The Accurate Reloading Forums
Thinking Hard about CHAPUIS for FIRST DOUBLE
26 March 2009, 13:30
HonkeyThinking Hard about CHAPUIS for FIRST DOUBLE
Hello,
I am looking for advice. I am finaly ready to take the plunge. I am looking real hard at buying my first double rifle.
I am leaning heavily toward the Chapuis 9.3 x 74r.
This is because of price and versatility
First off.... PRICE, I can get a Chapuis 9.3 for about 5 K.

If there is nothing wrong with them ( I liked the 2 I have handled so far) why should I spend twice as much or more on another brand.

Second Versatility and Utility. The 470 NE rifles (that cost alot more) are realy cool

HOWEVER I have hunted Africa twice. And I hope to go many more times, but if I get to hunt Elephant ONCE it will be only ONCE. So I don't see the need for anything HUGE in caliber. I am willing to sacrafice some power for the versatility of the smaller calliber.
PLEASE, I DON'T WANT TO ARGUE THE MERRIT OF DIFERENT CALLIBERS NEEDED TO KILL CAPE BUFFALO AND ELEPHANT ON THIS THREAD
So I figure that most of my hunting of dangerous game will be Buffalo and anything else I hunt in Africa will be plains game. I also think that the flatter shooting, cheaper and lighter recoiling 9.3 will be more usefull on plains game and state side on pigs, bear and maybe a moose.
HAS ANYONE HAD ANY LUCK LOADING BARNES BULLETS FOR ONE OF THESE RIFLES???
MY BIG QUESTION IS ......IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITHE THESE DOUBLES ????
I am looking for comments from ownwers of all doubles. Tell me why I should or should not buy one
THANKS
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Searcy 470 NE
The poster formerly known as Uglystick
26 March 2009, 15:27
SGraves155I love my Chapuis 9.3x74r double rifle, and it shoots Norma and other federal 285gr loads to the same POV at 100 yds. with the scope.
My 470 Chapuis kicks like a mule and I consider as stricly an elephant gun for under 40 yds.
26 March 2009, 17:07
HonkeyThanks for the info, do you reload for it. And if so what load works??
THANKS
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Searcy 470 NE
The poster formerly known as Uglystick
26 March 2009, 17:18
BEGNOExactly what you are looking for is currently for sale in the classifieds.
BUTCH
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(It is all good)
26 March 2009, 18:57
HonkeyI ALSO WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS HAD SUCESS LOADING BARNES BULLETS IN ONE OF THESE RIFLES??
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Searcy 470 NE
The poster formerly known as Uglystick
26 March 2009, 19:10
ROSCOEquote:
Originally posted by Honkey:
I ALSO WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS HAD SUCESS LOADING BARNES BULLETS IN ONE OF THESE RIFLES??
What is your definition of Success? I am sure most folks with the proper loading equipment will be able to load any Barnes products. If you are asking how well they shoot then I suggest you do a search on this topic and you will find a lot of opinions about their use in a double rifle. If you only wish to use Barnes bullets on your hunts then I expect you will find a bolt rifle a better option.
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26 March 2009, 19:13
LRH270quote:
PLEASE, I DON'T WANT TO ARGUE THE MERRIT OF DIFERENT CALLIBERS NEEDED TO KILL CAPE BUFFALO AND ELEPHANT ON THIS THREAD
But that's what we do.....

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Chapuis 9,3/9,3 + 20/20
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26 March 2009, 19:58
RobgunbuilderI have a Chapuis 9.3X74R and I'm overall impressed with it. Accuracy with Handloads has been under 1" at 50 yrds from both barrels. I've shot it to 100yrds and its pretty good. No experience with barnes solids. Personally I'd use only multiple driving band solids in a double. -Rob
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26 March 2009, 20:49
DuggaBoyequote:
Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
I have a Chapuis 9.3X74R and I'm overall impressed with it. Accuracy with Handloads has been under 1" at 50 yrds from both barrels. I've shot it to 100yrds and its pretty good. No experience with barnes solids. Personally I'd use only multiple driving band solids in a double. -Rob
Agreed, the little Chapuis is a great gun and shoots well.
Loaded the Barnes in the 500NE and the 9.3, both reasonably accurate.
Preferred the Woodleighs in the 500 and the RWS in the 9.3..
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26 March 2009, 23:18
JefffiveHonkey,
Begno is right,
this looks like a fine deal on exactly what you want, already scoped.
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27 March 2009, 02:35
N E 450 No2Honkey
I would not use Barnes bullets in A Chauis 9,3x74R.
I have one and it is one of my most favorite hunting rifles. Do a search on some of my previous posts.
I have used it in Zimbabwe, and in Canada, Montana, Idaho, and Texas.
For a Soft point bullet use 286gr Woodleigh's or Nosler artitions.
For a Solid use the 286gr Woodleigh Solids.
I have killed giraffe, cae buff and elephant with my 9,3x74R.
The buff was a one shot kill, 286 Woodleigh Soft.
I shot the elephant at 5 yards, iron sights, Woodleigh Solid or course.
Be sure and order your Chapuis with a scope mount.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
27 March 2009, 23:49
Bill73Just like N E 450 No2 said,
I would not use Barnes bullets in my Chapuis as well,your regulation will get shot to hell!
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30 March 2009, 04:10
lavacaBuy the 9.3. You'll love it. Don't listen folks about what you need, specially folks like me. I think a .416 is the best all around rifle available. Have killed everything from cape buffalo, to whitetail deer and even turkey with it. Some people think that's overkill. I disagree, but if you like a 9.3 -- go for it. It'll work. Especially on the turkeys -- I guarantee it.
I like the 9.3 Chapuis i bought, it looks to be a very good "user" double...
I've now mounted a 1-3/4x6 Zeiss on it for those longer shots,
I'll be wringing that out, "soon".
DM
30 March 2009, 05:50
N E 450 No2DM
That is an excellent set up.
Very nice.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
30 March 2009, 05:54
N E 450 No2Honkey, I must warn you...
After you hunt your "first" elephant...
ALL other hunting will pale in comparison.
I like all hunting, whether it is squirrel, rabbit, deer, pigs, bear, even turtles on my pond....
But NOTHING compares to ELEPHANT.
NOTHING.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
30 March 2009, 08:28
SnowwolfeI just joined the Double Club a year or two ago with a Chapuis 9,3x74R.
I couldnt be happier with the rifle. Used it on a nice moose last year and plan to do the same this year. Even though I bought the scope mount for it at this point in time I decided to hunt just with the iron sights.
The rifle is very accurate but I do wish the triggers were just a tad lighter.
I only shoot reloads in all my rifles.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
30 March 2009, 21:32
ShackI've looked at one of these and am interested in it. Not officially for sale yet so a price hasn't been discussed. What do you guys think might be fair for a used Chapuis 9,3 in excellent condition? Unfortunately I don't know the model number or grade, but perhaps you can still give a rough idea. It's a nice looking piece. I'll be seeing it again tomorrow so feel free to also let me know anything I should look for on it or questions to ask about it.
Also, what's the recoil like? It looks extremely lightly built to me. I've never owned a double before however (with the exception of a 30-30 shotgun conversion). I have also looked at a 450/.400 Westley Richards and recall it being built up much more than this one. The 9,3 I'm told is supposed to be the equal to the .375 HH and if so I guess I was expecting more heft. All helpful opinions welcome.
30 March 2009, 22:36
SnowwolfeFair price for one like new would be $4,500 or higher depending on grade and condition and "extra's".
I would compare the recoil on mine to a .338 WM.
The felt recoil would most likely be reduced if a nice pad was installed but I love the way the rifle looks without it.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
31 March 2009, 00:51
HonkeyTHANKS FOR ALL THE INFO AND ADVICE
I JUST BOUGHT A USED ONE YESTERDAY AND I SHOULD HAVE IT IN HAND BY THE END OF THE WEEK!!!
Snowwolfe,
I am gearing up to reload for the rifle. I also shoot only reloads in my rifles. Would you mind sharing what loads you have used that regulated well???? Any luck using Barnes Bullets???
Thanks Again
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Searcy 470 NE
The poster formerly known as Uglystick
31 March 2009, 00:57
N E 450 No2Honkey
Do not use Barnes bullets in your Chapuis.
They have been known to "pop" the solder loose between the barrel and the rib.
One Aussie poster here had it happen to his Chapuis twice.
286 Woodleigh Softs, Nosler Partitions, and Woodleigh Solids will do all that needs to be done with the 9,3 double.
I have taken a lot of game with them in my 9,3x74R.
For a cheaper practice, deer and pig hunting bullet, the 270 Speer works very well.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
31 March 2009, 01:16
HonkeyThanks guys, I think I am going to steer clear of Barnes bullets. I think the time tested Woodleigh bullets and Noslers are what I'll use for hunting.
If you guys could share your loads I would appreciate it...
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Searcy 470 NE
The poster formerly known as Uglystick
31 March 2009, 06:31
Mike BrooksUse the search engine.. There's several good ones that regulate in the Chapuis.
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31 March 2009, 09:44
Snowwolfequote:
Originally posted by Honkey:
THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO AND ADVICE
I JUST BOUGHT A USED ONE YESTERDAY AND I SHOULD HAVE IT IN HAND BY THE END OF THE WEEK!!!
Snowwolfe,
I am gearing up to reload for the rifle. I also shoot only reloads in my rifles. Would you mind sharing what loads you have used that regulated well???? Any luck using Barnes Bullets???
Thanks Again
Dont remember the exact load but I believe it was 65 or 66 grains of H4831 with the 286 grain Woodleighs.
Actually I asked the same question here myself last year and that was the load I was given. At 50 yards I rested the rifle with my elbows on the table and the rifle printed about 1-1.5 inch groups after shooting a couple from each barrel. After that I just quit! I decided it was more than adequate for minute of moose.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
31 March 2009, 09:45
Snowwolfequote:
Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Honkey
Do not use Barnes bullets in your Chapuis.
They have been known to "pop" the solder loose between the barrel and the rib.
One Aussie poster here had it happen to his Chapuis twice.
286 Woodleigh Softs, Nosler Partitions, and Woodleigh Solids will do all that needs to be done with the 9,3 double.
I have taken a lot of game with them in my 9,3x74R.
For a cheaper practice, deer and pig hunting bullet, the 270 Speer works very well.
What powder and amount are you using with the 270 grain Speers?

Thanks
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
31 March 2009, 10:15
N E 450 No2My 9,3 Chapuis regulates with 65gr of IMR 4831, and the following bullets.
286gr Woodleigh Soft and Solid, Nosler Partition, and the 285gr Hawk with the .035jkt.
I can use the same zero for all of these bullets out to @250 yards. At 300 yards the Partitions shoot a few inches higher because they do not drop as much because of their higher BC.
Velocity of this load in my double is @2225 to 2250fps. This load kills real well.
My best group at 100 yards with the 270 Speer was with 59gr of RL 15. However it does not hit the same place the other bullets do, but it was very accurate.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY