9,3x62 modern action reloading advice please

[RichieG]

Hello all

New member here so apologies if this has been dealt with before. I've a Mauser M12 in 9,3x62 and lucky enough to have taken a buff with it earlier this year.

I used Federal Premium Cape Shok factory ammo with the Swift A Frame 286gr bullet. It seemed to work really well but given availability of the Cape Shok is erratic here in SA, I am looking to reload Swift A Frames in Lapua brass for the next one! I'm no reloading expert so have co-opted some experienced assistance but would appreciate members' views on this particular cartridge for buff please:

• 300gr or 286gr Swift A Frame given SD improvement up to .320? There is a view that 286gr is the conventional weight and we should stick with it given the velocity reduction on the larger bullet.
• 286gr Barnes Banded solid as backup. Limited choices in SA but have been highly recommended the Dzombo solid. Would appreciate views please
• Powder? I've seen some potent loads on the forum but personally would be looking for a load that gets the job done well within pressure limits in my modern action. Would appreciate recommendations please.

Any views on the giant Norma Oryx 325gr factory cartridge at (claimed) 2200fps? Have used it when factory ammo in 286 wasn't available and it was devastating on PG, with straight through penetration on everything and a large wound channel. Would it be suitable on Buff as a first shot? I suspect I should stick with the Swift but if anyone has a different experience I'd really welcome their views. I'll chrono the 325gr this weekend as a matter of interest and report back.

Great being on the forum and look forward to getting to know and learning from you all.

Thanks for taking the time.

Rich

 

[AJS]

Hi
Welcome to AH I trust you will receive as much advice and benefit from it as I did.

I also reside in South Africa and also owns a 9.3 X 62. Here is what I use to reload:
Lapua brass, CCI 200 primers; I use S335 powder and 286 gr VRG 3 and 293 gr VRG 2 bullets from Peregrine bullets. I use 52.7 gr of S335.

The VRG 3 is a hunting bullet for bush purposes and the VRG 2 (293 gr) is a bullet for practice on a shooting range and can also be use for a follow-up shot on game as a solid. Peregrine bullets are being manufactured in South Africa.

I do not own a chronograph and cannot comment on the velocity of the bullets, I have also not hunted any dangerous game with it. I have however hunted Bluewildebees, Kudu, Impala, Eland, Redhartebees and Warthog successfully with the cartridges described above. I take hart shots on the game I hunt and in most cases the bullet did went right through, except for one case.

I trust this can be of assistance to you.
Regards
AJS

 

[WAB]

I load the 286 gr A-Frame at 2400 fps. It worked very well on my wife’s buffalo last year. What powder do you have available?

 

[RichieG]

Hi
Welcome to AH I trust you will receive as much advice and benefit from it as I did.

I also reside in South Africa and also owns a 9.3 X 62. Here is what I use to reload:
Lapua brass, CCI 200 primers; I use S335 powder and 286 gr VRG 3 and 293 gr VRG 2 bullets from Peregrine bullets. I use 52.7 gr of S335.

The VRG 3 is a hunting bullet for bush purposes and the VRG 2 (293 gr) is a bullet for practice on a shooting range and can also be use for a follow-up shot on game as a solid. Peregrine bullets are being manufactured in South Africa. (www.peregrinebullets.co.za)

I do not own a chronograph and cannot comment on the velocity of the bullets, I have also not hunted any dangerous game with it. I have however hunted Bluewildebees, Kudu, Impala, Eland, Redhartebees and Warthog successfully with the cartridges described above. I take hart shots on the game I hunt and in most cases the bullet did went right through, except for one case.

I trust this can be of assistance to you.
Regards
AJS

thanks AJS
Super helpful, and much appreciated. Yes aware of Peregrine and their good reputation, was just advised for DG that Swift may the best soft one can get.
Rich

 

[RichieG]

I load the 286 gr A-Frame at 2400 fps. It worked very well on my wife’s buffalo last year. What powder do you have available?

Thanks WAB

We have Hodgson/IMR, Vitha, Somchem, Alliant and Norma available in SA as far as I know.


Rich

 

[RichieG]

thanks AJS
Super helpful, and much appreciated. Yes aware of Peregrine and their good reputation, was just advised for DG that Swift may the best soft one can get.
Rich

AJS apologies I should have asked, given your experience how do you think they would perform on a buff, broadside. Would you feel confident (as confident as one can be with a buff!)?
Rich

 

[AJS]

Hi Rich

Peregrine bullets was started by Alliwyn Oberholster and the late Adriaan Rall (He passed away in August this year) Adriaan introduced me to and taught me how to reload. He was a PH and Outfitter for many years in Kenya. I owned a .416 Rem Mag and the 9.3 X 62. The reason I owned the 2 rifles was, I wanted to use the .416 Rem mag to hunt buffalo with. I could handle the recoil of the .416 Rem mag with 300gr bullets but not with 400 gr bullets and I had to make a choice ??

I consulted this forum, AH, also on what to do as well as Adriaan Rall. I had long discussions with him and many members here took great effort to answer me. The long and short of it all was, use a rifle which you can shoot comfortably and with great confidence. It is very (more) important to have the correct bullet placement than using a bigger rifle of which the recoil is not bearable for you.

Adriaan Rall and myself had an agreement that he would guide me on my first buffalo hunt with the 9.3 X 62. He was absolutely sure and certain that I would hunt a buffalo successfully with the 9.3 X 62.

I have read of WAB's wife who also hunted her buffalo successfully with a 9.3 X 62. Just as another proof that it can be done.

I have sold the .416 Rem mag and kept my 9.3 X 62 and I still plan on hunting a buffalo with it.

Also here on AH is Gert Odendaal he owns a .404 Jeffery but he also gave me advice to use a rifle I am comfortable with, and although he does not own a 9.3 X 62 he assured me if I am skilled and comfortable with the 9.3 X 62 there is no reason not to hunt a buffalo with it.

I trust this can help?
Regards
AJS

 

[WAB]

Thanks WAB

We have Hodgson/IMR, Vitha, Somchem, Alliant and Norma available in SA as far as I know.


Rich

I’m using H4831 but it is a very compressed load. No pressure signs and well within the max range indicated in the loading manuals.

 

[Shootist43]

RichieG, I have a software program called QuickLoad. I can easily compare multiple powders , charges, bullets, and bullet weights. Let me know if you want any help in that regard. P.S. there are AH members in South Africa with the same capability. One of them being "Alchemist" who lives in Pretoria. Before I got my own version of QuickLoad, it was he who helped me.

 

[AZDAVE]

The 9.3x62 is a great classic africa round that hits above its weight class verry well. As with any round shot placement is king especially on buffalo.
The first thing I do when reloading is determine what the max length to the lands is with each bullet that I plan on using in that rifle then back off 20 thousands to start my load development. You will also need to check magazine length to ensure that the round will fit and feed correctly. I use those nubers to load a ladder of rounds to start load development. I first shoot 3 rounds of each different powder weight checking for pressure indacators and accuracy. Once I have determined which is the most accurate. I load a grain up and down (In 30/06 or bigger cases) from the most accurate and shoot agin to see if OI have any better accuracy. Once I have the most accurate loads. I test that load for velocity so I can determine the drops for the bullet in distances I expect to hunt with.

RL-17 and Ramshot Big Game have given me my best results powder wise. I have also read where some

In my Custom Parker Hale 9.3x62 really shoots the 250gr accubonds well. and is the round I used on my 2018 safari. My max safe load for this rifle and bullet is going 2715fps at the muzzle. as of now it has a date with a Namibian leopard in fall 2021.

My Ruger hawkeye shines with the 286 and 300 gr Aframes in addition is shoots the 320 woodleighs extremely well. and I would happily use the 300 Aframe at 2510 or the 320 woodleigh at 2405 on a buff.
The Aframes I use RL-17 and Big game with the 320's.

These loads are safe in my rifle and were worked up very carefully and slowly over a 6 month time frame so that I shot on both cold and hot days. The estimated pressures are in the 60-62K range and are only to be used in a modern 9.3.

I have also shot 286 and 300gr Aframes in my 9.3x74 double withe the best powder that gave me the best groups is Ramshot Hunter with RL-19 a close second. I couldn't get the 320's going fast enough without exceeding pressures in my double. Used the 300gr on my eland and sable in 2015.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thanks WAB

We have Hodgson/IMR, Vitha, Somchem, Alliant and Norma available in SA as far as I know.


Rich

@Richie.G
As you have Hogdon powders available I would try CFE223 in your 9.3. It is giving great results.
If you press the magnifying glass in the right hand corner of the forum and type in 9.3x62 reloading you will also Hager a heap of answers.
Bob

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Hi and welcome. I'm using for a dangerous game cartridges from RWS with bullet TUG Brenneke 19g ( 293gr ) and with softpoint 18,5gr ( 285gr).
I also have a 404Jeffery.

 

[RichieG]

Hi Rich

Peregrine bullets was started by Alliwyn Oberholster and the late Adriaan Rall (He passed away in August this year) Adriaan introduced me to and taught me how to reload. He was a PH and Outfitter for many years in Kenya. I owned a .416 Rem Mag and the 9.3 X 62. The reason I owned the 2 rifles was, I wanted to use the .416 Rem mag to hunt buffalo with. I could handle the recoil of the .416 Rem mag with 300gr bullets but not with 400 gr bullets and I had to make a choice ??

I consulted this forum, AH, also on what to do as well as Adriaan Rall. I had long discussions with him and many members here took great effort to answer me. The long and short of it all was, use a rifle which you can shoot comfortably and with great confidence. It is very (more) important to have the correct bullet placement than using a bigger rifle of which the recoil is not bearable for you.

Adriaan Rall and myself had an agreement that he would guide me on my first buffalo hunt with the 9.3 X 62. He was absolutely sure and certain that I would hunt a buffalo successfully with the 9.3 X 62.

I have read of WAB's wife who also hunted her buffalo successfully with a 9.3 X 62. Just as another proof that it can be done.

I have sold the .416 Rem mag and kept my 9.3 X 62 and I still plan on hunting a buffalo with it.

Also here on AH is Gert Odendaal he owns a .404 Jeffery but he also gave me advice to use a rifle I am comfortable with, and although he does not own a 9.3 X 62 he assured me if I am skilled and comfortable with the 9.3 X 62 there is no reason not to hunt a buffalo with it.

I trust this can help?
Regards
AJS

AJS


Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. I was a bit less scientific than you! I bought my 6.5x55 and 9,3x62 mainly because I like their history and in particular the fact the 9,3 was such a classic calibre here in SA. It worked well on the one buff I took earlier this year but wary that its at the lower end of optimal, i am really just trying to get the best cartridge for the calibre I own. I use it increasingly on more and more game, and it seems super effective to me. I just really want to make sure I have the best possible load without too much pressure and compromising on the bullet. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Rich

 

[RichieG]

@Richie.G
As you have Hogdon powders available I would try CFE223 in your 9.3. It is giving great results.
If you press the magnifying glass in the right hand corner of the forum and type in 9.3x62 reloading you will also Hager a heap of answers.
Bob

Thanks Bob for the load advice, appreciate you responding and for the tech tip on the forum. I'll definitely try CFE223. Appreciated.
Rich

 

[RichieG]

Hi and welcome. I'm using for a dangerous game cartridges from RWS with bullet TUG Brenneke 19g ( 293gr ) and with softpoint 18,5gr ( 285gr).
I also have a 404Jeffery.

Thanks Witold
I'd love to test the RWS but I think they are hard to come by in SA as far as I know. I will look around.
My 6.5x55 is a Mauser M03 and I have tried to get a 404J barrel for it especially now since they are discontinuing the model. Ah well I might have to find another rifle ;-)
Appreciate the response thanks
Rich

 

[AJS]

AJS


Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. I was a bit less scientific than you! I bought my 6.5x55 and 9,3x62 mainly because I like their history and in particular the fact the 9,3 was such a classic calibre here in SA. It worked well on the one buff I took earlier this year but wary that its at the lower end of optimal, i am really just trying to get the best cartridge for the calibre I own. I use it increasingly on more and more game, and it seems super effective to me. I just really want to make sure I have the best possible load without too much pressure and compromising on the bullet. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Rich

Rich
I did not know that did hunt a buffalo with the 9.3X62 earlier this year. I would please like to learn form your experience. What bullet did you? If you used factory ammunition what factory ammunition did you use? Was it a hart/lung shot and what was distance. If you could please share this information.
Regards
AJS

 

[RichieG]

Rich
I did not know that did hunt a buffalo with the 9.3X62 earlier this year. I would please like to learn form your experience. What bullet did you? If you used factory ammunition what factory ammunition did you use? Was it a hart/lung shot and what was distance. If you could please share this information.
Regards
AJS

Hi AJS
Pleasure. I used the Federal Premium Cape Shok cartridge which has Lapua Brass and a 286gr A Frame bullet. They also have the equivalent with a Woodleigh Hydro solid in 286gr. I have only seen the FP ammmo in 9,3x62 available once in SA so I bought it, though the solid was not available and I haven't seen it advertised anywhere in this load.

Cartridge performed well, fatal heart/lung shot on a big old bull from about 40m in the very thick Mopane after 4 days of tracking 6-7 hours a day. Staggered, ran about 30m, one more shot and it ended well. A moment or two of drama but an unbelievable experience. And buffalo venison is possibly the best meat I've ever tasted! What a privilege.
Rich

 

[RichieG]

RichieG, I have a software program called QuickLoad. I can easily compare multiple powders , charges, bullets, and bullet weights. Let me know if you want any help in that regard. P.S. there are AH members in South Africa with the same capability. One of them being "Alchemist" who lives in Pretoria. Before I got my own version of QuickLoad, it was he who helped me.

Hi Shootist43

Thanks for the recommendation. I am trying to get my hands on QuickLoad, so I am sure I will need a proper tutorial once I get it! Makes a lot of sense to use it. Thanks for the offer of help and referrals I may take you up. Thanks again

Rich

 

[RichieG]

The 9.3x62 is a great classic africa round that hits above its weight class verry well. As with any round shot placement is king especially on buffalo.
The first thing I do when reloading is determine what the max length to the lands is with each bullet that I plan on using in that rifle then back off 20 thousands to start my load development. You will also need to check magazine length to ensure that the round will fit and feed correctly. I use those nubers to load a ladder of rounds to start load development. I first shoot 3 rounds of each different powder weight checking for pressure indacators and accuracy. Once I have determined which is the most accurate. I load a grain up and down (In 30/06 or bigger cases) from the most accurate and shoot agin to see if OI have any better accuracy. Once I have the most accurate loads. I test that load for velocity so I can determine the drops for the bullet in distances I expect to hunt with.

RL-17 and Ramshot Big Game have given me my best results powder wise. I have also read where some

In my Custom Parker Hale 9.3x62 really shoots the 250gr accubonds well. and is the round I used on my 2018 safari. My max safe load for this rifle and bullet is going 2715fps at the muzzle. as of now it has a date with a Namibian leopard in fall 2021.

My Ruger hawkeye shines with the 286 and 300 gr Aframes in addition is shoots the 320 woodleighs extremely well. and I would happily use the 300 Aframe at 2510 or the 320 woodleigh at 2405 on a buff.
The Aframes I use RL-17 and Big game with the 320's.

These loads are safe in my rifle and were worked up very carefully and slowly over a 6 month time frame so that I shot on both cold and hot days. The estimated pressures are in the 60-62K range and are only to be used in a modern 9.3.

I have also shot 286 and 300gr Aframes in my 9.3x74 double withe the best powder that gave me the best groups is Ramshot Hunter with RL-19 a close second. I couldn't get the 320's going fast enough without exceeding pressures in my double. Used the 300gr on my eland and sable in 2015.

AZ Dave

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience both on reloading and on your hunting experience with the different rounds- Super helpful to me. I've used the norma oryx factory ammo in 286 on plains game and it seems devastating to me though admittedly I'm cautious on not being too ambitious with long shots. Just my preference not anything else.

I'm going to see if I can get the 300gr A Frames going around 2200fps within acceptable pressure limits. It should be achievable from what I've read but I will build up slowly. Alternatively the 286gr @2400fps should be achievable and "sufficient". I will definitely try the 250gr accubond once I have found a load for the A Frame. Thanks to you and everyone else for their considered input.it really is helpful.
Rich

 

[AZDAVE]

@RichieG You should have no problem getting 2200 with the 300gr at safe pressures. If you need any additional info let me know. I can also run some quick load data on the SA powders if you have problems locating RL-17 or CFE223 powders. just send me a quick PM and let me know.