Here's my current big game rifle/cartridge line up:

Winchester Model 70s:

1. 270 Win
2. 300 Win Mag
3. 375 H&H (Safari Expess, weighs ~10+ pounds!)
4. 416 Rem Mag.

I'm looking to get a lightweight substitute for the 375 H&H Safari Express. As a result, I've been thinking of modifying one of my other Model 70s (a current 30-06) to preferrably a 375 Ruger or a 9.3x64 or maybe a 9.3x62 and keeping the weight to 8.5 pounds max. and use a 23" barrel. If I do a 9.3, I'd want it optimized for 286gr. bullets. If I do the 375 Ruger, I'd want to use the 300gr. bullets.

It would be used mainly in Africa in situations where I only bring one rifle or where I hunt DG with my 416 rem mag and need a back-up and lighter rifle for PG. In North America, I'd probably only use it for big bears or as a thick cover rifle.

The 9.3x64 Brenneke:

Pros: Std. length action, can be built lighter, hold 4 cartridges in the magazine, less recoil and same or greater penetration as the 375 H&H. It's also a classic and has greater case capacity than the 9.3x62, which helps with use of 286gr. bullets so it exceeds min. energy requirements by Zim. Ammo available in Europe, some parts of Africa

Cons: Lack of cases and ammo availability.

The 9.3x62:

Pros: Same as above, less recoil, greater ammo availability everywhere. Can hold up to 5 down.

Cons: Not the power level of either the 375 Ruger or the 9.3x64 Brenneke and only meets min. legal requirements in Zim for energy levels.

The 375 Ruger:

Pros: More power than the 375 H&H, exceeds and is legal DG in 99% of all African countries. Ammo available at same level as 9.3x62 in North America.

Cons: More recoil, only holds 3 cartridges in magazine, ammo NOT available in Africa (yet).


What would you build and why?

I do not want to just change the stock and make modifications to my current 375 H&H, I want a new semi-custom that weighs no more than 8.5 lbs and with a 23" barrel. My 30-06 is also in Stainless Steel, which I'd prefer to use for this new build.

Thanks!

My preference would be for the 9.3x62. Its a good cartridge, readily available, and well suited to a light rifle.

For a custom job, I would pick the 9.3x64

Definitely go with the Brenneke. I own two, and am very happy with them.

on game, nearly zero real difference .. for a light, stock gun, on hand, and all the trimmings, the ruger is going to be hard to beat for $800 bucks

I didnt even think about it when making my choice.
Vote for a 9,3x62 built on the Win 70 action. On a light weight rifle the 9,3x62 has a punch to it so unless you want to go to a heavier rifle stay with the 62 and 5 in the magazine.

However, if I had a good source for 9,3x64 brass the choice would be more difficult.

You guys that own the 64, where are you getting brass and what does it cost?

"You guys that own the 64, where are you getting brass and what does it cost ?"

I use RWS. Only stuff we could get here and I think still is.

Cost wasn't the issue, I cleaned out the only dealer who had some of his last 5 boxes a few years ago.

Considering I am still using the brass, 10+ reloads, the cost is insignificant in the scheme of things.


In answer to the original question, the 64 is great but I would go the 62 as it can do everything the 64 can without the hassle of hard to come by brass in the US.

Have seen it in operation and it kills like the 64.


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I own and shoot both the 9.3x62 & the 9.3x64.

I really can't tell much difference in either when it comes to hunting. i've taken African game to 287 yards with the x62 using Swift 250 Gr A Frames and 297 in the x64 with the x64 and 286 North Fork softs.

Both are accurate and effective.

You do pay for the x64 performance with increased recoil. That being said, I'm turning my x64 into my long range shooter using the loads I'm working up for the 250 gr Nosler Accubond bullets. Should end up around 2750 fps with them and great ballistics. More than needed for most, but what I'd lke to try.

Brass does last a long time in the x64 and RWS brass is generally available from Martini & Hagen Gunmakers in Canada. I just bought 40 more rounds from them last week and they will shop to the USA. (Think it actually comes from a US address). Price is up over what huntingtons used to charge for RWS brass now about $40.00 per 20, but you don't really need much. Get yourself 100 rounds and you'd be set for a lifetime of normal hunting and shooting. If they run out, Mandy there said they get it in about every 2-3 months.

Bottom line is both 9.3s are great calibers.

Personally id go with the 9.3x62

It fits nicely between the 300 and 375 H&H's. Plus it'll work nicely in your requirements of light and handy. Since you have the 416, the x62 would make a great in a pinch back up and for PG IMO

The 9.3x62 & don't look back.

If I had your dilemma I would just replace my 375H&H with a lighter 375H&H.

If you want something different then I'd go with a 9.3. I think the easiest alteration of your 30-06 would be to the 9.3x62. However, weight of your 375H&H shouldn't deter you. Winchester 70 rifles in 375H&H and 9.3 can be built to the same weight. The difference in the weight of the actions is not significant. You can build an 8lb rifle with both and you can build a 12lb rifle with both. Action length will be the same, ~9-1/4", and action weight will be the same, ~48 ounces. It's a matter of barrel length and contour and how you stock it.

From the choices given I would pick .375 Ruger. Every well stocked shop in US will have ammo not so for 9,3 anything. Why can't one get semi-custom .375 Ruger to hold more then 3 cartridges?

I assumed that it would only hold 3 cartridges down. It might be possible for a gentleman gunsmith like D'Arcy, Gene or Mark to modify it to hold 4 down. I'm not sure??

quote:

If I had your dilemma I would just replace my 375H&H with a lighter 375H&H.

If you want something different then I'd go with a 9.3. I think the easiest alteration of your 30-06 would be to the 9.3x62. However, weight of your 375H&H shouldn't deter you. Winchester 70 rifles in 375H&H and 9.3 can be built to the same weight. The difference in the weight of the actions is not significant. You can build an 8lb rifle with both and you can build a 12lb rifle with both. Action length will be the same, ~9-1/4", and action weight will be the same, ~48 ounces. It's a matter of barrel length and contour and how you stock it.

Yes, indeed. For less power the 93x62 makes sense, but of the other three choices, the H&H can be made a light as any. With all the advantages of the H&H, I agree with Grenadier.