I thought the cheaper S&B ammo was going to be available through Cabela's, but can't find it. The best I have seen so far is $44 / box for Norma, loaded with a 232 gr. bullet. Can anyone steer me towards a source for some other ammo makers, especially Sellier and Bellot?

Thanks,
Todd

Todd,

Midsouth Shooter Supply offers S&B ammo for the 9.2x62 in the 286gr bullet weight. Runs about $26.00/box in their online catalog.

BigBullet

IMHO, you won't regret spending the extra $ on the Norma ammo. In my experience everything about S&B ammo is absolute CRAP. They often run hot, their brass won't last but a 2-3 reloads, their primer pockets are often too tight, and often their rims are too thick to fit in the shellholder. I base these conclusions on my experiences with 6.5x57, 8x57, and 9.3x62 S&B CRAP.

Norma, on the other hand, is premium ammo. Their brass seems to last forever, their bullets perform very well (I've done some informal penetration and expansion tests with their various 9.3x62 loads), and they are quite accurate (in my rifles). I've shot any number of 3-shot 1/2" groups at 100 yards with the 232 gr factory load.

I am a bit on the cheap side, but this is one case (again, in my experience) where buying the better product is actually worth it.

If you still really want this stuff, you can find it at

http://catalog.ammodepot.com/

for about $28 a box. Seems to me they have fairly reasonable shipping rates as well.

Also, Cabelas sells the Norma 285 gr Oryx load for $38 or so.

Good luck (you'll need it with S&B ammo).

9.3

[ 09-19-2003, 00:33: Message edited by: 9.3x62 ]

Thanks guys.

Point well taken on the S&B ammo. The 'hot' part concerns me, this is a custom rifle built on a Czech military mauser action that is most likely case hardened. Previous experience suggests that hot-rodding such actions is 'counterproductive.'

I have found the S&B 8mm (8x57) to be quite good, albeit compared to various milsurp ammo. It groups nicely out of all my 8mm Mausers, except my m-48 -- that's not the ammo though.

Todd

And on the topic of Norma, any other places with good prices, or is $38 the lower limit?

I too am cheap.

Todd

Norma brass is excellent. Is loaded ammo still being sold ? I do not know anyone who would buy such a thing ! Is it ok to shoot that stuff ?

May I respectfully disagree with 9.3x62.? I am sold on S&B ammo. It has served me well here and in Africa. I use the 150gr SPCE in both .308 and 30/06, and the 285gr SP in 9.3x62. I will be using .270 150gr SP this season in Georgia in my new CZ 550 FS. I get my S&B from www.outdoor-source.com for the best prices. Check this link for 9.3x62 S&B ammo performance.

http://www.nookhill.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=44;t=000177

Hey Todd, I found the 9,3x62 S&B ammo at the web site for Natchez for $20 a box. I haven't shot it yet, but was just really wanting something to punch holes in paper with.

Picked up the S&B ammo for ~$20 per box at Natchez. Input re: shortcomings of S&B ammo is appreciated; given my positive experience with 8x57 S&B, I will give the 9.3 a try.

Thanks to all for your input.

Todd

[ 10-05-2003, 19:18: Message edited by: Todd Getzen ]