9.3x62 bullet choice for Moose

[Windwalker]

Have a Northern Alberta moose hunt coming up and would like to use my 9.3x62.
Came across a sale this morning and grabbed 2 boxes of Federal Premium 9.3X62 286gr Barnes TSX-Bullets.
Now I am second guessing TSX on moose. (they were a good deal though)

Have a limited quantity of ammo on hand after the sight in.
Its so accurate and a joy to shoot that now I am in need of more 9.3x62 food, specifically moose-munition.

Search hasn't turned up much but some older posts favoring partitions for moose, no mentions of the TSX.
Have any used the 286gr TSX on moose?

I am open to suggestions but leaning to purchasing Nosler Custom 9.3x62 Ammo with 286 gr Partitions for the hunt.

First moose hunt and first opportunity at game with this rifle. I would like to set myself up for success.

Thank you very much for any help.

 

[stug]

I used a Norma 286gr on a feral goat at 70 yds, not the same as a moose though. I would think that any of the 286gr projectiles will kill a moose. The only thing I would check with the TSX is the velocity they need to open, and your projected impact velocity.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I use cartridge 9,3x62 from Norma with bullet ORYX, 285gr.
You will be happy with Barnes TSX-bullets, 286gr. Very good choice.
Good luck and good luck.
Witold

 

[Velo Dog]

Seems like any 286 grain soft nose bullet in this cartridge would let the air out of a moose reliably.
Having a basic distrust for hollow point bullets of any brand (especially in slower cartridges) keeps me from recommending Barnes TXS in 9.3x62.

However, my paranoia as described is not based on any personal experience with the TXS whatsoever.

If I'm not mistaken, the Nosler Partition bullet was invented after John Nosler experienced a bullet failure on a moose.
I think he had been using a conventional bullet in his .300 H&H and it broke apart, thereby failing to penetrate adequately

The Nosler Partition, in various calibers has an awesome reputation on moose, elk, grizzly, etc.

Today we also have the Swift A-Frame which, is an even tougher bullet of similar concept to the Partition.

 

[bassasdaindia]

I have never hunted moose , so I can not comment on the distances of the hunt .

one thing I can comment on is that 9.3x62 performs at its best with 286g bullets.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I agree with Paul (Velo Dog ) and Bassasdaindia.
Witold

 

[bassasdaindia]

Seems like any 286 grain soft nose bullet in this cartridge would let the air out of a moose reliably.
Having a basic distrust for hollow point bullets of any brand (especially in slower cartridges) keeps me from recommending Barnes TXS in 9.3x62.

However, my paranoia as described is not based on any personal experience with the TXS whatsoever.

If I'm not mistaken, the Nosler Partition bullet was invented after John Nosler experienced a bullet failure on a moose.
I think he had been using a conventional bullet in his .300 H&H and it broke apart, thereby failing to penetrate adequately

The Nosler Partition, in various calibers has an awesome reputation on moose, elk, grizzly, etc.

Today we also have the Swift A-Frame which, is an even tougher bullet of similar concept to the Partition.

I use swift A frames in my 9.3 and i am most happy with them. I have never hunted or shot at the range past the 100m mark with my 9.3x62

 

[Velo Dog]

I use swift A frames in my 9.3 and i am most happy with them. I have never hunted or shot at the range past the 100m mark with my 9.3x62

The Swift A-Frame is my favorite bonded core / premium soft.
(Great minds think alike).

I doubt it needs improvement but if it does, the only improvement I can think of would be to offer their heaviest ones in each caliber with a blunt (round nose) shape like they already do in their 500 gr soft for the .470 NE.

Again though, their regular ones (semi spitzer) are so extremely effective that my point (pardon the pun) is probably pointless.

"If it works, don't fix it".

 

[enysse]

I love my Swift A Frame, but I shoot the TSX in my 9.3 x 62 and think they will be super deadly on moose.

 

[8x68]

I have yet to hunt moose (hopefully one day) but I have shot dozens of 9.3x62 rounds. The Hornady 286gr SPRP shot well in my CZ 550 FS as did the 270gr Speer SP Spitzer. Best group with the Speer was a 3 shot 0.50" group at an average velocity of 2338fps. Hornady 5 shot group was 1.1" at an average velocity of 2239fps

 

[sestoppelman]

I have only used 250gr bullets in mine for PG hunting, both the Nosler Accubond and the Barnes TSX. Both performed well and things properly hit died quickly. I think the 286 is unnecessary for most hunting and wont shoot as flat as the lighter slugs limiting distance options. Were I hunting buffalo or something then yes, I would use 286gr slugs. But since I have better buffalo rifles its a moot point. More moose have been taken with old style cup and core bullets than any of the premiums we enjoy today.

 

[Windwalker]

Very good information- Gives me a lot to mull over
.
Coincidentally I also will be using the CZ 550FS. What it lacks in length is made up for in handiness and accuracy.
I am still pounding the web for available information - and thank all for any information.
Those real world experiences from this site in pursuit of that elusive 'Hammer of Thor" round, holds more weight than shooting blocks, trees or phone books.

 

[CDorroh]

A friend of mine just got a new Steyr Mannlicher Classic that we took to the range over the weekend. He was shooting Nosler Safari Ammunition that is loaded with 286 grain partitions. It was incredibly accurate with this ammunition. 3 shot groups were well under 0.5 moa. I have a picture on my cell phone of a group that was right around 1/3 MOA - basically one ragged hole. Advertised muzzle velocity is 2350fps on the box. We checked velocity with the chronograph and were consistently getting around 2340 fps, even with the short 20 inch barrel. This seems like a winning combination.

 

[AZDAVE]

Haven't shot a moose but have shot a Cape Eland with a 9.3x74R and a 300gr swift A-frame and the big bull went 20 yards with perfect bullet performance, would work like a champ in your 9.3x62.

 

[enysse]

It seem every one of my guns shoot Swift A Frame bullets within a inch pattern.

 

[Rudy Colasanzio]

I shot my first moose with my 9.3x62 loaded with Hornady 286 gr bullet.
I live in the Yukon where moose are big.
He was 360 yards, one lung shot put him down. It made a big hole with no meat damage..
I use Varget powder. A good friend custom made the rifle and developed the load. I can hit the bullseye at 200 yards with no problems.
I hear a lot of good things about woodleigh bullets RNSN &PPSN bullets
I am not sure if I want to change as the load I use works..

 

[Rick Cox]

I've used TSX bullets in my 35 Whelen which is very similar to the 9.3 x 62, and had very good results. I am thinking of trying Woodleighs though, they have a very good reputation, and I am told they will open a bit faster than many competing brands of premium bullets. On another forum on this site Trophy bonded Bear Claws get a pretty well rave review. I bet they would be deadly.

 

[1dirthawker]

windwalker,

i have used barnes bullets for years with the 225 gr in my 338 winchester with outstanding results on moose. however, i agree with velo dog that the 286gr pill is the best in the 9.3, and velocity to operate the barnes might be a bit on the low side.

i would use a good bonded soft, wood leigh, swift a frame, north fork, etc, or a nosler. i think at the lower velocities you will be getting a traditional soft would be a better choice. i am working on loads for a 9.3 x 74r and that is the route i intend to take for myself, north forks or nosler.

i have been in on lots of moose kills, your 9.3 should work spectacularly.

 

[BC.Pat]

I do a fair amount of moose hunting in north BC and am a big fan of the 9,3x62. I too love Swift A Frames, but in my experience(s) you don't need that tough of a bullet for moose. With a 286 grain bullet you have a lot of bullet to "work" with for moose. I would tend to a soft(er) bullet like a nosler partition. But as other have said just about anything will work as long as it works in your gun.

Good luck on the hunt, and post pictures please.

 

[Graham Hunter]

Shot my Moose last year with 286 gr PRVI. Worked excellent.