The whole topic of medium caliber rifles has brought out a project of mine. I've got an old Santa Barbara Mauser (M98) in .30-06 that I've been thinking about rebarreling to something less vanilla for years. I just couldn't decide on a caliber.

A couple of years ago I put a new trigger on it and last year I bought a Choate stock (ugly but stiff enough to drive nails with). Now a 9.3x62 barrel is looking interesting.

Is 22" or 21" too short for good ballistics with that cartridge? Any info on where to locate factory ammo in the CONUS would be appreciated too.

I'd like to end up with something short and handy and airline baggage handler proof.

Rick

22" will be fine. I got a bunch of 9.3 X 62 stuff from Midsouth, if I recollect correctly. - Dan

Last time I was surfing Graf's they had some loaded ammo, dies, and components for the 9.3.

Badger Barrels cuts this size hole and will build it to your specs no extra charge .

www.badgerbarrels.com (262)857-6950

You may want to look at LOTHAR-WALTHER barrels. They are suppososed to be good barrels. I've got one (9.3X62) ordered for my 1909 M-98. You can get one 23.6" long chambered,crowned and threded for $159+shipping.

[ 05-07-2003, 19:09: Message edited by: TC1 ]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the replies, now I just need to get everything lined up and do it.

As I only live about five miles from Douglas barrels, I'll probably get one of their tubes installed, they've done pretty well by me so far.

Rick

you will never regret using a Lothar Walther barrel, that is all I use these days and they earned it with me...

Be sure and use the Lapua brass, it is the best.

Norma ammo came UPS yesterday, I had it delivered to the Sheriff's Department I work for. Any box that gets delivered is opened and inspected by purchasing, several guys were "OOHing and Ahing" over 232gr Vulcans until a friend said "If I know Rick that's for a pistol" .

New scout scope rail and peep sight came today.

Rifle went to barrel guy for new 24" tube tonite. Any suggestion as to the rate of twist for a rifle that will probably use bullets no heavier than the 286 grainers?

I found Lapua brass and ammo cheaper than I paid for the Norma stuff after I ordered. Live and learn. Next step, dies, brass(Lapua) and bullets.

Interestingly enough my friend at Douglas said that when he started there years ago they received orders for a few 9.3 barrels a year, now it's up to several a month with very few going overseas.

Stay tuned, more to follow

Rick

Rick,
Where did you find the best price on the Laupa brass and ammo? Do you have a web site for them?

SBT,

The only place so far for Lapua was Graf and Sons
http://www.grafs.com/index.cfm . But their Lapua ammo was @ $30.00 for twenty where the Norma I got was over $40.00. Gotta learn to be a better shopper.

If someone finds a better price let me know.

Rick