9.3x62…. Looking for powder suggestions

[nakneker]

I have a friend in Nova Scotia who just put a deposit on a Tikka stainless laminate stocked 9.3x62. He opted for the 20” version, they are come in 20” and 22.5” barrel lengths. Personally I like his choice but barrel length isn’t the reason I’m posting the thread. We talk guns a lot, he started hand loading 3 years ago and the hobby has led to him buying more rifles and he likes different cartridges, unusual, something not everyone has, so when these came up he spoke for one.

I have experience in quite a few cartridges but the only popular European cartridge I’ve loaded for is the 7x57. I know the 9.3x62 is popular there and in Africa. If you’ve loaded for this chambering I’d appreciate any insights in powder/bullet combos. It sounds like this cartridge is making a come back of sorts where he is from. I’m in Arizona and don’t know of anyone who owns one but I’m also the kind of guy that will try something different just because so I’m interested in how this goes. Any insights appreciated.

 

[bpd459]

Good day,
I use both Varget and H-4350 in my 9.3x62 for 250, 270 and 286gr bullets. If you can still find the Speer 270gr “Spitzer”, it’s an outstanding bullet.
John

 

[ronsatspokane]

Hodgdon lists a number of powders. 760, 4350, 414, Varget and a number of others.

 

[BobT]

I don't have access to my notes right now but I have had great success in my 9,3x62 with IMR 4350 and the Speer 270 grain bullet on whitetails and hogs. One of the Reloader powders, either 15 or 16 (sorry don't remember which) works really well also. In addition to the Speer bullet I have used the Nosler 286 grain Partition and the 250 grain Accubond with good results. My rifle is a Husqvarna 640 on an FN commercial action and it shoots very well with every load tried to date. The 9,3x62 is modest of recoil and very accurate with ample power to take anything in North America and most of the rest of the world as well.

 

[nakneker]

I’ve been reading on it. That Speer 270 spitzer seems to come up a lot. Personally I’m a big partition fan but I like Speer too. Seems like guys who have this chambering like them. The Husqvarna 640s are neat rifles, one of my favorite Mausers. Thanks for the input.

 

[Machinist John]

Hornady Handbook has several loadings. The new printed Hodgdon Manual (looks like a magazine, found it on a magazine rack this week in the grocery store) has some.

I am building two rifles now in this caliber for dark timber elk hunting. Those 286 grainers should do the job at close range. Have been collecting 9.3x62 components for the past two years, it is amazing how much shows up on the web if you look hard enough.

Interesting, some of the unfired brass, loaded rounds, bullets, etc, came as a package deal with dies, I now have 4 sets of dies!

 

[Buttstock-TX]

I've tried several powders in my #2 sporter barreled Winchester 9.3x62. My favorite is Alliant 2000 MR with the 250 Nosler and 285 PRVI bullet (~0.5-0.6" groups at 100 yds). I saw similar results with RL 15 and Varget using the 285's. I had a friend who found good results with Western's Big Game powder and the Nosler 250. In my experience, it seems to be an intrinsically accurate round and my PH in Africa says the same thing.

I love this cartridge. It comes close to a .375 H&H but, I think 300 yards is about the range limit for me. I would use it on any NA game. The South African folks use it on game up to Cape Buffalo.

 

[DocCoffee]

I am using Varget and Shooters World Precision Rifle with standard primers and the 285PPU bullet.

 

[wwbrown]

I have used RL-15 and Varget to great success in my 19-inch 9.3 x 62.

 

[nakneker]

Thanks for all the input, I passed it on and copied the links. He’s gonna start with 250 TTSX, Lapua brass and Varget. It’ll be fun to watch how it progresses. I may be join in the fun after awhile, sounds like a cartridge rich in history. Thanks Again

 

[Okie John]

I shot several feral cattle with the 270-grain Speer and the 286-grain Partition at ~2,350 fps. Both worked well. I was told to keep the Speer fairly slow because it was designed for the 9.3x74. I liked it, but the Partitions shot a bit flatter.

I had good luck with H4895, but anything that works in a 308 will work in the 9.3x62.


Okie John

 

[Buttstock-TX]

Thanks for all the input, I passed it on and copied the links. He’s gonna start with 250 TTSX, Lapua brass and Varget. It’ll be fun to watch how it progresses. I may be join in the fun after awhile, sounds like a cartridge rich in history. Thanks Again

I would think those are excellent choices. I would say that 2000 MR gives higher velocity but similar accuracy. From memory, you do have to be careful with selecting dies. I think Redding dies are a good choice in this caliber if you have European brass.

 

[TIMO]

I haven't reloaded for mine yet, it just doesn't get shot much. I did some research in the past and Norma had a wide selection of powders that would suit the 9.3 depending on your bullet choice.
Norma link below
9-3x62

Tim

 

[GoWyo!]

If you haven’t used Re-16 yet, be prepared for sticker shock. Up to 73.99/# and there’s going to be a price increase.