I’ve had some interest in buying a large bore bolt action for awhile. Recently, a Mauser 98 sporter rifle chambered in 9.3x62mm was brought to my attention. It’s unclear how old the firearm is and it needs at least a recoil pad, if not other work, done on it to get it up to snuff. Asking price is $625 (hopefully I’ll get a dozen or photos of the firearm to share with you). My question for those on this forum is what knowledge or opinions they have of the 9.3x62mm cartridge. I’ve read some basic facts and history of the cartridge in the course of my research. The round appears to have a solid reputation but it’s not a common round in the US. In fact, if I purchased this or another rifle in this caliber, I’d almost certainly take up reloading since I expect finding factory loads won’t be easy. Before I make any decision, I’d like to get some informed opinions of this cartridge versus something on similar lines, e.g. .375 H&H. Any insights from actual experience using this round would be greatly appreciated. Regards!!
kendoka1998
its not much different than the 35 whelen, the 35 whelen uses a .357 dia bullet and the 9.3x62 uses a .366 dia bullet and the cases are close. they both will throw a 250 gr bullet at 2500-2600 fps. I shot a buffalo in Africa using a older MC in 9.3x62 with a solid and killed it.
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Hello Gents,
I have a J.P. Sauer pre-WWI custom Mauser with double-set triggers chambered for the 9.3x62mm cartridge. In Africa, it's classed as a medium bore, not a large-bore.
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I have shot lots of plainsgame and several Cape Buffalo with this rifle and the cartridge is rated as the smallest legal caliber for use with dangerous game in most countries in Southern Africa. It is a well balanced cartridge and is more than adequate for any game in North America, including moose and brown bear.
Reloading is the way to go and I have had excellent results with H-414. The standard European and African load features a 286 grain bullet, rather than 250 grain and Woodleigh also sells 320 grain softs and solids. Per eastbank's comments, .35 Whelen brass fire-forms easily for reloading.
While it is close to the .375 H&H in performance, the .375 H&H still maintains the edge across the board. The question becomes a matter of what you plan on using the rifle for. Either way it's a great cartridge and you can't go wrong with it in terms of utility. The only issue is the cost of bullets for reloading. It's an odd-ball round here in the States, so the number of bullets and weights is limited compared to other similar cartridges.
The last time I purchased a stock of bullets for practice, the Speer "Hot-Core" 270 grain semi-spitzer was the least expensive .366 bullet on the market. Midway currently lists a box of 50 of these bullets for $17.09 discounted down from $18.99.
If you like the rifle and are prepared to hand-load, then by all means......GO FOR IT!!! You won't be sorry.
Hope this helps.
Warmest regards,
JPS
I have a J.P. Sauer pre-WWI custom Mauser with double-set triggers chambered for the 9.3x62mm cartridge. In Africa, it's classed as a medium bore, not a large-bore.
I have shot lots of plainsgame and several Cape Buffalo with this rifle and the cartridge is rated as the smallest legal caliber for use with dangerous game in most countries in Southern Africa. It is a well balanced cartridge and is more than adequate for any game in North America, including moose and brown bear.
Reloading is the way to go and I have had excellent results with H-414. The standard European and African load features a 286 grain bullet, rather than 250 grain and Woodleigh also sells 320 grain softs and solids. Per eastbank's comments, .35 Whelen brass fire-forms easily for reloading.
While it is close to the .375 H&H in performance, the .375 H&H still maintains the edge across the board. The question becomes a matter of what you plan on using the rifle for. Either way it's a great cartridge and you can't go wrong with it in terms of utility. The only issue is the cost of bullets for reloading. It's an odd-ball round here in the States, so the number of bullets and weights is limited compared to other similar cartridges.
The last time I purchased a stock of bullets for practice, the Speer "Hot-Core" 270 grain semi-spitzer was the least expensive .366 bullet on the market. Midway currently lists a box of 50 of these bullets for $17.09 discounted down from $18.99.
If you like the rifle and are prepared to hand-load, then by all means......GO FOR IT!!! You won't be sorry.
Hope this helps.
Warmest regards,
JPS
Kendoka1998,
Is this Mauser rifle a genuine Oberndorf Mauser sporting rifle? I.E-a commercial sporting rifle manufactured by Mauser at their Oberndorf factory? If so and the rifle is in reasonable condition then $625 is a steal. If it is a converted Mauser Gew.98 or K98k then, if reasonable condition $625 would be an OK price.
Below is a photo of my Mauser model B in 9.3x62mm.
Vlad
Is this Mauser rifle a genuine Oberndorf Mauser sporting rifle? I.E-a commercial sporting rifle manufactured by Mauser at their Oberndorf factory? If so and the rifle is in reasonable condition then $625 is a steal. If it is a converted Mauser Gew.98 or K98k then, if reasonable condition $625 would be an OK price.
Below is a photo of my Mauser model B in 9.3x62mm.
Vlad
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Vladymere,
I can't quite tell. From the photos it looks to my unprofessional eye like a converted Mauser Gew.98 or K98k. Condition is reasonable for a rifle its age but I'm still not certain if I want to buy it. I will post photos just received from the dealer after I return home from work and the gym. Whenever I consider purchasing a used bolt action rifle, I initially focus on the condition of the barrel crown, rifling, chamber and bolt face as any problems with these components render the firearm a nonstarter in my book. If those pass muster, then I look at other things like the sights, conditions of the bluing, condition of the stock, etc. The biggest challenge with this potential purchase is doing all this via internet and photos.
BTW, the photo of your Mauser Model B has me green with envy. I'm sure you must enjoy shooting that piece!!!
I can't quite tell. From the photos it looks to my unprofessional eye like a converted Mauser Gew.98 or K98k. Condition is reasonable for a rifle its age but I'm still not certain if I want to buy it. I will post photos just received from the dealer after I return home from work and the gym. Whenever I consider purchasing a used bolt action rifle, I initially focus on the condition of the barrel crown, rifling, chamber and bolt face as any problems with these components render the firearm a nonstarter in my book. If those pass muster, then I look at other things like the sights, conditions of the bluing, condition of the stock, etc. The biggest challenge with this potential purchase is doing all this via internet and photos.
BTW, the photo of your Mauser Model B has me green with envy. I'm sure you must enjoy shooting that piece!!!
JPS,
Your excellent information matches what I've discovered in my research and is one reason why I'm taking my time with this decision. The principal reasons/excuses for obtaining a rifle chambered in either .375 H&H or 9.3x62mm is so that (1) when I go fishing in areas with brown bears, e.g. Alaska (where I might possibly be moving to but that's another story for another time), I will have something capable of stopping any attack, and (2) if I should decide to take up hunting of large North American game, e.g. moose, I will have an adequate rifle. I have two great .30-06 rifles so it's not a "need" at this point so much as a "want." Plus, in all honesty, I like shooting big bore rifles. I'm still trying to decide if the cartridge choice should be .375 H&H because that cartridge has such a great reputation, even after 100+ years. Your information will be helpful in making a final choice and I thank you.
Your excellent information matches what I've discovered in my research and is one reason why I'm taking my time with this decision. The principal reasons/excuses for obtaining a rifle chambered in either .375 H&H or 9.3x62mm is so that (1) when I go fishing in areas with brown bears, e.g. Alaska (where I might possibly be moving to but that's another story for another time), I will have something capable of stopping any attack, and (2) if I should decide to take up hunting of large North American game, e.g. moose, I will have an adequate rifle. I have two great .30-06 rifles so it's not a "need" at this point so much as a "want." Plus, in all honesty, I like shooting big bore rifles. I'm still trying to decide if the cartridge choice should be .375 H&H because that cartridge has such a great reputation, even after 100+ years. Your information will be helpful in making a final choice and I thank you.
I have both a 375 and a 9.3x62. I think for many the 9.3 is the better choice. Plenty of power and less recoil than the 375 in a lighter weight package. The 9.3 is very efficient as you are burning 55 to 58 grains of powder to push that 286 grain bullet. The 375 pushes a 300 grain bullet to a higher velocity but generally uses 72 to 75 grains of powder to do it. Hence the greater recoil. Unless you are really needing the extra power, I would go 9.3
Conceptually, preferring the 9.3x62 for being entirely capable under 'most' circumstances and something of a more 'rounded', versatile cartridge. Such particularly while avoiding the (often) additional weight/bulk and unnecessary 'over-power' of the 375 H&H for most game. Also potentially saving the expense of such 'true mag' action.
Yet where .375 H&H likely superior; in context of ammo supply! If not a reloader, 9.3x62 sources considerably fewer and farther between. Greater planning needed.
Just my take
Yet where .375 H&H likely superior; in context of ammo supply! If not a reloader, 9.3x62 sources considerably fewer and farther between. Greater planning needed.
Just my take
Hello Gents,
The .375 H&H is just as flexible as the 9.3x62mm if you hand-load. Bullet weight are available in 235 grain up to 350 grain. It isn't necessary to load it to maximum velocity for every application. I've shot three very nice Mule Deer with my .375 H&H using light 235 grain loads.
View attachment 3246171
I'm very fond of both cartridges and both can be loaded up or down depending upon the intended use. You can punch paper with light loads, do the same for deer sized game and then load up for bear, moose, Cape buffalo or lion. The .375 H&H has the definite advantage in Africa.
It's a matter of preference and intended use.
Regards,
JPS
The .375 H&H is just as flexible as the 9.3x62mm if you hand-load. Bullet weight are available in 235 grain up to 350 grain. It isn't necessary to load it to maximum velocity for every application. I've shot three very nice Mule Deer with my .375 H&H using light 235 grain loads.
View attachment 3246171
I'm very fond of both cartridges and both can be loaded up or down depending upon the intended use. You can punch paper with light loads, do the same for deer sized game and then load up for bear, moose, Cape buffalo or lion. The .375 H&H has the definite advantage in Africa.
It's a matter of preference and intended use.
Regards,
JPS
Vladymere,
I opted NOT to buy that rifle after all. Too many questions about its age, provenance, condition, etc. that the seller couldn't answer and we were separated by 2,000 mile so I couldn't examine the firearm personally.
Instead, I just purchased a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 (manufacture date 1958) chambered in .375 H&H Magnum from Griffin & Howe. Should arrive at the California FFL's shop by next Monday and I can take possession ten days after submitting the ATF and California DOJ paperwork. So I expect to take possession and title at the end of this month. Once I get pictures, I will be sure to share them with everyone on this thread.
I opted NOT to buy that rifle after all. Too many questions about its age, provenance, condition, etc. that the seller couldn't answer and we were separated by 2,000 mile so I couldn't examine the firearm personally.
Instead, I just purchased a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 (manufacture date 1958) chambered in .375 H&H Magnum from Griffin & Howe. Should arrive at the California FFL's shop by next Monday and I can take possession ten days after submitting the ATF and California DOJ paperwork. So I expect to take possession and title at the end of this month. Once I get pictures, I will be sure to share them with everyone on this thread.
JPS,
Thanks for your insightful observations. After much back-and-forth on the issue, I just purchased a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 (manufacture date 1958) chambered in .375 H&H Magnum from Griffin & Howe. It should arrive at the California FFL's shop by next Monday and I can take possession ten days after submitting the ATF and California DOJ paperwork. So I expect to take possession and title at the end of this month. Once I get pictures, I will be sure to share them with everyone on this thread or maybe a entirely new thread.
Regards,
Thanks for your insightful observations. After much back-and-forth on the issue, I just purchased a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 (manufacture date 1958) chambered in .375 H&H Magnum from Griffin & Howe. It should arrive at the California FFL's shop by next Monday and I can take possession ten days after submitting the ATF and California DOJ paperwork. So I expect to take possession and title at the end of this month. Once I get pictures, I will be sure to share them with everyone on this thread or maybe a entirely new thread.
Regards,
JPS,
Those are some beautiful shots of you and that lion!!! I'm jealous of you and your hunting experiences right now. Hopefully, I will have the pleasure of hunting and fishing in Alaska in the not too distant future, especially if a potential gig in Anchorage comes through.
Best wishes to you for continued success in future hunts!!
Those are some beautiful shots of you and that lion!!! I'm jealous of you and your hunting experiences right now. Hopefully, I will have the pleasure of hunting and fishing in Alaska in the not too distant future, especially if a potential gig in Anchorage comes through.
Best wishes to you for continued success in future hunts!!
Eastbank,
You really have some beautiful pictures there of you and the game animals you harvested on safari. And it appears that your .375 H&H did the work for you just fine. That's a good evidence of the practical aspects of using that caliber. I was already sold on buying a rifle in that cartridge and your photos served to confirm the correctness of that decision.
Best wishes to you for continued success on future hunts!!
You really have some beautiful pictures there of you and the game animals you harvested on safari. And it appears that your .375 H&H did the work for you just fine. That's a good evidence of the practical aspects of using that caliber. I was already sold on buying a rifle in that cartridge and your photos served to confirm the correctness of that decision.
Best wishes to you for continued success on future hunts!!
when I said 80-90 percent of the animals taken were taken with a 375 H&H, I meant 80-90 percent of the 61 animals I shot in Africa.
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