Has anyone here done any hunting with the Valmet 412 double rifle in 9.3x74R? My Valmet is collecting dust as a 12 bore over 223 Remington so I am contemplating trading into a more interesting double rifle barrel set. I don't "need" the power for the whitetail hunting I do at home but hope to hunt Alaska in the next year or so and plan to return to Africa one of these years. Good hunting! McB

mcb: PM sent. Reply by direct e-mail.

I've yet to try the 9.3x74, but I have tinkered with the Valmet as a double rifle and been very pleased. They are rather easy to regulate after you've decided on a load, and they are (at least mine was) more than accurate enough. I agree the 9.3 is an intriguing option. Just remember that the Valmet was offered in quite an array of calibers which included both .375 Winchester and .444 Marlin. Either of which would be a lot cheaper to load for if you like to shoot a lot. I'm not criticizing your choice, just throwing out some other options. If you need horsepower, the 9.3 would seem to be the best choice.

Gabe

I have a 1984 vintage Merkel drilling in 12x12x9.3-74R and I love this cartridge, it's right up there with the .338 Win Mag. for serious hunting in B.C. Grizzly country in my opinion. I wish I could find a fine, 1930s sxs double rifle in this cartridge-if I could afford it.

I had one of the earlier Valmet combo guns for several years, it was strong, simple and shot well. I think that your idea is a good one, the old 9.3 will sure cut the muster.

I've actually got a Tikka 512SD with O/U 9.3x74R and O/U 12-ga barrels for sale. It was a "placeholder" whose slot has been filled by a Merkel SxS in 9.3x74R. Interested parties are invited to contact me by PM or direct e-mail.

Slingster - PM sent.

NitroX:

PM reply sent; more later.