I am a great 9.3x62 fan. I am a Spaniard, and use it on wild boar driven hunts, as well as on roe deer stalks. I love it. I am delighted to see that it is becoming well-known in the USA as well. It deserves every bit of your attention, and is gaining popularity very quickly. It is a perfectly designed classic, ahead of its time, back in 1905, steadily gaining recognition. It was all but disappeared after the Second World War, but is coming back with authority. It will be loved by many American hunters as well. If I may, I would like to recommend a monographic book on this cartridge. "9.3 X 62 Mauser Journal" (Third edition) by Hendrik Van Der Schyff, in 2021. It is very comprehensive, with history, ballistic comparisons, anecdotes, and a whole lot of experiences by different hunters.
@@jamiehurtt3530 At much higher pressures. Not every commercial action can handle that weight bullet if you are loading it to try for 9.3x62mm performance. Elmer Keith loaded 310s heavy in his .35 Whelen, but he was known for being reckless with his loads. :)
I thought this might be a .35 Whelen episode. Poor man's cartridge for sure. 30-06 case necked out to .358 caliber shooting a 250 grain bullet at 2400 fps 3200 ft/lbs. ain't no slouch. Manageable recoil too.
@@WillyK51 Both were built to fit the standard (non magnum) actions the creators had readily available to them at the time with minimal modifications. With that said, they are not identical in performance. The 9.3x62 has quite a few heavier loadings available to it making it the obvious winner out of the two. Bullet weights are available for the 9.3x62 in 230gr, 250gr, 270gr, 285gr, 286gr, 300gr, and 325gr variants.
Zimbabwe acknowledges the 9.3x62 as legal for Cape Buffalo. When Tanzania, then Tanganyika, wrote its first game laws for hunting dangerous game, the 9.3x62 was the exception to the rule. The 35 Whelen is a good cartridge, but it's not legal
@@Paul-q3m7kThe 35 Whelen would be my 2nd choice of rifle to build, with the 338-06 being my first choice, both are incredible performers and can be used on everything from whitetail to bison!
I can buy 35 Whelen ammo but most gun shops in the US don't even know what the 9.3x62 is. Normally they don't know what the 35 Whelen is. They're all into black rifles.
Big 9.3x62 fan here. I use my Ruger Hawkeye loaded with Prvi 286gr rounds on whitetail here in Wisconsin. Soft jacketed bullet lead tip round nose with great expansion. Great in thick wooded areas. Made an 80 yard shot on a 10 pointer, drt. 1inch expansion 246 gr retained. Have had similar results so far.
Also a 9.3x62 Wisconsin hunter. Great cartridge! Mine are CZ550s. I use 250g tsx at 2,555 f/s for everything from whitetail to black bear to nilgai in Texas in open areas and 286g tsx for the great northwoods in WI. Would be a perfect moose cartridge as well. Agreed--excellent in thick wooded areas. Easy to shoot. The slow push recoil is much easier to shoot than even my 6.5x285. Go Badgers.
This is a very popular cartridge in Sweden, and has usually been used on Moose almost exclusively, but has become popular in the southern half for Wild Boar. It is probably the most allround for clambering for big game one can own. We have ridiculously oppressive gun laws here, and can only own 6 long guns for hunting. Switch barrel rifles have become popular. And I would say a rifle with 6.5x55 and 9.3x63 would handle most hunting north of the Alps in Europe.
Six long guns per person seems like plenty. 12 ga, sub gauge, rimfire, smaller caliber rifle, large caliber rifle, and one left over. Now if it’s per household and that require accommodating children or a spouse, that gets a little tough.
@@mtkoslowski I'm also an American. I just don't need 6 tools to do what I can do with 4. I think we get head in the clouds and buy lots of guns for scenarios we never hunt. ex: I NEED an elk gun that can reach out 700 yards despite never having hunted elk or shot any game beyond 300. We get marketed into buying a bunch of shit we don't need and then convince ourselves they were a good purchase afterwards.
Hi im hunting mainly moose in nothen Sweden, im been hunting since i was 18 (1975) with a Carl Gustaf 1900 6,5 55. About 15 years ago i was sick and tired of searching the animals becuse they was running more than 100 yards after a deadly shot. I read the statistics of some cartridges an found that the 9.3 74 thats i a commonly used in France - dual barrel guns, the statistics said that 80% of the games dropped less than 20 yards from where they got hit by the bullet. So the choise was simple- the 9,3 62 and the 9,3 74 is commonly loaded for the same performance, so i purchased a Sauer 202 9,3 62.. Last year i purchased a barrel brake to get some less recoil and today I have a recoil as the 6,5 55 at the 9,3 yay
I shot my elk this year with a 9.3x62 using a 250gr Barnes TTSX. Absolute sledge hammer, even at 300yds which after the shot was lasered as I didn't have time. This is the second elk I've shot with this rifle and am very impressed with the performance. I highly recommend this very versatile cartridge. My rifle is built on a Savage model 111 re-chambered from a 30-06 by Jes Reboring in Oregon. Think I peid less than $ 500.00 for one of the most accurate rifles I own!
I used a 375 H&H for years and then my wife bought me a CZ Model 550 American in 9.3x62 Mauser. I also owned a Rem Model 700 Classic in 350 Rem Mag. I no longer own the 350 and no longer shoot the 375. That's how good the 9,3x62 is. Great cartridge.
I mentioned my late polish doctor friend who lived in Kenya for years. Guided rich English dubs and would tell me hilarious stories about those Englishmen. One how the doctor guided one gent to a herd of elephants..told the gent to shot one bull. The bull spotted them and of course became agitated and began to charge them somewhat. As the doc relayed the event..he turned around and the English gent was running away so..the doc had to shoot the elephant himself m. As soon as the elephant succumbed the Englushbgent ran up..jump up on the elephant and started to demand he got his picture shot of the elephant with him sitting on top. The docs favorite rifle was. 375 H&H…and he had several. As long as a cartridge works..it’s good enough. Lastly, this old doctor friend was truly regretful for having killed elephants and rhinos. And his pictures backed up his claim of many of these takes. You could sense his regret and his testimony to me was “Why did I kill so many? It was truly pointless” he would always tell me. So my question is..why would anyone want to kill those magnificent animals..? One can argue in some areas the elephants are over grazing. But where are these suppose to live? Exist? I guess we’ll never learn to not screw up wild America as we are doing. Altering things to where now there has to be whitetail culling to keep the numbers down. Do not get me started on mule deer or elk numbers…I know these facts well and with CED..we may very well lose most of the mule deer herds and elk…even moose. Just saying
That’s “CWD”…chronic wasting disease and it’s out of control in Colorado and a growing disease throughout North America’s lower 48 and some areas of Canada. Thanks to cattle ranchers.
I've got an FN 9.3x62 and found it to be a truly outstanding cartridge!! I took a cape buff with mine - right frontal quartering shot - slipped the projie just in front of the right shoulder, and the Woodleigh 286gr RNSN was found by the rear left rib. Fantastic straight line penetration!! Buff wobbled 10yds and dropped in it's tracks!! STILL an effective cartridge today as it was in it's heyday in Africa!! 👍
I have a 9.3x62 CZ 550 full stock carbine that I carry when hunting big game in the Alberta Foothills. I carry it because I am in grizzly country and don’t want anything less when I am field dressing a deer at sundown and realize I have company. My handload is a 286 Nosler partitions and 59 grains of Varget , chronograph shows 2480 fps. Normally I use a 270 for deer but not in the foothills….
@@maxcontax no kidding. A 300wm pushing a 180g pill at 3130fps is producing 3917ftlb and that’s on the upper end of the energy envelop of the 300wm. Wow. I’ve always liked the 9.3x62 because of its versatility but never compared I to a 300wm.
@@the_watcher_abc as I do more field trials with cartridges (aka hunting) I have noted that slower velocities and cup and core bullets seems to kill or stop better than very fast new design bullets, often these new bullets have less Sectional Density, they are lighter.. Stopping power and killing power are related but not the same. My 9.3 handload combines a partition with a slower velocity of about 2400 fps to impact. I have never had to shoot a grizzly with this but decking whitetails has been profound. Even with my 260 Remington, slowing Sierra 140’s to 2530 fps with 43 grains of MRP has resulted in instant collapse. Ido not get that with my 143 grain ELD-X @ 2812 fps MV. Hitting a whitetail at 150 yds broadside with a 9.3x62, they are lifted off their feet and laid down 4 feet down range. After maxing out velocities for years I am discovering slower velocities. My first clue was African favoured cartridges, old and new. Not hi-vel.
Don't forget that there is also the 9,3x64 Brenneke. This round is equal to the 375 H&H in therms of energy but you have the advantage that you can use lighter bullets in order to shoot flat. Great video Joseph👍🏼
Shame that I couldn't find as wide selection of rifles as for the 9.3x62mm (and even the ammo itself). Yet, it (9.3x62mm) is still very adequate in Europe. But the 9.3x64mm is a flatter, further shooting cartridge. Both are great cartridges, especially for those ones, who lives in countries where ex or current military cartridges are big no-nos, as these 9.3 ones never were adapted by any military.
I have a Czech former exchange student friend from 25 years ago who is a major forestry executive today. His family has leases on thousands of acres and hunt red deer and boars almost weekly. He also hunts bears in Kamchatka. His rifle is a Sauer with 2 barrels: .308 for Europe and 9.3x 62 for Asian and African dangerous game.
A local gun shop in western Pennsylvania had 5 Mossberg Patriot rifles in 375 Ruger that weren't selling and I picked up a stainless, cerakoted one in that caliber for $290 brand spanking new!! Sure, Ammo isn't cheap and I'm really happy I bought 2 boxes then, for $49/ box, now between $85 & $105/ box, but still, what a deal at $290!!! With the 270 gr Hornady sp, interlocks, 2,850 fps!! 3 shot, 5/8" groups at 100 yds
It’s a cool cartridge. That’s my idea of a poor man’s big game cartridge since it can be found in affordable rifles due to the normal length action. How’s the recoil on such a light gun?
@@Snailz5 it was stiff, I won't lie, but added a muzzle break at only $190 and it's like a 30'06 with (correction, not 180's, but 270 gr) Before the break, it was noticeably harsher than my 300 Remington Ultra Mag with 165's
My father hunts with this caliber. Last month watched him dropped a 5x5 elk at 200 plus yards on a trot. One shot dropped on the spot. Cleaning the elk there was little to no meat damage. Round is top notch!
I have said it before, I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s. Col Townsend Whelen, O’Connor, Keith etc. Last of 19th century guys. So I LOVE all these proven rounds.
Addenda to my long comment regarding the 9.3x62. The gentleman I got my 9.3x62 from, who grew up hunting in Africa, now lives in the U.S, arranges African safaris and has many years experience hunting dangerous game, stated emphatically that the only shot that should be taken on elephants is a head shot, preferably within 50 yards. He said there is just too much to get through to get to the internal vital organs. He was also against scopes, even at low power because to hard to find the relatively small kill zone can be hard to find following recoil of the first shot or if the scope had been set at a high magnification.
Thank you for your time making people aware of this gem of a cartridge. When in South Africa, my first rifle I bought was a CZ 550 Meduim Lux in 9.3 x 62. Bought it because my dad always spoke highly of it. When I moved to Canada, I had to get one again. Located one at Phrophet River Firearms. Defenerly a great round. I think CZ discontinued it recently. Hopefully, somebody with more authority (: than me can convince them to put them in production again. Regards
From time to time I've had the opportunity to purchase used 9.3 rifles, but I've already got a 35 Whelen and 375 H&H. The last thing I need is a scarce oddball cartridge (by American standards) to reload. I'm glad you covered its ballistic potential because that was another reason I hesitated to make a purchase in the past; I wasn't sure how well it would perform. Now I know.
Another "poor-man's Magnum" I discovered nearly 3 decades ago is the now standardized 338-06 A-Square... I had read several articles and load data etc. and became interested in seeking to obtain one in a classic bolt gun. Not finding any reasonably priced examples (at the time) I set about looking to build one. A poorly sporterized Mauser 98 was in the used gun rack at the local gunshop for only $175... A tour through the Brownell's catalog found the Adam's&Bennett barrel, a Fajen stock and a Timney trigger... I obtained Leupold QR mounts and a Beautiful pre-owned Schmidt&Bender 30mm FFP 3-12X56 SCOPE and blued and assembled the gun and optics as well as installed an aftermarket mag baseplate and tuned it all to shoot into 1 inch at 100 yards all day long. My first Game dropped was a Maine Bull Moose at little over 175 yards using my handload Nosler Partion Spitzer 250 gr. over 51.2 gr of Reloader 15 for a muzzle velocity of 2570 fps. That 815 lb beast took two steps after taking that slug through both lungs and crumpled right there. I've since taken Black Bear, Whitetail, Wild Boar and even Coyotes using 180 Slugs at around 2700 fps... recoil is less abusive than my Remington 660 20" 308!... oh, and I've lent my 7lb, 15 oz 338-06 to two of my three brothers for their Moose Lottery permits and both were One Shot kills...
I built one a few years back on a savage 110. I could talk for days about the merits of the cartridge, nothing short of phenomenal. Very surprised it didn't take off more than it did.
There is even a 253 grain armor piercing bullet available for the 9.3x62, it's difficult to find because it's Russian. They use it in the 9x39mm, 9.3x53mmR, 9.3x64mm Brenneke, and a .338 Lapua Magnum wildcat they call 9x69mm SP-14.
I dont have a 9.3x62, but have always admired it. With two .35 Whelen's, a couple .375 H&H's, and a custom 9.3x64 Brenneke, and .375 Whelen Improved i am covered, highly respect its performance and history though.
You are 100% correct; zebra meat is absolutely delicious. I loved watching this video, in part, due to the fact I have a Sako 85 Deluxe in 9.3x62. The nostalgia of the caliber captured my attention after I went on an African safari, so I purchased that rifle, as well as a Ruger African in 275 Rigby.
Old African here: If zebra meat are ‘good eats’ wouldn’t plain old horse meat be even more tender and delicious? After all, the zebra has to earn its living staying one step ahead of lion. I’m thinking tough and stringy. My father brought horse meat home a couple of times but I’ve never tried zebra. You’ve given me ‘food for thought.’
9.3x62 is a very common cartridge in Germany. It is widely used for everything from the size of a roe deer up to red stag. It is definitely capable of taking out whatever you are going to hunt. It's a shame that we don't have larger game than red stag in Germany. We can't even make use of the true potential of this cartridge.
They had 5 Mossberg Patriot rifles in that caliber at a gun shop here in western Pennsylvania. I walked away with a cerakoted stainless steel rifle, brand new for $290 , just because they had them awhile and they weren't selling. What a steal!!
I recently acquired a deluxe version Husqvarna M640 9.3x62 built in 1946. It’s the one with nicely checkered walnut stock. It’s a little light but the limb saver recoil pad helps. Good luck finding your Husky. Check with Simpsons LTD.
with almost identical characteristics to Ramshot Big Game is Alliant 2000MR. I use the latter and achieve 2400+ fps with 286 gr bullets at less than max charge in a slow 14 twist barrel. Apparently 12 twist barrels help the MV out a bit, but I'm pretty happy at 2350 - 2425 fps MV for any 285/286 gr bullet. Taking mine to RSA next summer for some wildebeest, zebra, and gemsbok action, and if I chance across a cape buffalo cow, one of those as well.
I live in Northern Idaho and about five years ago I happened upon a CZ 550 in 9.3X62mm Mauser at our local Cabela's. Since no one around here knew anything about the cartridge, I was able to get a great deal on it. Getting ammo can be a bit expensive, but as this video mentions, I recently got a set of dies for it and I found that it is very easy to reload. So far I have shot two elk, and my once in a lifetime Idaho Shiras moose with it, and none of those animals so much as took one step. I would have no qualms using it to hunt anything on the Western Hemisphere and would love to take it to Africa some day.
I've been using the 9.3 x 62mm since the early 1970's when I was first introduced to it in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). My rifle sports a 20 inch barrel and weighs 8lbs including optics. The recoil is comparitively mild (but still a bit brisk) and in my opinion it is far better than the 375 in use. There was an interesting article by Chris Bekker, called "Does excessive Bullet Spin Contribute to Bullet Failure?" It compares the 9.3 with the 375 ... and the 9.3 wins. I've tried searching online for this document, but cannot find a link. I have a .pdf available if anyone wants to read it.
Excellent video on a great, but sadly overlooked cartridge. I am a 35 Whelen fan, but have come close many times to getting a 9.3X62. You did forget to mention the CZ550 when talking about rifles available for this round.
I purchased a Rem 700C in 375 years ago, and it holds 3 in the magazine. The Winchester M70's I purchased over the years held one additional cartridge in their magazines which might be important if things got sour. I recall Outdoor Life's Gun Editor Jim Carmichel had a lion jump him along with his PH while he was hunting plains animals with his 338 Win Mag, and I think he was down to his final round before it succomed to the prior 3 rounds of 250 gr Noslers? Jack O'Conner used a 375 early on but swithed to the 416 Rigby. These guys were great shots, but where the big cats are concerned, 'just enough' might be too little.
Ron and Joseph compliment each other. Both very knowledgeable and a wealth of information….not to mention, very experienced hunters across the major continents.
I really miss my 9.3 and need to replace it one of these days. It hit hard ,shot incredible straight and was not a bruiser to shoot Everything that fitted in it smashed game but the 325gr Norma Oryx was a particular hammer.
Savage made about 11 uncataloged 111FC rifles in 9.3x62 and I've been exceptionally pleased with mine. Harvested hog & bear with its 20" barrel. I cast a 250 & 300 bullet for 'cheap' plinking. Barnes 250 TSX & IMR 8208 deliver about 2400 fps @ 1 MOA and Nosler 250 AB will move large pieces of lung outside the body on hogs. Norma brass has more case capacity than PPU. RCBS dies are designed for using 30-06 brass necked up while Redding uses CIP dimensions which are larger in diameter at the base of web. RCBS dies swaged a belt into my PPU cases until I sent them back to RCBS for correction. Be aware of that if you have a 35 Whelen bored out & throated to 9.3x62. If you build a 9x39 you can use the same diameter bullets. Great medium bore!
Love seeing Ron collaborate with Joseph. They have very similar opinions and take on things, so they seem to work well together. It’s great seeing Ron mentor these guys who will be carrying the torch for the next generation. Very good job on the videos! Ps I love the backcountry hunting podcast
No one has commented on the letter perfect imitation of Ron SPOMER? Didn't it seem curious that, with a slight change in the timber of the voice, you could play this with a photo of Ron on the screen and no one would know that it wasn't him? Bravo! And who besides RON could put aside his ego in order to share this gag with us? BRAVO! DOUG out
375 Ruger is my inexpensive big game. 8) Awesome cartridge, although gives scope eye to many who want to try mine. lol Mine cost less than $600 including the scope and rings. ;)
Met a farmer from Zimbabwe, who was driven off his farm and arrived here in Ireland, from the UK to run a large farm here. He told me, his all situations rifle was an old Mauser spotter in 9.3x62. BTW, also available in semi-auto hunting rifles here in the EU for driven Boar.
I have one in Tikka t3x lite hunter and another in a Zastava mauser copy. The tikka is a but of a hard hitter, but I think the 30-06 t3x I have in a synthetic stock is worse.
I've seen at least one complaint about the T3X stock not being the best, in terms of the angles IIRC, for handling heavy recoil. Speaking of the Zastava, there's one lefty available right now on GB in this ctg.
Great video on the 9.2x63. Having recently watched several other videos I wish I had discovered it long ago,specifically for hunting elk and moose in Montana and grizzly in Alaska, where I did hear of it but never followed up on it. ( My go to rifles for elk and moose had been the .300 Win Mag and Weatherby 7 mmMag, for Grizzly the .375 H&H , all great for those applications but the 9.2x 63 would have served for all). And then it sounds like a great single rifle for Africa,for both plains game and dangerous game.
My first thought but when he introduced it, I wasn't surprised, knowing that round is so respected that it is Grandfathered in as a DGR in many places vs 375 HH minimum rules.
Its not the Cartridge, it kicks about the same as the 30-06 with a 180-220 grns bullet. Shooting after a Pint does that to you, Or maybe the old lady found out he wasn't hunting game but skirt
@@simonsays582 Started shooting my 9.3 K98 when I was 17 and 140 pounds. Norma vulkan 232 grains around 2600 fps never had a bruise. is your rifle "super light" ??
Also the ballistics were developed on an old 96 Mauser action. With safe hand loads in a 98 Mauser action or modern action able to handle 30-06 or270 chamber pressure , the increase in velocity, my Husqvarna 1640 in 9.3x62 will shoot 296gr bullets 2600fps safely.
I've read in a old magazine, that at certain point, 9,2x62 was considered the third popular foreign-designed cartridge in Russia (first being 308 and 30-06), exactly because of its universally good game performance. However, local ammo makers decided to manufacture 9,3x64 instead, because military was testing new 9 mm Dragunov-based DMR and they wanted ammo. As soon as SVDK hype among military has faded away, the manufacturing of the round has pretty much stopped, and civilian guns were discontinued as well, including a push feed multicaliber bolt action hunting rifle. That's sad, really. Lots of stuff that could be made is considered not economically viable.
Surprised nobody mentioned the .358 Norma? I've loaded 180TTSX, 200,225,Accubond, 250 Partition. Seems pretty versatile to me as an all around shoot most anything choice. It can be loaded to 35 Whelan levels or full power when needed.
I previously had an FN Mauser in 30-06 caliber converted to 9.2x62 by a Nuremberg gunsmith. A picture of a hunting rifle from after 1900 was used as a model. It was a very precise weapon. Good for Africa and the north for moose hunting. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.
I do wonder what a basic 16-24in .308 rifle would do with heavy hard hitting solid copper rounds around say the 170-200grn range on dangerous game. I bet around 100yds it would do pretty well. However I wouldn’t want to be the one to test it on water buffalo up close myself. Still I’ve seen the gel test, they got potential.
I love watching these shows. The best meat ever in Hippo. Before the laws changed we used basically 2 caliber. The 9.3 and the .303 it was only the “other” people that used big bores because we could not afford those rifles. Talk to many old timers in Africa and they will agree with me
Can yall do a video on 300 Savage? I recently picked up a Remington 700 chambered in 300 savage and had never heard of it before finding that rifle in my local gun store. Would love to see a video about it!
I can indeed confirm the versatility of the 9,3x62. I have been hunting with it in N. Europe for 15 years now and have Wild Boar (up to 350 lbs), Moose and Red Stag with it - all in one shot kills. And it takes a Roe Deer as well :-)
On my eventual once in a lfietime cape buffalo hunt, I want to load RL15 behind some 300 gr swift a frames, hoping they do well but by reputation im pretty stoked.
9.2 is the Continental competition to the .375 H&H Speaking to lots of African PH's they say it kicks too much. Personally I would go for the .375 H&H or .4I6 Rigby.
Absolutely the best overall cartridge! I used to hunt with 9.3x62 (Blaser R93) and now I moved to single shot 9.3x74R (Blaser K95) which is basically the same cal. I am always using 286grs Nosler Partition at the best bullet in 9.3. The only time I recovered bullets was from huge eland - all others went clean through. Roe deer I was hunting were always way less damaged than with .243. People are complaining about bullet drop but my longest shot was on red deer at 350m. No clicks and big magnification just holdover and x6. Further more, I had few poor shots at BWB and Gemsbok but I recovered them quickly. What else I should ask for from my rifle?
To answer the question, yes. A Gibbs African Hunter Rifle in 72 caliber, obtained from Dixiegunworks for just over $2,000, with a 550 grain round ball sitting on top of 150 grains of black powder, travelling at 1440fps delivers 2531 foot pounds of energy and a TKO value of 80 - TWICE that of a 375H&H. Black powder is easily and cheaply made, so are percussion caps. Lead can be found anywhere. It's a cheap dangerous game rifle, and MORE than adequate at 50 yards for just about anything if you're using hardened lead balls. Just don't miss.
20 years ago I purchased a Swedish made Mauser in 9.3x62 .. i had it D&T had the bolt handle bent .. and installed a low mount safety.. installed a low powered scope PPU 9.3x62 ammo was inexpensive 286gr SP I used that rifle to take 3 Black bear and 4 or 5 pigs One of the bear weighed over 375lb The gun was suprisingly low recoiling … I ended up trading to a fellow who wanted to replace his 338 mag Also a 45/70 with a 400 and heavier hard cast bullet will go the job on Cape
About 12 years ago, I saw a 9.3x63 Husquvana with a German-style mount and scope for $1500 at a gun show. Always regret not buying it, but my first son was on the way.
Great video Joseph ! You two need to cover the big sister of the 9.3x62…. The 9.3x74. Also used a lot in Europe and Africa (even if the 9.3x62 seems more popular on the dark continent). A real classic too, you’ll love it Cheers from France 🇫🇷
Hello from SE AK, Mr. von Benedikt. I went from this to the Backcountry Hunting Podcast. Not knowing the similarities in the host at all!! Thank you for the information on the 30-06 cartridge. Picked up my first rifle, Springfield model 30-06. I have it dialed in for 100 yards open sight. I hope to provide nutrition for myself sooner than later. Merry Christmas and Godbless
You didn’t mention any of the classic 9.3x62 Swedes. I recently acquired a Husqvarna M640 9.3x62 built in 1946. The gentleman I got it from grew up hunting in Africa where his father was a government game ranger. Now he lives in the U.S., arranges African Safaris and still hunts in Africa himself. He said he had taken three Cape buffalo with the rifle I got from him in recent years before selling it to me. It was one of his extra rifles. He also mentioned that in Africa the 9.3x62 is referred to as the European 375. Interestingly he said that his two favorite cartridges for hunting the world over are the 300 Win Mag and the 375 Weatherby Magnum because you can accurately shoot regular 375 H&H rounds in the Weatherby chamber and you instantly have fire formed cases ready to be loaded to 375 Weatherby velocities. The biggest problem with using the 9.3x62 in the U.S. on relatively light thin skinned game, i.e. White Tails and Mule Deer, is that most of the bullets from U.S. manufacturers are too heavily constructed and may just shoot right through those species with little or no expansion. The gentleman I got my Husqvarna from specifically recommended that I use the inexpensive Privi Partisan 285 grain JSP or the old Remington Core Lokt on White Tails or Mule Deer, which is all I’m ever likely to shoot , because both of those have relatively thin jackets on the front of the bullet that will expand well at moderate velocities while retaining enough bullet weight for good penetration. The Hornady 286 grain Inter Locked JSP may work on the thin skinned deer but it might also be too stout for the relatively light weight thin skinned deer. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to try any of it yet. I have plenty of new PPU cases, some PPU factory ammunition but have only been able to obtain the 286 grain Hornady bullets for reloading. Hornady makes a 300 grain solid they call the DG which is specifically designed for dangerous game. I don’t think I’ll be needing any of that. Happy hunting boys and girls!😊
Settlers in Africa wanted cartridges _able to_ handle dangerous game, though they really didn't plan on being "dangerous game" hunters. They didn't need an expensive, dedicated dangerous game rifle. Most probably had ONE rifle and wanted to use it for everything. The .35 Whelen is very nearly identical to this cartridge. (but for bullet diameter being .358" v. .366") Both will do 2,600 fps with 225-232gr. bullets. With Woodleigh 275 gr. bullets the .35 Whelen can deliver 2400+ fps with several powders. This is not surprising. They both use the same basic case and are virtually identical in every dimension, but for bullet diameter (the 9.3x62 is actually .050" shorter case length.) Loaded in similar rifles at similar pressures they deliver nearly identical ballistics. The biggest consideration would be that the bullets are proper for that use. The 9.3x62, because of it's popularity with African hunters, has always been available with bullets designed for large, dangerous game. The .35 Whelen is factory loaded with bullets for deer through elk. But custom bullets for handloaders will fill the bill.
You hit the nail square on the head! I have pointed out in other videos that the SAAMI MAP for 9.3x62 is 57,500 psi and for the Whelen MAP is 62,000 psi. As such the Whelen will push any same weight bullet 100 fps or more faster than the 9.3x62. Besides the 275 grain bullet you mentioned Woodleigh makes a 310 grain bullet for the Whelen. DOUBLETAP AMMO loads the Woodleigh Weldcore 310 grain JSP to 2300 fps tested in a Remington 700 with a 24” barrel. Woodleigh provides reloading data showing up to 2345 fps for their 275 grain bullets and 2200 fps for their 310 grain bullet in the 35 Whelen. Hawk also makes 275 and heavier bullets for the Whelen but I haven’t seen any reloading data for those. I have both the 35 Whelen and the 9.3x62. In reality they are two peas in a pod. Funny thing is, it’s unlikely that I will ever shoot anything other than a Whitetail or Mule Deer with either. I can hand load but for thin skinned deer the 285 PPU or the old Remington Core Lokt are said to work just fine.
@@davewinter2688 The case dimensions of the 2 cases are nearly identical. Though the Whelen uses the "extra" 1mm in length in the neck length...which isn't a bad thing. Case capacity is nearly identical and the difference in bullet diameter (.008") is not enough to make a difference. For Americans, at least, the .35 bore offers more bullet choices, though few except custom bullets, are designed for dangerous game. As _factory loaded_ the 9.3x62 is probably a better choice for dangerous game, but anyone owning either of these rifles is very likely (and definitely should be) a handloader. If you handload, there are plenty of .358" bullets available for dangerous game. Trying to make a case for one over the other is beating a very dead horse.
@@garyK.45ACP As I said, “two peas in a pod”. I have said all the things you said at various times to those asserting that the 9.3x62 is far superior to the 35 Whelen. It appears that the only real advantage the 9.3x62 has is in those African countries that require the 9.2mm/0.366” bullet diameter and possibly a minimum energy for dangerous game. Also probably aren’t going to walk in to any where in Africa that sells ammunition and find 35 Whelen on the shelf. Happy Hunting!
@@davewinter2688 True. BTW the same can be said for anyone espousing the wonders of many of the new cartridges...most of which are the same product that's been available for 100+ years packaged in a different sized bottle. Though in this case, both cartridges are quite old.
@@garyK.45ACP Yep! Hand loaded 7x57 in medium length (Kar 98} actions equal to and better than 7mm-08 especially with the heavier longer bullets that can be seated farther out. Same for the 6.5x55. Even in the M96 Swedish action it will outclass the 6.5 Creedmoor. Most folks don’t know how strong the Swedish Mausers are because they were specified to be built with a super strong tough Swedish steel. Better than any German steel. Even the “Swedish” Mausers, M96 or M98, built in Germany were required to use the Swedish steel. 9.3x57 pretty much the same as 358 Winchester. All old, all just as good as cartridges 100 years younger!
It doesn't matter as much anymore. A DG hunt is such an expensive proposition that a suitable, used 375 H&H isn't a major portion of any hunt you're going to do. 9.3x62 might be allowed outside the normal scope that starts at 375 HH but if the law requires 41+ you're not going to be covered in either case. In that situation I'd go straight to 458WM - yes, despite it's shortcomings.
About 10 yrs ago I got an old Remington 760 pump action in 30-06 with a blown out bore for under $400. I sent it out to get rebored to .358 that cost about $175 at the time. That was the cost of my 35 Whelen. It turns out its my most accurate rifle
I fell into the lure of the light recoiling 9.3 X 62! The jokes on me! With a 286gr bullet at 2450fps in a lightweight Sako 85 Hunter - you kidding me??? The recoil was horrendous - the saving grace was it was super accurate! In fact I preferred my 375 H&H with a 300gr at 2550fps in a 10.5 lbs rifle vs the 9.3 Sako at 8lb scoped! It all depends on your rifle weight but a 375 with all the "African" accoutrements ( 1/4 rib , safari contour barrel & stock) tends to come in at around 10lbs. So beware there is no free lunch! 9.3's tend to be lighter!
You are right . A light 9,3x62 could be a real kicker. Sold mine 30 years ago because of that. Now I own a 9,3x64 . Even more kicking than my former 62. I have now a stock with kickstop (have not tested it). I prefer the 64. It is more versatile and highly accurate.
@@peterhert9350 Well now the 9.3 x 64 is truly the equal of the 375H&H! The biggest advantage of the x62 or x66 Sako for that matter is 5 down in the mag.
I recently bought an husqvarna mod 46 that one is built on the mauser 96 action in 9,3x57 i love that rifle very mild recoil but hits the target like a hammer norma alaska bullets 285grain
I have an M96 Carl Gustav chambered in 9.3 x 62. The barrel is a rebored 1917 Enfield (Nichols). We lopped 2 inches off each end of the barrel, rethreaded it for the small ring Mauser, and crowned the 22" barrel. I tried using 35 Whelen brass, but the 9.3 x 62 case is a little larger than the 06 based brass. Didn't like that slight case bulge above the case web. So, I only use factory 9.3 x 62 brass. This cartridge is pleasant to shoot and carry. It handles 286 grain bullets with ease. Also, the 9.3 TUG bullets work just fine. Townsend Whelen designed the 35 Whelen to mimic the 9.3 x 62 Mauser. IMHO, he failed because it's primarily used on the thin-skinned American game. Consequently, one has to handload the 35 Whelen to get adequate performance from it. Where the 9.3 x 62 shines is with well constructed heavy bullets at reasonable velocities. It's very useful for close range shooting. CZ offered their 600 series bolt action rifle in 9.3 x 62, Husqvarna made civilian versions on the M38 actions, and Sako makes them as well. A 22 to 24 inch bareeled M98, pre-64 M70, and good M96 / M38 Swedish Mausers make nice 9.3 x 62 hunting rifles.
I am a great 9.3x62 fan. I am a Spaniard, and use it on wild boar driven hunts, as well as on roe deer stalks. I love it. I am delighted to see that it is becoming well-known in the USA as well. It deserves every bit of your attention, and is gaining popularity very quickly. It is a perfectly designed classic, ahead of its time, back in 1905, steadily gaining recognition. It was all but disappeared after the Second World War, but is coming back with authority. It will be loved by many American hunters as well.
If I may, I would like to recommend a monographic book on this cartridge. "9.3 X 62 Mauser Journal" (Third edition) by Hendrik Van Der Schyff, in 2021. It is very comprehensive, with history, ballistic comparisons, anecdotes, and a whole lot of experiences by different hunters.
I have a drilling double 12 with a 9.3x 57R rifle below.
Would you know anything about this size rifle cartridge?
Great round!
9,3x62 fan too 😉👍Blaser R8 and Bar Mk3 HC in South of France for wild boars and roe deers, using Norma Tip Strike and Brenneke TOG
35 whelen with 1:12 twist and heavy 310 grain woodleigh bullets just as effective
@@jamiehurtt3530 At much higher pressures. Not every commercial action can handle that weight bullet if you are loading it to try for 9.3x62mm performance. Elmer Keith loaded 310s heavy in his .35 Whelen, but he was known for being reckless with his loads. :)
I thought this might be a .35 Whelen episode. Poor man's cartridge for sure. 30-06 case necked out to .358 caliber shooting a 250 grain bullet at 2400 fps 3200 ft/lbs. ain't no slouch. Manageable recoil too.
35 Whelen and 9.3x62 identical in performace cartridges. But the 9.3 popular overseas and the 35 Whelen in the USA
@@WillyK51 Both were built to fit the standard (non magnum) actions the creators had readily available to them at the time with minimal modifications. With that said, they are not identical in performance. The 9.3x62 has quite a few heavier loadings available to it making it the obvious winner out of the two. Bullet weights are available for the 9.3x62 in 230gr, 250gr, 270gr, 285gr, 286gr, 300gr, and 325gr variants.
I love my 35 Whelen. I had it built two years ago and it’s become my do it all rifle
Zimbabwe acknowledges the 9.3x62 as legal for Cape Buffalo. When Tanzania, then Tanganyika, wrote its first game laws for hunting dangerous game, the 9.3x62 was the exception to the rule.
The 35 Whelen is a good cartridge, but it's not legal
@@Paul-q3m7kThe 35 Whelen would be my 2nd choice of rifle to build, with the 338-06 being my first choice, both are incredible performers and can be used on everything from whitetail to bison!
I can buy 35 Whelen ammo but most gun shops in the US don't even know what the 9.3x62 is. Normally they don't know what the 35 Whelen is. They're all into black rifles.
It’s funny Americans clam to love guns, but they have absolutely no knowledge on them what so ever
Big 9.3x62 fan here. I use my Ruger Hawkeye loaded with Prvi 286gr rounds on whitetail here in Wisconsin. Soft jacketed bullet lead tip round nose with great expansion. Great in thick wooded areas. Made an 80 yard shot on a 10 pointer, drt. 1inch expansion 246 gr retained. Have had similar results so far.
Hope you had a good Wisconsin hunt this year!
Cheers, from Central Wis!
Also a 9.3x62 Wisconsin hunter. Great cartridge! Mine are CZ550s. I use 250g tsx at 2,555 f/s for everything from whitetail to black bear to nilgai in Texas in open areas and 286g tsx for the great northwoods in WI. Would be a perfect moose cartridge as well. Agreed--excellent in thick wooded areas. Easy to shoot. The slow push recoil is much easier to shoot than even my 6.5x285. Go Badgers.
This is a very popular cartridge in Sweden, and has usually been used on Moose almost exclusively, but has become popular in the southern half for Wild Boar. It is probably the most allround for clambering for big game one can own. We have ridiculously oppressive gun laws here, and can only own 6 long guns for hunting. Switch barrel rifles have become popular. And I would say a rifle with 6.5x55 and 9.3x63 would handle most hunting north of the Alps in Europe.
Six long guns per person seems like plenty. 12 ga, sub gauge, rimfire, smaller caliber rifle, large caliber rifle, and one left over. Now if it’s per household and that require accommodating children or a spouse, that gets a little tough.
7x64, 7x65 look great as well.
@@northerntier87they are, believe me 😉
@@Snailz5
You Sir, are no lover of rifles. Six long guns have barely started to whet my appetite, but then I am an American. 😄
@@mtkoslowski I'm also an American. I just don't need 6 tools to do what I can do with 4. I think we get head in the clouds and buy lots of guns for scenarios we never hunt. ex: I NEED an elk gun that can reach out 700 yards despite never having hunted elk or shot any game beyond 300. We get marketed into buying a bunch of shit we don't need and then convince ourselves they were a good purchase afterwards.
Hi im hunting mainly moose in nothen Sweden, im been hunting since i was 18 (1975) with a Carl Gustaf 1900 6,5 55. About 15 years ago i was sick and tired of searching the animals becuse they was running more than 100 yards after a deadly shot. I read the statistics of some cartridges an found that the 9.3 74 thats i a commonly used in France - dual barrel guns, the statistics said that 80% of the games dropped less than 20 yards from where they got hit by the bullet. So the choise was simple- the 9,3 62 and the 9,3 74 is commonly loaded for the same performance, so i purchased a Sauer 202 9,3 62.. Last year i purchased a barrel brake to get some less recoil and today I have a recoil as the 6,5 55 at the 9,3 yay
I shot my elk this year with a 9.3x62 using a 250gr Barnes TTSX.
Absolute sledge hammer, even at 300yds which after the shot was lasered as I didn't have time.
This is the second elk I've shot with this rifle and am very impressed with the performance.
I highly recommend this very versatile cartridge.
My rifle is built on a Savage model 111 re-chambered from a 30-06 by Jes Reboring in Oregon.
Think I peid less than $ 500.00 for one of the most accurate rifles I own!
I used a 375 H&H for years and then my wife bought me a CZ Model 550 American in 9.3x62 Mauser. I also owned a Rem Model 700 Classic in 350 Rem Mag. I no longer own the 350 and no longer shoot the 375. That's how good the 9,3x62 is. Great cartridge.
I mentioned my late polish doctor friend who lived in Kenya for years. Guided rich English dubs and would tell me hilarious stories about those Englishmen. One how the doctor guided one gent to a herd of elephants..told the gent to shot one bull. The bull spotted them and of course became agitated and began to charge them somewhat.
As the doc relayed the event..he turned around and the English gent was running away so..the doc had to shoot the elephant himself m. As soon as the elephant succumbed the Englushbgent ran up..jump up on the elephant and started to demand he got his picture shot of the elephant with him sitting on top.
The docs favorite rifle was. 375 H&H…and he had several.
As long as a cartridge works..it’s good enough.
Lastly, this old doctor friend was truly regretful for having killed elephants and rhinos. And his pictures backed up his claim of many of these takes. You could sense his regret and his testimony to me was “Why did I kill so many? It was truly pointless” he would always tell me.
So my question is..why would anyone want to kill those magnificent animals..? One can argue in some areas the elephants are over grazing. But where are these suppose to live? Exist?
I guess we’ll never learn to not screw up wild America as we are doing. Altering things to where now there has to be whitetail culling to keep the numbers down.
Do not get me started on mule deer or elk numbers…I know these facts well and with CED..we may very well lose most of the mule deer herds and elk…even moose.
Just saying
That’s “CWD”…chronic wasting disease and it’s out of control in Colorado and a growing disease throughout North America’s lower 48 and some areas of Canada.
Thanks to cattle ranchers.
You set the .375 H&H aside for the 9.3? Say it ain’t so???
I've got an FN 9.3x62 and found it to be a truly outstanding cartridge!! I took a cape buff with mine - right frontal quartering shot - slipped the projie just in front of the right shoulder, and the Woodleigh 286gr RNSN was found by the rear left rib. Fantastic straight line penetration!! Buff wobbled 10yds and dropped in it's tracks!! STILL an effective cartridge today as it was in it's heyday in Africa!! 👍
No, it's better because of better bullets.
I have a 9.3x62 CZ 550 full stock carbine that I carry when hunting big game in the Alberta Foothills. I carry it because I am in grizzly country and don’t want anything less when I am field dressing a deer at sundown and realize I have company. My handload is a 286 Nosler partitions and 59 grains of Varget , chronograph shows 2480 fps. Normally I use a 270 for deer but not in the foothills….
Wow that load is producing over 3900 ftlbs of energy.
@@the_watcher_abc yes. This is a great comfort should a grizzly show up and want to take my white tail buck off me, and have me for dessert…
@@the_watcher_abc not fun to shoot off a bench.
@@maxcontax no kidding. A 300wm pushing a 180g pill at 3130fps is producing 3917ftlb and that’s on the upper end of the energy envelop of the 300wm. Wow.
I’ve always liked the 9.3x62 because of its versatility but never compared I to a 300wm.
@@the_watcher_abc as I do more field trials with cartridges (aka hunting) I have noted that slower velocities and cup and core bullets seems to kill or stop better than very fast new design bullets, often these new bullets have less Sectional Density, they are lighter..
Stopping power and killing power are related but not the same. My 9.3 handload combines a partition with a slower velocity of about 2400 fps to impact.
I have never had to shoot a grizzly with this but decking whitetails has been profound. Even with my 260 Remington, slowing Sierra 140’s to 2530 fps with 43 grains of MRP has resulted in instant collapse. Ido not get that with my 143 grain ELD-X @ 2812 fps MV.
Hitting a whitetail at 150 yds broadside with a 9.3x62, they are lifted off their feet and laid down 4 feet down range.
After maxing out velocities for years I am discovering slower velocities. My first clue was African favoured cartridges, old and new. Not hi-vel.
Don't forget that there is also the 9,3x64 Brenneke. This round is equal to the 375 H&H in therms of energy but you have the advantage that you can use lighter bullets in order to shoot flat.
Great video Joseph👍🏼
Shame that I couldn't find as wide selection of rifles as for the 9.3x62mm (and even the ammo itself). Yet, it (9.3x62mm) is still very adequate in Europe. But the 9.3x64mm is a flatter, further shooting cartridge. Both are great cartridges, especially for those ones, who lives in countries where ex or current military cartridges are big no-nos, as these 9.3 ones never were adapted by any military.
@Cuccos19 The 9,3x64 was adopted by the russian military for sniperrifles.
You forgot the cz 550… that’s my favourite modern rifle chambered in this cartridge
I have a Czech former exchange student friend from 25 years ago who is a major forestry executive today. His family has leases on thousands of acres and hunt red deer and boars almost weekly. He also hunts bears in Kamchatka. His rifle is a Sauer with 2 barrels: .308 for Europe and 9.3x 62 for Asian and African dangerous game.
Like it's double barreled or it just has a quick-change barrel? Does 9.3x62 have the same bolt face as the .308? I've never even heard of that round
My apologies
They change barrels. 9,3x62 have the same bolt face.@@mfallen6894
Yes same Bolt face
Great gun and friend to have!
A local gun shop in western Pennsylvania had 5 Mossberg Patriot rifles in 375 Ruger that weren't selling and I picked up a stainless, cerakoted one in that caliber for $290 brand spanking new!! Sure, Ammo isn't cheap and I'm really happy I bought 2 boxes then, for $49/ box, now between $85 & $105/ box, but still, what a deal at $290!!! With the 270 gr Hornady sp, interlocks, 2,850 fps!! 3 shot, 5/8" groups at 100 yds
It’s a cool cartridge. That’s my idea of a poor man’s big game cartridge since it can be found in affordable rifles due to the normal length action. How’s the recoil on such a light gun?
@@Snailz5 it was stiff, I won't lie, but added a muzzle break at only $190 and it's like a 30'06 with (correction, not 180's, but 270 gr) Before the break, it was noticeably harsher than my 300 Remington Ultra Mag with 165's
good lord thats a steal
@@wiseguysoutdoors2954you had it right, recoil is similar to 3006 with 180s. Can't find a 270 gr .30 cal for the 06.
My father hunts with this caliber. Last month watched him dropped a 5x5 elk at 200 plus yards on a trot. One shot dropped on the spot. Cleaning the elk there was little to no meat damage. Round is top notch!
I have said it before, I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s. Col Townsend Whelen, O’Connor, Keith etc. Last of 19th century guys. So I LOVE all these proven rounds.
All those men being my favorites, living in a time I can only dream about.
Addenda to my long comment regarding the 9.3x62. The gentleman I got my 9.3x62 from, who grew up hunting in Africa, now lives in the U.S, arranges African safaris and has many years experience hunting dangerous game, stated emphatically that the only shot that should be taken on elephants is a head shot, preferably within 50 yards. He said there is just too much to get through to get to the internal vital organs. He was also against scopes, even at low power because to hard to find the relatively small kill zone can be hard to find following recoil of the first shot or if the scope had been set at a high magnification.
Thank you for your time making people aware of this gem of a cartridge.
When in South Africa, my first rifle I bought was a CZ 550 Meduim Lux in 9.3 x 62. Bought it because my dad always spoke highly of it. When I moved to Canada, I had to get one again. Located one at Phrophet River Firearms. Defenerly a great round. I think CZ discontinued it recently. Hopefully, somebody with more authority (: than me can convince them to put them in production again. Regards
9.3X62 is very popular in South Africa. CZ made some good models.
Absolutely love my 9.3. Moose to Elk never had an issue.
From time to time I've had the opportunity to purchase used 9.3 rifles, but I've already got a 35 Whelen and 375 H&H. The last thing I need is a scarce oddball cartridge (by American standards) to reload. I'm glad you covered its ballistic potential because that was another reason I hesitated to make a purchase in the past; I wasn't sure how well it would perform. Now I know.
I always wanted a 550 in 9.3x62. I probably need to get on it the way things are going! Shoot straight, Stay safe, God bless!
I had one. It would put three 270gr Speer bullets in a 1/2" at 100 yards. Lapua brass and H4350.
I always wanted a Remington 7600 in 9.3x62
I had one in 35 Whelen. Synthetic stock, carbine model.@@anonymousf454
@@anonymousf454 Man, wouldn't that be cool???
I'm still pissed at CZ for discontinuing the 550...Why? It's an iconic rifle?
Another "poor-man's Magnum" I discovered nearly 3 decades ago is the now standardized 338-06 A-Square... I had read several articles and load data etc. and became interested in seeking to obtain one in a classic bolt gun. Not finding any reasonably priced examples (at the time) I set about looking to build one. A poorly sporterized Mauser 98 was in the used gun rack at the local gunshop for only $175... A tour through the Brownell's catalog found the Adam's&Bennett barrel, a Fajen stock and a Timney trigger... I obtained Leupold QR mounts and a Beautiful pre-owned Schmidt&Bender 30mm FFP 3-12X56 SCOPE and blued and assembled the gun and optics as well as installed an aftermarket mag baseplate and tuned it all to shoot into 1 inch at 100 yards all day long.
My first Game dropped was a Maine Bull Moose at little over 175 yards using my handload Nosler Partion Spitzer 250 gr. over 51.2 gr of Reloader 15 for a muzzle velocity of 2570 fps. That 815 lb beast took two steps after taking that slug through both lungs and crumpled right there. I've since taken Black Bear, Whitetail, Wild Boar and even Coyotes using 180 Slugs at around 2700 fps... recoil is less abusive than my Remington 660 20" 308!... oh, and I've lent my 7lb, 15 oz 338-06 to two of my three brothers for their Moose Lottery permits and both were One Shot kills...
I built one a few years back on a savage 110. I could talk for days about the merits of the cartridge, nothing short of phenomenal. Very surprised it didn't take off more than it did.
.338-06 has better ballistic coefficient than .358 caliber too, but probably harder caliber to find in a rifle.
@@Kurtdog63 You know.
There is even a 253 grain armor piercing bullet available for the 9.3x62, it's difficult to find because it's Russian. They use it in the 9x39mm, 9.3x53mmR, 9.3x64mm Brenneke, and a .338 Lapua Magnum wildcat they call 9x69mm SP-14.
I dont have a 9.3x62, but have always admired it. With two .35 Whelen's, a couple .375 H&H's, and a custom 9.3x64 Brenneke, and .375 Whelen Improved i am covered, highly respect its performance and history though.
Excellent coverage on the 9.3x62. thanks keep it up thanks again.
You are 100% correct; zebra meat is absolutely delicious. I loved watching this video, in part, due to the fact I have a Sako 85 Deluxe in 9.3x62. The nostalgia of the caliber captured my attention after I went on an African safari, so I purchased that rifle, as well as a Ruger African in 275 Rigby.
Old African here: If zebra meat are ‘good eats’ wouldn’t plain old horse meat be even more tender and delicious? After all, the zebra has to earn its living staying one step ahead of lion. I’m thinking tough and stringy.
My father brought horse meat home a couple of times but I’ve never tried zebra. You’ve given me ‘food for thought.’
Good choice of topics, great information, and fine presentation -- thank you!
9.3x62 is a very common cartridge in Germany. It is widely used for everything from the size of a roe deer up to red stag. It is definitely capable of taking out whatever you are going to hunt. It's a shame that we don't have larger game than red stag in Germany. We can't even make use of the true potential of this cartridge.
375 ruger! Hands down the winner 🏆
Dang it man you beat me to it!
They had 5 Mossberg Patriot rifles in that caliber at a gun shop here in western Pennsylvania. I walked away with a cerakoted stainless steel rifle, brand new for $290 , just because they had them awhile and they weren't selling. What a steal!!
Imr 4064 is great for high velocity 250 grain loads, and the 4895's (both imr and H) work well across the board with all weights.
Joseph does a great job. Thanks for having him on your channel.
Couldn't agree more.
That's a funny contrast to the guy who was like "this guy again? Unsubscribed"
I like the collaboration as well.
Well said.
Agreed.
I've been wanting an old Husqvarna rifle in 9.3x62 for a while. I might have to finally buy one.
I recently acquired a deluxe version Husqvarna M640 9.3x62 built in 1946. It’s the one with nicely checkered walnut stock. It’s a little light but the limb saver recoil pad helps. Good luck finding your Husky. Check with Simpsons LTD.
@@davewinter2688 yeah, that's where I look at them. Thanks.
There are a bunch on GunBroker. I got one there back in January.
with almost identical characteristics to Ramshot Big Game is Alliant 2000MR. I use the latter and achieve 2400+ fps with 286 gr bullets at less than max charge in a slow 14 twist barrel. Apparently 12 twist barrels help the MV out a bit, but I'm pretty happy at 2350 - 2425 fps MV for any 285/286 gr bullet.
Taking mine to RSA next summer for some wildebeest, zebra, and gemsbok action, and if I chance across a cape buffalo cow, one of those as well.
I love this cartridge. I have it in the Ruger #1.
I have a cz 550 fs in 9.3 and it’s amazing. Surprised how well it works on whitetail with little meat damage.
I live in Northern Idaho and about five years ago I happened upon a CZ 550 in 9.3X62mm Mauser at our local Cabela's. Since no one around here knew anything about the cartridge, I was able to get a great deal on it. Getting ammo can be a bit expensive, but as this video mentions, I recently got a set of dies for it and I found that it is very easy to reload. So far I have shot two elk, and my once in a lifetime Idaho Shiras moose with it, and none of those animals so much as took one step. I would have no qualms using it to hunt anything on the Western Hemisphere and would love to take it to Africa some day.
I've been using the 9.3 x 62mm since the early 1970's when I was first introduced to it in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). My rifle sports a 20 inch barrel and weighs 8lbs including optics. The recoil is comparitively mild (but still a bit brisk) and in my opinion it is far better than the 375 in use. There was an interesting article by Chris Bekker, called "Does excessive Bullet Spin Contribute to Bullet Failure?" It compares the 9.3 with the 375 ... and the 9.3 wins. I've tried searching online for this document, but cannot find a link. I have a .pdf available if anyone wants to read it.
Hi
I'd be interested by the article.
Regards
Patrice
Do you still have this pdf?
Excellent video on a great, but sadly overlooked cartridge. I am a 35 Whelen fan, but have come close many times to getting a 9.3X62. You did forget to mention the CZ550 when talking about rifles available for this round.
Damn, it's a shame what happened to CZ550.
At least some of us can buy Zastava in 9,3x62
Yes, the 550 is no longer made. 😢
@@raleighthomas3079 That's a shame too, but there are quite a few out there on the used market in excellent condition.
Only overlooked in the US...
Rest of the worlds knows it...
I purchased a Rem 700C in 375 years ago, and it holds 3 in the magazine. The Winchester M70's I purchased over the years held one additional cartridge in their magazines which might be important if things got sour. I recall Outdoor Life's Gun Editor Jim Carmichel had a lion jump him along with his PH while he was hunting plains animals with his 338 Win Mag, and I think he was down to his final round before it succomed to the prior 3 rounds of 250 gr Noslers? Jack O'Conner used a 375 early on but swithed to the 416 Rigby. These guys were great shots, but where the big cats are concerned, 'just enough' might be too little.
Very well done again, Thanks
Am I the only one who only wants to see Ron on Ron's channel
Agreed
Ron and Joseph compliment each other. Both very knowledgeable and a wealth of information….not to mention, very experienced hunters across the major continents.
I really miss my 9.3 and need to replace it one of these days.
It hit hard ,shot incredible straight and was not a bruiser to shoot
Everything that fitted in it smashed game but the 325gr Norma Oryx was a particular hammer.
Thanks for the rundown.
I hadn't heard of this caliber before, may have to pick one up.
Cheers!
The 9.3 is popular in Australia for sambar deer.
Savage made about 11 uncataloged 111FC rifles in 9.3x62 and I've been exceptionally pleased with mine. Harvested hog & bear with its 20" barrel. I cast a 250 & 300 bullet for 'cheap' plinking. Barnes 250 TSX & IMR 8208 deliver about 2400 fps @ 1 MOA and Nosler 250 AB will move large pieces of lung outside the body on hogs. Norma brass has more case capacity than PPU. RCBS dies are designed for using 30-06 brass necked up while Redding uses CIP dimensions which are larger in diameter at the base of web. RCBS dies swaged a belt into my PPU cases until I sent them back to RCBS for correction. Be aware of that if you have a 35 Whelen bored out & throated to 9.3x62. If you build a 9x39 you can use the same diameter bullets. Great medium bore!
Love seeing Ron collaborate with Joseph. They have very similar opinions and take on things, so they seem to work well together. It’s great seeing Ron mentor these guys who will be carrying the torch for the next generation. Very good job on the videos! Ps I love the backcountry hunting podcast
No one has commented on the letter perfect imitation of Ron SPOMER? Didn't it seem curious that, with a slight change in the timber of the voice, you could play this with a photo of Ron on the screen and no one would know that it wasn't him?
Bravo!
And who besides RON could put aside his ego in order to share this gag with us?
BRAVO!
DOUG out
375 Ruger is my inexpensive big game. 8) Awesome cartridge, although gives scope eye to many who want to try mine. lol Mine cost less than $600 including the scope and rings. ;)
Super information on this rifle cartridge we here in the states never hear about. Thanks Joseph. Always love the information you share with us!
Met a farmer from Zimbabwe, who was driven off his farm and arrived here in Ireland, from the UK to run a large farm here. He told me, his all situations rifle was an old Mauser spotter in 9.3x62. BTW, also available in semi-auto hunting rifles here in the EU for driven Boar.
I know Zastava builds mausers in 9.3x62 and used to import that caliber to the US but haven't in a couple years.
I have one in Tikka t3x lite hunter and another in a Zastava mauser copy. The tikka is a but of a hard hitter, but I think the 30-06 t3x I have in a synthetic stock is worse.
I've seen at least one complaint about the T3X stock not being the best, in terms of the angles IIRC, for handling heavy recoil. Speaking of the Zastava, there's one lefty available right now on GB in this ctg.
Great video on the 9.2x63. Having recently watched several other videos I wish I had discovered it long ago,specifically for hunting elk and moose in Montana and grizzly in Alaska, where I did hear of it but never followed up on it. ( My go to rifles for elk and moose had been the .300 Win Mag and Weatherby 7 mmMag, for Grizzly the .375 H&H , all great for those applications but the 9.2x 63 would have served for all). And then it sounds like a great single rifle for Africa,for both plains game and dangerous game.
I suspect you could re bbl any 30-06 action length in 9.3
The first thing my son said was the Whelen! It’s been known among old timers like my self for years!
My first thought but when he introduced it, I wasn't surprised, knowing that round is so respected that it is Grandfathered in as a DGR in many places vs 375 HH minimum rules.
Thank you 😊
I've always had a fondness for this cartridge, from afar. I've never owned one, but I'm a sucker for a cartridge or rifle with a history.
That was great content Europe is ahead of us in that respect !
So similar to my 35 Whelen . Americas version
I bought 1 a couple of years ago- love it
Thank you
I have the 9.3x62 rifle. Its a great round.
Really good, intetesting video. My compliments, sir.
I worked with a AK guy who decided to buy a 9.3x62. He came to work with the biggest blackeye.
Its not the Cartridge, it kicks about the same as the 30-06 with a 180-220 grns bullet. Shooting after a Pint does that to you, Or maybe the old lady found out he wasn't hunting game but skirt
@@WillyK51 Yeah, no. It kicks a lot more than a 30-06....
30-06 has never left a bruise on my shoulder, 9.3x62 has.
@@simonsays582 Started shooting my 9.3 K98 when I was 17 and 140 pounds. Norma vulkan 232 grains around 2600 fps never had a bruise. is your rifle "super light" ??
@@hugtango , I wouldn't know what light is by rifle standards. It has a mannlicher stock on it though.
I remember not long ago they said in Africa they used 7x57 Mauser.
I trust this cartridge myself!
Also the ballistics were developed on an old 96 Mauser action.
With safe hand loads in a 98 Mauser action or modern action able to handle 30-06 or270 chamber pressure , the increase in velocity, my Husqvarna 1640 in 9.3x62 will shoot 296gr bullets 2600fps safely.
I've read in a old magazine, that at certain point, 9,2x62 was considered the third popular foreign-designed cartridge in Russia (first being 308 and 30-06), exactly because of its universally good game performance. However, local ammo makers decided to manufacture 9,3x64 instead, because military was testing new 9 mm Dragunov-based DMR and they wanted ammo. As soon as SVDK hype among military has faded away, the manufacturing of the round has pretty much stopped, and civilian guns were discontinued as well, including a push feed multicaliber bolt action hunting rifle. That's sad, really. Lots of stuff that could be made is considered not economically viable.
Surprised nobody mentioned the .358 Norma? I've loaded 180TTSX, 200,225,Accubond, 250 Partition. Seems pretty versatile to me as an all around shoot most anything choice. It can be loaded to 35 Whelan levels or full power when needed.
The Hornady 35 Whelen 200 grain SuperFormance load equals the 358 Norma Magnum load with the same bullet weight. On both ends of r rifle!😂
Good job, Joseph! I used to read about African hunts in my youth. Never got to go, but the story telling is always good to hear! 👍
I previously had an FN Mauser in 30-06 caliber converted to 9.2x62 by a Nuremberg gunsmith. A picture of a hunting rifle from after 1900 was used as a model. It was a very precise weapon. Good for Africa and the north for moose hunting. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.
I do wonder what a basic 16-24in .308 rifle would do with heavy hard hitting solid copper rounds around say the 170-200grn range on dangerous game. I bet around 100yds it would do pretty well. However I wouldn’t want to be the one to test it on water buffalo up close myself. Still I’ve seen the gel test, they got potential.
I also like 35 whelen, 338--06
I love watching these shows. The best meat ever in Hippo. Before the laws changed we used basically 2 caliber. The 9.3 and the .303 it was only the “other” people that used big bores because we could not afford those rifles. Talk to many old timers in Africa and they will agree with me
Can yall do a video on 300 Savage? I recently picked up a Remington 700 chambered in 300 savage and had never heard of it before finding that rifle in my local gun store. Would love to see a video about it!
I can indeed confirm the versatility of the 9,3x62. I have been hunting with it in N. Europe for 15 years now and have Wild Boar (up to 350 lbs), Moose and Red Stag with it - all in one shot kills. And it takes a Roe Deer as well :-)
Great cartridge. Used so many times in Africa by many hunters.
On my eventual once in a lfietime cape buffalo hunt, I want to load RL15 behind some 300 gr swift a frames, hoping they do well but by reputation im pretty stoked.
9.2 is the Continental competition to the .375 H&H
Speaking to lots of African PH's they say it kicks too much.
Personally I would go for the .375 H&H or .4I6 Rigby.
Absolutely the best overall cartridge! I used to hunt with 9.3x62 (Blaser R93) and now I moved to single shot 9.3x74R (Blaser K95) which is basically the same cal. I am always using 286grs Nosler Partition at the best bullet in 9.3. The only time I recovered bullets was from huge eland - all others went clean through. Roe deer I was hunting were always way less damaged than with .243. People are complaining about bullet drop but my longest shot was on red deer at 350m. No clicks and big magnification just holdover and x6. Further more, I had few poor shots at BWB and Gemsbok but I recovered them quickly. What else I should ask for from my rifle?
Great cartridge!
To answer the question, yes. A Gibbs African Hunter Rifle in 72 caliber, obtained from Dixiegunworks for just over $2,000, with a 550 grain round ball sitting on top of 150 grains of black powder, travelling at 1440fps delivers 2531 foot pounds of energy and a TKO value of 80 - TWICE that of a 375H&H.
Black powder is easily and cheaply made, so are percussion caps. Lead can be found anywhere.
It's a cheap dangerous game rifle, and MORE than adequate at 50 yards for just about anything if you're using hardened lead balls. Just don't miss.
20 years ago I purchased a Swedish made Mauser in 9.3x62 .. i had it D&T had the bolt handle bent .. and installed a low mount safety.. installed a low powered scope PPU 9.3x62 ammo was inexpensive 286gr SP
I used that rifle to take 3 Black bear and 4 or 5 pigs
One of the bear weighed over 375lb
The gun was suprisingly low recoiling … I ended up trading to a fellow who wanted to replace his 338 mag
Also a 45/70 with a 400 and heavier hard cast bullet will go the job on Cape
About 12 years ago, I saw a 9.3x63 Husquvana with a German-style mount and scope for $1500 at a gun show. Always regret not buying it, but my first son was on the way.
Come to Sweden then. We have lots of Husqvarna rifles chambered in 9,3x62. They are usually around 500 us dollars
Just may do that. I enjoyed my previous trips to Sweden. I’ll pick up a rifle, a few Moras, and another fishing reel.
@@nvojc8617That's the spirit! 😁
The scope and mounts would be around 1k
35 whelen
Great video Joseph ! You two need to cover the big sister of the 9.3x62…. The 9.3x74. Also used a lot in Europe and Africa (even if the 9.3x62 seems more popular on the dark continent). A real classic too, you’ll love it
Cheers from France 🇫🇷
Used a lot in Australia for hunting sambar deer
Hello from SE AK, Mr. von Benedikt. I went from this to the Backcountry Hunting Podcast. Not knowing the similarities in the host at all!! Thank you for the information on the 30-06 cartridge. Picked up my first rifle, Springfield model 30-06. I have it dialed in for 100 yards open sight. I hope to provide nutrition for myself sooner than later. Merry Christmas and Godbless
Very good presentation on a great cartridge.
You didn’t mention any of the classic 9.3x62 Swedes. I recently acquired a Husqvarna M640 9.3x62 built in 1946. The gentleman I got it from grew up hunting in Africa where his father was a government game ranger. Now he lives in the U.S., arranges African Safaris and still hunts in Africa himself. He said he had taken three Cape buffalo with the rifle I got from him in recent years before selling it to me. It was one of his extra rifles. He also mentioned that in Africa the 9.3x62 is referred to as the European 375. Interestingly he said that his two favorite cartridges for hunting the world over are the 300 Win Mag and the 375 Weatherby Magnum because you can accurately shoot regular 375 H&H rounds in the Weatherby chamber and you instantly have fire formed cases ready to be loaded to 375 Weatherby velocities.
The biggest problem with using the 9.3x62 in the U.S. on relatively light thin skinned game, i.e. White Tails and Mule Deer, is that most of the bullets from U.S. manufacturers are too heavily constructed and may just shoot right through those species with little or no expansion. The gentleman I got my Husqvarna from specifically recommended that I use the inexpensive Privi Partisan 285 grain JSP or the old Remington Core Lokt on White Tails or Mule Deer, which is all I’m ever likely to shoot , because both of those have relatively thin jackets on the front of the bullet that will expand well at moderate velocities while retaining enough bullet weight for good penetration. The Hornady 286 grain Inter Locked JSP may work on the thin skinned deer but it might also be too stout for the relatively light weight thin skinned deer. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to try any of it yet. I have plenty of new PPU cases, some PPU factory ammunition but have only been able to obtain the 286 grain Hornady bullets for reloading. Hornady makes a 300 grain solid they call the DG which is specifically designed for dangerous game. I don’t think I’ll be needing any of that. Happy hunting boys and girls!😊
Settlers in Africa wanted cartridges _able to_ handle dangerous game, though they really didn't plan on being "dangerous game" hunters. They didn't need an expensive, dedicated dangerous game rifle. Most probably had ONE rifle and wanted to use it for everything.
The .35 Whelen is very nearly identical to this cartridge. (but for bullet diameter being .358" v. .366") Both will do 2,600 fps with 225-232gr. bullets. With Woodleigh 275 gr. bullets the .35 Whelen can deliver 2400+ fps with several powders.
This is not surprising. They both use the same basic case and are virtually identical in every dimension, but for bullet diameter (the 9.3x62 is actually .050" shorter case length.)
Loaded in similar rifles at similar pressures they deliver nearly identical ballistics.
The biggest consideration would be that the bullets are proper for that use.
The 9.3x62, because of it's popularity with African hunters, has always been available with bullets designed for large, dangerous game. The .35 Whelen is factory loaded with bullets for deer through elk. But custom bullets for handloaders will fill the bill.
You hit the nail square on the head! I have pointed out in other videos that the SAAMI MAP for 9.3x62 is 57,500 psi and for the Whelen MAP is 62,000 psi. As such the Whelen will push any same weight bullet 100 fps or more faster than the 9.3x62. Besides the 275 grain bullet you mentioned Woodleigh makes a 310 grain bullet for the Whelen. DOUBLETAP AMMO loads the Woodleigh Weldcore 310 grain JSP to 2300 fps tested in a Remington 700 with a 24” barrel. Woodleigh provides reloading data showing up to 2345 fps for their 275 grain bullets and 2200 fps for their 310 grain bullet in the 35 Whelen. Hawk also makes 275 and heavier bullets for the Whelen but I haven’t seen any reloading data for those. I have both the 35 Whelen and the 9.3x62. In reality they are two peas in a pod. Funny thing is, it’s unlikely that I will ever shoot anything other than a Whitetail or Mule Deer with either. I can hand load but for thin skinned deer the 285 PPU or the old Remington Core Lokt are said to work just fine.
@@davewinter2688 The case dimensions of the 2 cases are nearly identical. Though the Whelen uses the "extra" 1mm in length in the neck length...which isn't a bad thing.
Case capacity is nearly identical and the difference in bullet diameter (.008") is not enough to make a difference.
For Americans, at least, the .35 bore offers more bullet choices, though few except custom bullets, are designed for dangerous game.
As _factory loaded_ the 9.3x62 is probably a better choice for dangerous game, but anyone owning either of these rifles is very likely (and definitely should be) a handloader. If you handload, there are plenty of .358" bullets available for dangerous game.
Trying to make a case for one over the other is beating a very dead horse.
@@garyK.45ACP As I said, “two peas in a pod”. I have said all the things you said at various times to those asserting that the 9.3x62 is far superior to the 35 Whelen. It appears that the only real advantage the 9.3x62 has is in those African countries that require the 9.2mm/0.366” bullet diameter and possibly a minimum energy for dangerous game. Also probably aren’t going to walk in to any where in Africa that sells ammunition and find 35 Whelen on the shelf. Happy Hunting!
@@davewinter2688 True. BTW the same can be said for anyone espousing the wonders of many of the new cartridges...most of which are the same product that's been available for 100+ years packaged in a different sized bottle. Though in this case, both cartridges are quite old.
@@garyK.45ACP Yep! Hand loaded 7x57 in medium length (Kar 98} actions equal to and better than 7mm-08 especially with the heavier longer bullets that can be seated farther out. Same for the 6.5x55. Even in the M96 Swedish action it will outclass the 6.5 Creedmoor. Most folks don’t know how strong the Swedish Mausers are because they were specified to be built with a super strong tough Swedish steel. Better than any German steel. Even the “Swedish” Mausers, M96 or M98, built in Germany were required to use the Swedish steel. 9.3x57 pretty much the same as 358 Winchester. All old, all just as good as cartridges 100 years younger!
It doesn't matter as much anymore. A DG hunt is such an expensive proposition that a suitable, used 375 H&H isn't a major portion of any hunt you're going to do. 9.3x62 might be allowed outside the normal scope that starts at 375 HH but if the law requires 41+ you're not going to be covered in either case. In that situation I'd go straight to 458WM - yes, despite it's shortcomings.
Ol' Jerry's. 35 Whelen
About 10 yrs ago I got an old Remington 760 pump action in 30-06 with a blown out bore for under $400. I sent it out to get rebored to .358 that cost about $175 at the time. That was the cost of my 35 Whelen. It turns out its my most accurate rifle
I fell into the lure of the light recoiling 9.3 X 62! The jokes on me! With a 286gr bullet at 2450fps in a lightweight Sako 85 Hunter - you kidding me??? The recoil was horrendous - the saving grace was it was super accurate! In fact I preferred my 375 H&H with a 300gr at 2550fps in a 10.5 lbs rifle vs the 9.3 Sako at 8lb scoped! It all depends on your rifle weight but a 375 with all the "African" accoutrements ( 1/4 rib , safari contour barrel & stock) tends to come in at around 10lbs. So beware there is no free lunch! 9.3's tend to be lighter!
You are right . A light 9,3x62 could be a real kicker. Sold mine 30 years ago because of that. Now I own a 9,3x64 . Even more kicking than my former 62. I have now a stock with kickstop (have not tested it). I prefer the 64. It is more versatile and highly accurate.
@@peterhert9350 Well now the 9.3 x 64 is truly the equal of the 375H&H! The biggest advantage of the x62 or x66 Sako for that matter is 5 down in the mag.
I recently bought an husqvarna mod 46 that one is built on the mauser 96 action in 9,3x57 i love that rifle very mild recoil but hits the target like a hammer norma alaska bullets 285grain
What about the 9.3x62 vs the 35 Whelen?
So close they are practically twins
Identical in performance, 35 Whelen popular in the USA and the 9.3 Overseas
@@WillyK51 Always wanted a Rem 7600 rebored to 9.3x62.
Come on🤣 There are plenty 7600 in 35 Whelen. Depending on where you live. 30-06 Brass everywhere. Still, Why not@@anonymousf454
Soon I'm having my old US 1917 Enfield Rebarreled to 35 Whelen. Simpler than reboring@@anonymousf454
I have an M96 Carl Gustav chambered in 9.3 x 62. The barrel is a rebored 1917 Enfield (Nichols). We lopped 2 inches off each end of the barrel, rethreaded it for the small ring Mauser, and crowned the 22" barrel.
I tried using 35 Whelen brass, but the 9.3 x 62 case is a little larger than the 06 based brass. Didn't like that slight case bulge above the case web. So, I only use factory 9.3 x 62 brass.
This cartridge is pleasant to shoot and carry. It handles 286 grain bullets with ease. Also, the 9.3 TUG bullets work just fine.
Townsend Whelen designed the 35 Whelen to mimic the 9.3 x 62 Mauser. IMHO, he failed because it's primarily used on the thin-skinned American game. Consequently, one has to handload the 35 Whelen to get adequate performance from it.
Where the 9.3 x 62 shines is with well constructed heavy bullets at reasonable velocities. It's very useful for close range shooting.
CZ offered their 600 series bolt action rifle in 9.3 x 62, Husqvarna made civilian versions on the M38 actions, and Sako makes them as well.
A 22 to 24 inch bareeled M98, pre-64 M70, and good M96 / M38 Swedish Mausers make nice 9.3 x 62 hunting rifles.
Another thing with cartridges with a bit lower pressures is extraction. The higher the pressure, the more likely to have extraction issues.