Which weight Norma Oryx?

[Glenn Slaven]

First post, been reading but just now joined.

Going in Sept if 2019 w father on our first safari w Tholo. He figured 71 years was long enough to wait.

I decided on a 9.3x62 in a Sauer. Love the rifle and shoots great. I’m getting my head wrapped around the axle on bullet selection. I see Norma has two weights. A 232gr and a 286gr Oryx. We are shooting plains game. Are there any disadvantages to the 286 vs the 232 besides 2” of drop at 300 yards? Will the 286 open adequately on smaller game or does it even matter?

 

[stug]

I don't think it will make much difference either way. In my 9.3x62 I use a 285gr prvi partisan projectile, it will be a bit softer than the oryx. I've only got them going 2260 fps. I have had expansion and complete pass through on a red stag at 97 yds, a feral goat at 75yds and a possum at 20 yds.
If you are going after the heavier plains game like eland, kudu or wildebeast I would lean towards the 286gr.

 

[wesheltonj]

I always work under the German rule of use a bigger hammer. The 286g.

 

[IdaRam]

Another vote for 286 gr. And welcome to AH!
Tholo has an excellent reputation. You and your dad will have a great time!

 

[Glenn Slaven]

Thank you for the replies. That’s along the lines I was thinking. Better to have the weight and not need it as long as it opens up and downs act like a solid.

I bought 15 boxes of S&B in 286gr to practice with off of the sticks and for actual gun manipulation. As the hunt gets closer I’ll switch over to the NormaDad is taking his .375 Ruger, and I’m pretty sure as long as he does his part, it should do well for him.

 

[cmk]

There is also the 325 grain Oryx bullet for those who really want to go "heavy-for-calibre". Norma reloading tables list that you can get 2120-223o fps velocities, but they have rather long barrels in their test lab, so one would probably end up a bit lower if following their recipies.

However, given that plains game is on the menu, I can't really see the need to go that heavy, and either of the weights should be sufficient by a wide margin. The classic weight for the 9.3x62 is the 286gr, so that would probably my choice.

 

[billc]

I would get a box of each and see if they both shot out of the gun ok first. Good luck and post some pictures of your hunt. I have heard great things about that place.

 

[Shootist43]

The 9.3 x 62 earned its' stellar reputation using a 286 Gr. bullet. Why try to reinvent that wheel? I will be 75 in August but am going on my second safari with my son in July. Tell your dad that plans for your return trip need to start soon. For PG both of you are covered as far as rifles and calibers are concerned. BTW welcome to AH. Where are you guys from? What have you hunted in the past?

 

[Glenn Slaven]

The 9.3 x 62 earned its' stellar reputation using a 286 Gr. bullet. Why try to reinvent that wheel? I will be 75 in August but am going on my second safari with my son in July. Tell your dad that plans for your return trip need to start soon. For PG both of you are covered as far as rifles and calibers are concerned. BTW welcome to AH. Where are you guys from? What have you hunted in the past?

We are from the Houston area, Baytown to be exact. I hope this will not be our only safari together. We haven’t hunted anything exotic really. Pheasnts, dove, duck, geese, pig, turkey, and of course Texas whitetail. I’m excited to get out of my comfort zone and more excited to do this with Dad. When I was 6 or 7 I remember freezing in the floor of a deer stand with him, when he was younger than I am now. Hell of a long way from those days I would say. Lol. He was thinking he was too old to do it, I said quit over thinking and do something he had wanted to do since he was a kid.

Glad to be here. So much info to read and to learn.

 

[fourfive8]

No problem with either bullet. On smaller antelope, the expansion if any, won't matter but heavy bone hits or odd angle hits could cause some hide/cape damage. Not much to prevent that 100% anyway no matter the bullet. On bigger tougher game, the only concern with the Oryx bullet would be if you were shooting a hot rod caliber and lighter bullet where over expansion and/or lack of penetration may be a concern. That won't be an issue with the 9.3x62. Don't underestimate how tough a wildebeest can be or how big an old eland bull is. Shoot straight. That sand is "slick", somewhat slow and difficult to walk long distances in and there's no better hunting in the world IMO than tracking eland with the best trackers in the world. Good luck, slow down and enjoy every minute there!

 

[Shootist43]

Glenn, have you introduced your Dad to AH. He might enjoy doing some reading and learning on his own. Contrary to popular belief old dogs can learn new tricks.

 

[Glenn Slaven]

Glenn, have you introduced your Dad to AH. He might enjoy doing some reading and learning on his own. Contrary to popular belief old dogs can learn new tricks.

I sent him the link and told him about it. I’m 20 years LE, and even though he retired, we own a gun company and it keeps him busy. I told him there is a ton of info on here.

 

[CAustin]

Welcome to the posting side of AH Glenn!

 

[spike.t]

Hi welcome aboard . And 286 grn ...wouldnt pollute my 9.3s barrel with anything lighter ...