge.

My blue rifle was a 7mm Remington I had picked up, liked that stock that was on it. The other rifle was a stainless 300 Winchester and I put a Accurate Innovations stock on it. What load data I have was done with the blue gun. The stainless gun has not been fired 20 times yet. I got busy with other projects and about as far as I got with it was a few test loads and sight in the irons.

I still have several 300 Winchesters on the shelves trying to figure out something to do with them??? I was going to make a standard length, 2.65 inch 500 MDM, Capoward and I have been all over that for the last couple of weeks, but these standard Winchester boxes and metal are too much work to convert to the RUM based cases! LOTS of METAL work to do! More than it is worth undertaking. One probably would not have that issue with a Ruger at all I think!

Michael

I guess I got lucky and made my move into the 9.3x64 when brass was easy to find (I picked up 200 RWS) and dies were reasonable. I do like that cartridge.

However I am finding I use my 9.3x62 Tracker length rifle much more and it's fast becoming my go to rifle in the safe for most of the "big game" hunting I do.

The 9.3x.338 would have it's advantages using the 300 grain A frames for sure. I've always stuck with the 250 & 232 grain offerings in the x62 to minimize case intrusion bt the longer bullets.

I've found the 286 grain North Forks in the 9.3x64 to be a perfect combination of range/accuracy and knock down potential for my needs. Don't think I'd hesitate to use it on Cape Buff if the opportunity ever comes about. That being said, I would prefer something over .40 cal in that role.

This 9.3 B&M does have me lusting over it's nice handy package. Now I'm thinking about finding a Model 70 lefty for another conversion project.

Rats, just when the gun fund was getting back in shape from the last project.

Chopper

Your 9.3X62 Tracker? How long, what velocity?

Oh the North Forks are Premo!! I am sure they do anything one could ask of them.

I did some load data on the 9.3 today, but no real news to report. Just taking some data over to 250 Swifts-250 Barnes X and 250 Woodleighs.

Using different powders that I have on hand, trying lot's of things! When I make some significant strides I will keep things posted.

IMR 4064 is really starting to look good. If so, that means RL 15 should, and maybe IMR 4320 too. I am starting to push the RL 15 up and also using some IMR 4895 I had. AA 2520 looks good, but hit and miss with some bullets. Also pushing up the WW 748 and WW 760?

9.3 B&M is going to meet all my expectations, and I think will do well for me in the future. One thing, having to seat some bullets deep to keep over all length for the magazine, so without doubt this is the smallest diameter for the B&M case. Smaller 358 bullets would be too long for the magazine.

Lot's of left hand WSM guns, well not lot's of them, but a few on gunbroker.

Michael

michael458 , have you looked at the 9.3 BS that Charlie Sisk and another dreamed up on the 350 Rem Mag case.

Dave

I have read about the 9.3 BS. But it has been some time ago. But yes, I am aware of it.

Michael

Good looking round and sounds like a fun project. I don't know that you would gain much out of a longer tube, but 2,550 fps out of a 20 in. barrel aint too shabby shooting 386 grained pills. Sort of tweener betwixt the 62 and 64mm's. Any issues with feeding the action, or is it relatively smooth?

I currently shoot a cz 9.3x62 and did own a Chapuis sxs and a Ruger #1 both in a 9.3x74r. I have not yet had the chance to hunt the cz, but was fortunate enough to plug a couple of feral piggies up in the Texas panhandle a couple years ago with my Chapuis. I couldn't imagine a better hog killer, but recession meant no more doubles for me.

I had intentionally planned on converting the 9.3x62 into a 64mm to use as both a pg and dg gun, but I changed plans due to some vast conspiracy that has absolutely dried up Brenneke brass. Also, I had a couple of boxes of 62mm from superior ammo that I tried and found extremely accurate in my cz. Don't know that I need that additional 150=200fps with this killer.

I also once consider a 9.3/338 win mag profect as a means of duplicating Brenneke ballistics in a cheaper package (still would have had daggun belt though), but as I stated earlier, I really think I'm getting sufficient velocity out the 24 in. barrel in the american cz for any elk, plains game, hog, or bear I'll ever want to fart with.

Good luck on cooking up loads.

Good looking round and sounds like a fun project. I don't know that you would gain much out of a longer tube, but 2,550 fps out of a 20 in. barrel aint too shabby shooting 286 grained pills. Sort of tweener betwixt the 62 and 64mm's. Any issues with feeding the action, or is it relatively smooth?

I currently shoot a cz 9.3x62 and did own a Chapuis sxs and a Ruger #1 both in a 9.3x74r. I have not yet had the chance to hunt the cz, but was fortunate enough to plug a couple of feral piggies up in the Texas panhandle a couple years ago with my Chapuis. I couldn't imagine a better hog killer, but recession meant no more doubles for me.

I had intentionally planned on converting the 9.3x62 into a 64mm to use as both a pg and dg gun, but I changed plans due to some vast conspiracy that has absolutely dried up Brenneke brass. Also, I had a couple of boxes of 62mm from superior ammo that I tried and found extremely accurate in my cz. Don't know that I need that additional 150=200fps with this killer.

I also once consider a 9.3/338 win mag profect as a means of duplicating Brenneke ballistics in a cheaper package (still would have had daggun belt though), but as I stated earlier, I really think I'm getting sufficient velocity out the 24 in. barrel in the american cz for any elk, plains game, hog, or bear I'll ever want to fart with.

Good luck on cooking up loads.

maddenwh

Hi! I just finished another short load data session with the little 9.3! I raced ahead with AA 2520 and quickly got to 2650 with a 250 and 2500 with a 286. The last several sessions I have been trying to catch up with some other powders. IMR 4064--IMR 4320--RL 15 and several others, but concentrating on those.

Very nearly took a 250 over 2700 fps this morning. 2693 fps with a 250 Swift! No ill pressure effects yet.

So I continue to work with it. It is really a pleasure to shoot too. It really likes the 286 Hornady. Almost regardless of powder it's a 1 hole all rounds touching at 50 yds.

So far so good!

Michael

Hey Guys, Ammoguide Listed the 9.3 B&M and I just put in some load data if anyone is interested.
Michael

Michael please remind me what the B&M parent case is?

Michael458,

You asked for hunting experience with the 9.3.

http://forums.nitroexpress.com...=0&page=1#Post137292

You may find some good info here as well:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com...&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

May I say that is a nice package for a 9.3 wildcat with good velocities and from such a short barrel.

The lesson I learnt in Africa was that you don't need premium projectiles at standard 9.3x62 velocities. You are getting 150-200 fps more than I am getting in my 25" barreled 9.3x62 so IMHO the differences aren't going to be that much in the field.

I guess it comes down to the ranges you will be shooting your animals at and you will have to look at terminal velocities. I beleive A-Frames have a very good reputation at closer ranges as well as at longer distances.

If I was to create a wildcat for 9.3 premium projectiles such as the TSX or Woodleigh PPSN I would base it on something like the Remington Ultra Mag case in order to get sufficient terminal impact velocity.

Anyway food for thought. Useing standard projectiles is a bit boreing I'll admit. The 9.3x62 is however a bit like that, boreing, reliable, efficient and it does the job emphatically.

Michael,

I have two 9,3x62s. One is a CZ550 American with a 24" barrel. Got it cheap on ARBay from FourTails. Hellova deal! Liked it so much I build one from a VZ.24 with a 24" Douglas barrel on a cheap synthetic stock. Has custom QR mounts holding a 3-9x40MC Conquest or a 1.8-5.5 Conquest.

My standard load is the 286 grain Nosler with 58 gr of RL-15 on Graf cases ignited by WLR primers. Make right at 2425 in both rifles.

The rifles have taken Whitetails and piggies in the US. All have been one shot drop DRTs. It simply knocked over a 225 pound piggie at 100 yards in Texas.

Each of the 9,3x62s has been to Africa. They've taken several Impala, Warthog, Bushpig, Reedbock, Blue Wildebeast, and Kudu. Only the Kudu was not a DRT ... and he had not read "The Perfect Shot."

The 9,3 x 62 doesn't catch a lot of interest among most hunters and certainly doesn't seem to be glamorous in the least. It just works!

Hey Michael,
Opinions are like you know whats ... so this is opinion only.

I reckon the 9.3B&M should have been a 35cal. The 9.3s 'suffer' from being viewed as heavy pill cartridges ... from 250gr and above ... you hardly ever hear about the 232gr pills being used.

As a 35cal ... you could have opened the gate to the regular lightweight pills, plus mediums in the same range as the 9.3 and up to 310gr. Better yet ... you would have had the option of using a super-premium like a 200gr TSX. That buys you velocity, exceptional terminal performance and a stretch out trajectory for a medium rifle. I've seen 185gr TSX's from a 338Federal recovered from scrub bulls and by golly they are impressive! The 35cal's are fatter/shorter ... should be just as good.

Now ... I should admit I have a 358Win, 35Whelen, 350RemMag already in the safe ... so this 9.3 talk is just trash talk. Just ordered a 35cal barrel to get my 358CRG (35/300RCM) put together in a few months too.
Cheers...
Con

DHumbarger

The 50 B&M (.500)--458 B&M--416 B&M--9.3 B&M are based off a RUM cut and trimmed to 2.240 inches--all fit in Winchester M70 WSM actions.

Code4

Thanks! The 9.3 B&M is so far doing very well. You are correct, animal will not know the difference in 150 fps or so. I keep ranges within reason, not one of those long range guys! In fact, closer the better!

I in fact have a 9.3 Ultra, full length case at 2.85 inches. I have only done 1st generation load development before loosing interest. I have a 358 Ultra and 338 Ultra--now the 9.3. Problem is that these are BIG guns, long, barrels have to be at least 24 inches to burn that much powder in such a small bore! maybe later this winter I will work up some interest to fully develop the 9.3 Ultra.

As for standard projectiles, I am looking hard at the 286 Hornady! I think it might just be about perfect at 2500 or so.

Before too long I will be conducting some terminal ballistic tests with all the 9.3 bullets to see what is what!

Hey Mike
Good to hear from you! 286 Nosler, Partition? I am not working with those right now. Mostly the 286 Hornady so far. Using that one for development of loads, then move on to other 286 bullets.

I have some other fish to fry before I take the 9.3 to the field. I just finished a hunt in Australia where I put the 500 MDM and the 458 B&M to work on buffalo. In April I am going to Canada for a couple of musk ox, and will use the 416 B&M for that. But I have used the 416 version for other things in the past. In 2011 I plan to take one of the 500 MDMs to Zim for buffalo and elephant, maybe I can take the 9.3 then for some light work?

I think the 9.3 is great for what I want, and will do a good job for me. In the smaller WSm actions it is the smallest bore diameter I can go with and keep rounds the proper length in the magazine---358 bullets are too long for the case, and the magazine! So 9.3 will be my medium bore B&M.

Michael