Calling all 9.3x62 owners

ColinJ

Well-Known Member
I've just picked up a Tikka T3 in 9.3x62 (thanks @foxpro). I don't reload so I'm limited to factory ammo.
Does anyone know which manufacturers load a light bullet in 9.3? I have found Geko 184 grain. Does anyone else load a sub-200 grain bullet?
TIA.
 

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Be aware, that certain rifle/ammo combinations might fail to fire. At least some batches of Norma had this problem in newish Sako and Tikka rifles.

Problem was small slopey shoulder, brass dimensions on the smaller size and chamber dimensions on the larger side. Haven't heard about problems lately, but wouldn't be surprised if they reappeared some time.
 
Out of interest why so light?!
Was asking myself the same question. I used to use my 9.3x62 during driven hunts, shooting Norma Oryx rounds with consistently good results on wild boar. It’s a slow stopping bullet for relatively short distances, so I personally don’t see the point in shooting an 180 grain round.
 
From what I understand they are a cheaper version for practice that shoots to the same point of aim as the heavier Naturalis bullet
 
You'll probably find that a Geco 255gn will do less damage at 2300-2400fps, than a 185gn @ circa 2900fps ! And whilst cheap, compared to most of that alternatives, the Geco 255gn softpoint, whether in 20's, or what they call the "target/practise" version, sold in 50's, they are VERY effective on boar, & deer.

It's also a very forgiving bullet, that seems to shoot well from most rifles, regardless. And the bullets are also available if you reload.

Personally, I quite like the Norma 232gn, as a good compromise between knock down power, and a little more velocity.
 
The standard 285 grain bullet will probably go right through a muntjac without doing much damage.
It does so on roedeer/small pigs and the small African antelopes like Stenbuck.
With lead free on German driven hunts I used Barnes 250 grain, no problem on roe and small pigs, Muntjac will not be a problem.

Have been using the 9,3x62 for 17 years from 2005 to 2022.
Smallest game has been Black Grouse i Sweden using Norma Jagtmach, and biggest i have taken is an Eland using 285 grain Hornady SP.

Now my Sauer 202, 9,3 has been send on retirement, and a new, old Krico 30-06 from 1971, has taken its place.
Wanted to go down in caliber and ended up with 30-06 as it is minimum for several species on Greenland.
 
I had HPS TR Ltd at Newent (Gloucester) load FMJ ammo for my 9.3 x 62 in order that I could shoot it on the range. Worked well and the point being they would most likely be able to load a lighter hunting bullet for you. The advantage also being that they reloaded my old once fired brass which was more economical. HPS tel: 01531 822641. Worth a try and hope that helps!
 
To limit meat damage on light game, I would advise a bonded or monometal bullet, at moderate speed, some options are Norma Oryx 232gr, Norma Bondstrike, Sako Blade, Sauvestre Fip, Lapua Naturalis, the very light and very fast bullets, Norma Evostrike 184gr or RWS Evolution Green , at roughly 900m/s will do extensive meat damage, much more then a harder and slower bullet.
 
I accept when I shoot an animal it is going to be damaged, most times on Roe the front end is wrecked, unless head shot if close enough.
That is true, but the light and fast 9.3x62mm bullets will waste, blood shot, the entire front end of a good sized boar, say 60-80Kg live weight if they hit on a shoulder blade or leg bone. The will however "roll them like they are thunderstruck". So it is up to the hunter to choose according to the situation.
 
To limit meat damage on light game, I would advise a bonded or monometal bullet, at moderate speed
Bog standard 286gr at traditional MV 2200fps / 670m/s will be just fine, in fact even better than harder bonded/monometal. Might lose few grains from the tip, but practically 100% weight retention.

Even the lighter 193gr S&B bullet (manufactured for 9.3x72R, mind you not 74R) will not shed practically any weight up to 670ish m/s terminal speed. After that it just disintegrates and makes a mess. Maybe if you hit adult roe leg bone, there could be some lead shrapnel also.
 
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