I recently read Taylor's "African Rifles...", and was surprised by the fps he cited for this cartridge, namely 2175 fps for the 285 gn load. I believe modern factory stuff is more than 200 fps faster.

Was Taylor's memory off, or were the early German loadings that slow? Perhaps modern powders are enough slower that the fps can be safely increased without endangering the shooters of older guns.

Karl

asdf,

Interesting point - my take on it is thus.

Modern factory loads are actualy around the 2,200fps mark with 286gr bullets. Ignore the RWS velocities they are hugely optimistic.

Handloaders get more out the of the 9.3x62 by one or all of 3 methods:-

Increasing COL to fit more and or slower powder in

Increasing pressure levels

Using double base powders eg RL15 etc.

This old 9.3x62 using the partition cannelure as it was designed ie crimping, with a single base powder just manages 2,300fps from a 24" barrel. Working load is 2,250fps.

No need to get over this for the sorts of effects that the round is famed for.

"No need to get over this for the sorts of effects that the round is famed for."

Actually, that was the information I was looking for -- thanks for the reply.

Karl