Can a 9.3x74r achieve 5400 joules?

[Mountaineer]

I saw a 9.3x74r double rifle that caught my attention. I mostly hunt in Namibia which has a 5400 joules minimum for big game. In reviewing load it appears it comes up a little. Has anyone achieved this minimum? Thanks

 

[odonata]

I only have commercial 9.3x74r ammo & my hottest RWS load only achieves 4660j.

This thread might be of interest:

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Thread '9,3 mm – A Love Affair'

Jun 5, 2020

9,3 mm – A love affair

My love affair with the 9,3 mm started years ago. I was looking for a double rifle, that had to be good for both driven hunt and stalking, and my choice was the old venerable 9,3x74R.

I immediately started handloading this fine caliber with N202 powder, obtaining good accuracy and outstanding terminal effects on big game. Season after season i learned how effective was the old German doctrine: heavy soft point bullets at mild velocity equals complete penetration, massive wound and game on the ground. And this at its best in woods.

The...

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[grand veneur]

I saw a 9.3x74r double rifle that caught my attention. I mostly hunt in Namibia which has a 5400 joules minimum for big game. In reviewing load it appears it comes up a little. Has anyone achieved this minimum? Thanks

It does not achieve 5000 Joules, but it has about the same ballistic values as the cartridge 9,3x62, so that it can theoretically also be used for hunting big game where the latter is permitted. The cartridge 9,3x74R would not be my first choice for hunting big game, despite it I shot three buffaloes with it, but if 5400 joules is the lower limit, something like that does not be allowed in Namibia. As always, if you want to use for big game hunting cartridges at the lower limit, the safest option is to use cartridges like the 9,3x64 Brenneke or 375 H&H Magnum.

 

[sgt_zim]

It does not achieve 5000 Joules, but it has about the same ballistic values as the cartridge 9,3x62, so that it can theoretically also be used for hunting big game where the latter is permitted. The cartridge 9,3x74R would not be my first choice for hunting big game, despite it I shot three buffaloes with it, but if 5400 joules is the lower limit, something like that does not be allowed in Namibia. As always, if you want to use for big game hunting cartridges at the lower limit, the safest option is to use cartridges like the 9,3x64 Brenneke or 375 H&H Magnum.

Unless I am much mistaken, 9.3x62 was developed at a time when RN bullets were preferred. The firing chambers were cut to be able to handle a relatively untapered ogive, and SAAMI spec is for a COAL of 3.291". Freebore/leade are exceedingly long in both of the 9.3x62 I have - a Zastava and a Sauer.

With modern spitzers and their long, tapered ogives, you can often measure a bullet seated on the lands at around 3.37" or 3.38", meaning COAL can go out to around 3.34 or 3.35. I went with 3.325 for A Frames, and I'm getting 2475 fps with that, no sticky bolt, no flattened primers, etc. That's 5300 Joules. Still a skosh short of 5400, but a 300 gr 375 H&H at a "mere" 2400 fps also falls short of 5400 Joules.

I'm reasonably confident if I had kept playing at LD for my 9.3x62, I probably could have gotten to 2520 fps or so (would be just over 5400 Joules). With a top end pressure of about 50K PSI, you just can't get there with a 9.3x74, though I don't believe it matters much

If I understand Jerome's write-up on energy "requirements" in Namibia, they're more along the lines of suggestions.

 

[grand veneur]

All of these cartridges caliber 9,3mm and also the cartridge 375 H&H Magnum were not designed initially for hunting big and dangerous game. At that time, the big and dangerous game was primarily shot with DR caliber 450 NE upwards. Over time it only became clear that these smaller cartridges could also be used to shoot big game to a limited extent. The discussion about their use for hunting big and dangerous game continues nowadays, which is good to read on the Forum.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

It is mute for Namibia anyway because if I am not mistaken you also have a minimum 375 calibre requirement for DG.
And the OP is talking of a double, which will need the loads to regulate. So all in all, I would say the answer is a flat no.

 

[sgt_zim]

It is mute for Namibia anyway because if I am not mistaken you also have a minimum 375 calibre requirement for DG.
And the OP is talking of a double, which will need the loads to regulate. So all in all, I would say the answer is a flat no.

Unless my memory has failed, Jerome has stated more than once that this isn't binding as it isn't "law."