Greetings Big Bore Afecionados. I just picked up a Krieghoff Classic double rifle in 9.3 X 74R. The rifle is new, test fired only. The price seemed right at $4,700.00. Is this caliber adequate for Buffalo? I have been thinking about a 375 H&H but am leary of the belted case in double rifles. 375 Flanged would be a good choice but ammo availability is a concern. I can get Norma 9.3 X 74R ammo from one of my wholesalers. What do you think, good buy?

Jim Miller

A good buy, probably. A Buffalo Rifle? Not quite. Closer to a 35 Whelen than a .375 H&H. Norma is good ammo but not a very good case to reload as it will score around the base and seperate after 2 - 3 loadings.

I have one that I love. It is a wonderful caliber just not the heavy hitter usually associated with Buffalo.

If you want a Double for bigger game than step up to the 400.

470FAN
I have a double 9,3x74R [Chapuis} that I really like. It has a scope in a QD mount. I have taken quite a few deer and wild pigs with it.
I plan to use it as my "light" rifle in Zim, June of 2004. I plan to use it for plains game, Leopard, and Lion. My other rifle is a double in 450 No2. I will carry a few solids [Woodleigh} for the 9.3 in case the 450 gets struck by lightening.
Mickey1 is correct in that a 9.3 is a little light for buff.... But I would not hesitate to use mine if the 450 is not available. With solids it will do the job. It is just not optimal. I have not shot a buff, but several PH's I have spoken to stated "It is kind of light for buff, great cat gun, will do for buff with proper shooting". Check what country you are going to hunt in as it might not meet the minimum bore requirements.
If you are not going to reload I suggest you try some ammo from www.superiorammo.com Their stuff has shot the smallest groups at 100 yards in my Chapuis. Their 286gr. Woodleigh softs and the solids shot into the same place at 100 yards. The Nosler Partitions shot into the same place just a slightly larger group.
DONOT shoot MONOMETAL bullets in your double [ie Barns X or super solids] they can cause the barrel/rib joint to seperate.
That is a good price. let us know how she shoots with the different loads you try. My 9,3x74R Chapuis is my favorite rifle under 40cal.

470fan

Did you purchase your rifle from the Big Time Pawn auction on Gunbroker?

Perry

Several of our hunters have showed up in Tanzania with doubles in 9.3x74 and they all killed buffalo quite cleanly....I would not hesitate to use one, but I prefer the 40 calibers as they simply make more since.

PWN
Yes I did.

Jim

470FAN
Have you shot that Krieghoff yet?
Are you going to take the 470 Chapuis, and the 9,3 Krieghoff to Africa in July?

[ 06-21-2003, 22:08: Message edited by: N E 450 No2 ]

I am taking the Chapuis for Buffalo and a Model 70 in 300 WSM for everything else. I haven't taken the time to shoot the 9.3 yet. Been buisy preparing to leave for Tanzania in a week.

Jim

Have a good trip.

470Fan, I'm sorry to tell you the 9.3X74R isn't legal for Buffalo in Tanzania, as of this year, there is a minimum 375 H&H for dangerous game. This does not mean you can't use your double, only that tecnically it is illegal. I really don't think you will be asked about the rifle's use, but with both rifles you are takeing, being illegal for Buffalo,might draw some attention. If your PH knows about your choice of rifles, and agrees, then you should be OK.

[ 06-22-2003, 17:33: Message edited by: MacD37 ]

MacD37

game departments officers and other officals makes everything legall in exchange for some lovely crips bills on certain kinds.....

In manny parts of the world....the mighty money has far greater power than laws in some places

/ JOHAN

[ 06-22-2003, 21:10: Message edited by: JOHAN ]

MacD37
His Chapuis is a 470. He is not taking the 9,3 Krieghoff on this trip.