In deciding on a cartridge for a break action single shot stalking rifle for mountain country, the 9.3X74 Rimmed looks good. Any thoughts for a better cartridge for elk and high country backpack hunting? I expect to keep shots to 300 yards and less, mostly 200 yards, and want enough bullet weight to use with moose and elk. There does not seem to be another rimmed cartridge except the unavailable 30R blaser in this category. Already have a 280 equivalent.

Jameister,
break open actions do not have the camming power of bolt actions. the rim provides with a more positive extraction and in my opinion is an absolute must.
the 9,3x74R is an excellent cartridge and adequate for elk. be aware, though, that factory loads are not to its full potential.
do not overlook the .30R Blaser and the 8x75RS.
regards,
montero

The 280 equivalent you already have is it also a break action rifle?

If it isn't I can't see anything wrong in making a 7x65R kiplauf

I think that the 9,3x74 R wouldn't be flat shooting enough. If it is then you could consider the .375 H&H Flanged to.
Other wise I must second Montero on the 30R Blaser and 8X75JSR (Which might be my choiche)

Sincerely

Mads

Jam,

ANother way to go would be the wildcat .338-74 Keith. It is a round I am looking into for a Ruger #1. Basically you get the ballstics of a .338MW in a flanged case. It is a blown out, necked down 9.3X74R. This was a favorite of Elmer Keith's, pushing a 250gr bullet @ 2700fps or a 210grNP @ 3000fps. RCBS can furnish dies, & reamers are available from Clymer. Good luck!

I have read (note not experienced)in the Norma catalogue that a 9.3x74r does all that a 9.3x62 does but at lower pressure.

I haven't my stuff with me but can tell you that my 9.3x62 with 232gr norma vulkans is flat out to 200 yards and would be better with say a 1.5" -2" high zero at 100yards instead of the .5" high it is (I have to shoot small stuff close sometimes). I don't shoot past 200 but I think it would be a bit of a push for 300 as the bullet is not very aerodynamic and will have lost a fair amount of velocity. The new nosler 250gr ballistic tip is a lot slipperier and supposed to be tough enough for elk. Some of our Scandinavian bretheren might be able to tell us if a moose will drop to a 300m shot with a 232gr vulkan or oryx.

If it is to be a light rifle I (personaly) would imagine that it would be a very pleasant chambering.

This is all armchair stuff.

In the real world the 9.3x62 will shoot circles around the 9.3x74 in the velocity arena...The 9.3x62 is another cartridge, like the 7x57 that is underloaded by the factorys.....

------------------
Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

Just goes to show an armchair is a dangerous place to be BUT 2600fps with a 232gr vulkan is the Norma factory loading for both 9.3x74 and 9.3x62 so despite the fact that Normas statement appears wrong for the handloader Jameister can still draw a comparison with my data.

Atkinson are your 9.3 cut with long throats etc to get the sorts of velocities you do? Also interested to hear of your love for Walther barrels which is what my 9.3 has - very light, very accurate too.

Take a look at a wildcat based on the .348 case. Necked up and blown out in either .358 or .375 due to better bullet availability. These are called the "Alaskan" wildcats. I have a .450 alaskan and its' powder charge of 67 grns of IMR-3031 is not at maximum yet, and I will point out that my gun is a lever action that is limited to 42,000 psi, whereas you can go past 50,000 psi with a single shot.