Any experience with this combo?

Thanks. -WSJ

I have used the 286 grain Hornady in a Vierordt SxS, a Merkel 140 SxS and a Westley Richards Farquharson all in 9.3x74R. I only used the rifles to shoot deer but they all did a fine job with that load. I also use the same bullet in my 9.3x62 Mauser. I think it's a great bullet for the price.

I agree with Steve.

I've just wrapped up a season of Drive Hunting for Wild Boar & Red Deer here in Europe with 100 rounds stoked with 286 gr. Hornady SP's in a 9.3x62 (not loaded to push the envelope, either) and certainly comparable with 9.3x74R velocities (they're extremely accurate in my 9.3x74R Drilling but so far only on paper).

The Hornady bullets performed admirably; superbly accurate and outstanding terminal performance from shoestring distance through; Ugh, Well, longish-h-h shots.

Gotta love that cannelure, in both cartridges with a Lee Factory Crimp Die, too, just load 'em up right to the upper edge of the cannelure and give them a good solid crimp - Voilá.

Overall, for the Value Factor; they rate right up there with the best, 'cause I've tried 'em all - my compliments to Hornady.

I just shot a bunch of them in my 9,3X74R today at the range. They shoot great and if you do a search on the terminal bullet performance thread, you will see that Michael tested them and they performed very, very well. They were made specifically for the 9,3X74.

I killed a big hog with the Hornady 286 and my Ruger 9.3x74R.

Thanks. I can't imagine an interlock bullet not performing well at 9.3x74r velocities.

I was taking some initial measurements today with them in my Ruger No 1 and it looks like they can be seated WAY out past the cannelure to be within 0.035 of the lands.

Can't see that as a problem with a single shot if that's what it takes. Correct?

Measured some Lapua 386 gr Mega rounds for comparison and they're a very uniform 3.710" (SAAMI max COL is 3.720", so that's not a surprise). These are almost round-nose by comparison and have been less accurate than I'd hoped. The big jump to the lands may be the reason.

-WSJ

quote:

.....and it looks like they can be seated WAY out past the cannelure to be within 0.035 of the lands ..... The big jump to the lands may be the reason.

wsj,

Good Luck with your 9.3x74R & 286 gr. Hornady loading project.

FWIW, I think you're taking the OAL a tad serious here. While others may consider otherwise OAL to me in a hunting round is primarily to accomodate magazine length. My first criteria is function & stability under hunting conditions.

I mentioned the Lee FCD because for my hunting ammo it has produced more consistant rounds (the Chrony proved that issue, easily).

Sure, for a Single Shot you can put the bullet where ever you desire as long as the ammo functions and is reliable.

I have little experience with the Lapua Megas, but lots with other Round Nosed bullets. Unless they're a two diameter bullet many times a RN will shoot very well due to the (mostly) longish-h-h-bearing surface.

I consider the appropriate powder in adequate charges to accomplish the Task at Hand the optimal criteria when developing hunting ammunition and while ,yes, I do "optimzie" the loads after successful criteria is met I find that OAL plays a very minor part in the total picture.

I have only shot one pig, about a 150-160 pounder with the factory load. Got complete penetration and the inside damage was good.
He ran about 25 or 30 yards.