I have been thinking on building a rifle ( Ruger no1 ) in 9.3x62 being that I already have a CZ550 in that caliber I began to wonder about a 9.3x74R. What do you guys think of the 74R cartrige? I chose it because loaded ammo can still be gought for it I will also relaod and componets are readly had also. Can the 9.3x74R be hotrodded more so than the 9.3x62? I know not much data seems to be avabile for it because it is most commly used in Doubles and for barrel regulation one does not mess with hand loads much. If its a not so good idea i can always chamber it for the tried and true 9.3x62.

As a side note I picked up a VZ-24 action at a gun show for $79.00 and will build on it in the future. Question is the Ruger would need just a new barrel and I know the approx cost of that; but about what does it cost to build a whole rifle? Stock will be pruchaced through America Gunstock Co semi complete but what about the rest of the metal work and barrel combo?

"What does it cost to build a whole rifle..."

A complex question. Depends on how you want to do it -- simple/functional, or something like the 404 that Customstox posted a while ago (beautiful & functional).

Simple & functional, although still very nice, can be had in a Mauser for a reasonable price IF you stick with a .473 head-size round, up to 30-06 length. If you pick such a chambering, you only have to worry about the bolt handle alteration, barrel chambering/installation, and mounting some form of sights. If you stick with irons, you don't have to mess with the safety for scope clearance. If you need the name of a competent gunsmith who can do all that for a reasonable price (including a Douglas barrel blank priced at what must be his cost), e-mail me.

Good luck,
Todd

Most published data for the 9.3x74 has it below optimum x62 performance. The cartridge is long and tapered and does not have the efficiency of the 62. If you have to convert from the 74 to the 62, you will have to set the barrel back a bit.
Relatively inexpensive superposed rifles from Tikka and Zoli can be found in 9.3x74. They run from $1000 to $2500, depending on condition and triggers, etc.

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If you already have a 9.3X62 on a CZ550 then why don't you consider converting it to a 9.3X64. It's a heck of alot more cartridge than the 9.3X74R. You will probably have to open the boltface slightly but thats no big problem. The 9.3X64 will feed through your gun and deliver 375H&H performance or better with 250 gr. bullets. You could even build one on your VZ-24. You could put a 9.3X62 barrel on your Ruger No.1 and have the best of both worlds.
Figure on spending about $1300 for a utility grade custom on your VZ-24 and way up from there for a real nice rifle.-Rob

Being a rimmed ctg., the 9,3x74R is destined to top-break rifles (doubles or combination guns) and is therefore loaded to a pressure level compatible with those actions. The rimless 9,3x62 has comparable ballistics as loaded in factory ammo but can be handloaded to higher levels, thanks to the greater strength of bolt action rifles. In a rifle like the Ruger n�1, the '74R can be loaded to achieve the same ballistics as any '62. The question that remains is : outside of Europe, which cases are more easily found ?
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Andr�

[This message has been edited by Andr� Mertens (edited 03-26-2002).]