I know that the 9.3x62 is widely available.

How about the 9.3x64?

I am considering one of the two for use in Portugal, Spain, Canada and some Southern and Eastern African countries.

It is modestly popular in Central Europe. The caliber is really too much for European game, so most people who own one do so for travel abroad. For that purpose, the .375 H&H has the advantage of being legal for DG in all African countries - which the 9.3x64 is not. Availability of components and factory ammo is not bad for Europe.

It is funny to think about, that the 9.3x64 outsold the .375 H&H by a wide margin when they were first introduced. Being designed to fit in a Mauser system very likely had something to do with it. Only the wars and associated problems with production ensured the worldwide popularity of the .375 H&H. If the 9.3x64 had continued to lead the tables, I'm sure it would have been the legal minimum for DG in Africa instead of the .375...

- mike

Canada Left,

Mike's pretty much spot-on.

O.K.; let's try to get the correct perspective on this....I'm assuming ammo would be required like, say; immediately - a store "walk-in" so to speak as opposed to ordering ammo within two days to a week?

In Germany:

9.3x64: pretty much at all the larger stores, especially in larger Metropolitan areas, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, etc. Outside of that it's "scarce" just sitting about on the shelves unless there was an odd box that someone oedered and never picked up BUT a shop owner could probably order a couple boxes and receive it in a day or two.

9.3x62: will be found in virtually every gun shop and not only premium ammo RWS, Norma & Blaser CDP but a smattering of whatever's on "special" - PMP, Geco, S&B, etc.

The one's that wouldn't have either of the above (occaisionally) would probably grudgingly advise where it would be obtainable within "driving distance".

In RSA:

Outside of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Capetown and some other larger towns & areas my expereince has been that local shops maintain low stock levels. 9.3x62 would be widely available as opposed to 9.3x64 almost NEVER. My RSA Farm Owner friend has a 9.3x64 and he's always begging for me to obtain 9.3x64 ammo, bullets & cases (especially) for this cartridge, even though his gun cabinet and reloading set-up is full of .308, .30/06, 8x57 .375, .458, etc.

When underway throughout Europe & Africa I always make a point of snooping about in Gun Shops in the various countries that you've mentioned. IF we'd use 9.3x62 ammo availabitliy as 100% in these locations I'd offer up 10%, maybe 15% at the outside for 9.3x64 availability.

IF it was my choice I would consider the 9.3x64 a "Custom" chambering (meaning I wouldn't budge far from my reloading press without my own logistical support) vs. the relatively immediate/often availabilty of 9.3x62 ammo.

Hopefully some others can give you additional perspective.

quote:

Originally posted by CanadianLefty:
I know that the 9.3x62 is widely available.

How about the 9.3x64?

I am considering one of the two for use in Portugal, Spain, Canada and some Southern and Eastern African countries.

Hi,

Go with the 9,3*62. No ammo problems anywhere!
But if you ever feel like trying the 9,3*64, when you come to Portugal just pay me a visit and I will lend you mine!

Regards

B.Martins

Thanks guys!

B Martins, I may just end up doing that! BTW, I may also end up in Africa in the next few months. I was at SCI too.

I'll keep you posted.
Cheers!

Cases for the 9,3 x 64 mm are pretty scarce in Africa. Can't remember ever seeing them on a shelf. I believe RWS is the only maker of the brass.

Warrior