9.3x57

[ratherbefishin]

I recently acquired a Husqvarna 9.3x57-and since the commercial shells aren't readily available anyway[although Norma does sell a 9.3x57 in their Alaska line]I will probably take up reloading-and am wondering about shooting cast bullets.I do cast my own 50 caliber bullets for my T/C hawkin, so I already have the leadpot and lyman mold handles.
What advice would anyone have for me shooting cast in this caliber?[it is a relatively low velocity cartridge anyway-around 2200 fps with the 286 gr bullets]

[Cat Whisperer]

Sounds like a fun rifle.

Should be lots more stuff on 35 Whelen, but there is info (and active shooters) out there that use it.

[gutshot_again]

I've got a Husky 9.3x57 built on a '98 action.  Not sure of the model number.  This is a very easy cartridge to load for and I came across no surprises.  Since mine is on a '98 action, I can seat the bullets way out to fit the magazine and they fit the action fine.  I've had better luck with a 300 grain bullet than a 270 grain, but it could all be in my head as both shoot very well.

A mistake I did make was when ordering the custom mould from Dan a mountain molds was I made the flat meplat too large.  Now when feeding, it hangs up and won't feed properly - but that's my mistake.  Knowing what I do now, I'd still order from mountain molds, but would reduce the meplate.  I also have both NEI's offerings.  The lighter of the two NEI's at about 290 grains are the most useful in this caliber (in my opinion) and these feed fine.

I started using IMR 3031 powder and it shot so well I haven't tried any other powders.  It almost seems that the the 9.3x57 was made for cast.  When I seat the bullet to fit the magazine, neither the 270 or 300 grain cast bullets extend below the shoulder on the case.  Not sure if all 9.3x57's are the same, but mine has a very long throat.  Groove is right at .366 and the bore runs .355 - pretty deep rifling, as the old time cast bullet shooters liked.

The recoil on this rifle is surprising.  You would think a 300 grain bullet at about 2000 fps would have a nasty kick, but it doesn't.  It's more of a good strong push than a sharp rap.

I think you'll like the rifle.  Mine will be with me for a long time.

[ratherbefishin]

are there any ''off the shelf ''production molds available-or do you have to order a custom mold for shooting cast bullets for the 9.3?If so-who makes them?I would think cast would be perfectly acceptable for hunting,given the mass of the bullet

[gutshot_again]

There is the long obselete 366408.  If you do find one, expect to pay close to the cost of a custom mould.  NEI and CBE both have standard 9.3 moulds.  Mountain molds, you design your own online.

With the 9.3x62 coming on so fast I would have thought RCBS or Lyman would have introduced a 9.3 mould by now.

[ratherbefishin]

What weight cast bullet would you choose for shooting in a 9.3x57?

[gutshot_again]

I use a plain base 250 grain, and 4 gas checks bullets from 270 grains to 335 grains.  All shoot good.  Mine has a very long throat and I can seat the 335 grain bullet even with the bottom of the neck and be just off the lands  I use the 300 grain for hunting as it is a flat nose.  Also, all bullets stabilize. 

[ratherbefishin]

I've been keeping my eyes open on the gun forums -but molds for a 9.3 seem scarce as hen's teeth

[ratherbefishin]

I've yet to actually shoot my ''new'' Husky 9.3x57-and have ordered some cast bullets-if they shoot well, I hope to use them hunting moose this fall.Any actual hunting experience or information is appreciated-particularly should I go soft -or hard cast bullets?

[calvon]

I'm coming from a position of ignorance here, so please bear with me. Does the 9.3 X 57 have the same cartridge dimensions as the 7.92 X 57 other than bullet diameter?

I have a military M98 action that is begging for a barrel and I've been thinking of cast bullets in a .35 Whelen. Maybe the 9.3 X 57 would be a better choice?

[ratherbefishin]

see if Anthony at  www.tradeexcanada.com  has some barrels,that's where I got my Husky

[ratherbefishin]

I ended up locating a supply of 290 gr  9.3 hard cast bullets,and awaiting dies so I can try them.Half have gas checks,the other half plain.I am hearing a number of diferent opinions on hunting with cast bullets, but my 9.3x57 is a fairly moderate velocity round anyway-about 2100fps with Norma Alaskan 286 gr RN.I'm thinking close to 300 gr of lead moving close to 2000 fps is going to clobber anything it runs in to-but I would certainly like to hear from other 9.3x57 shooters and their hunting experiance

[gutshot_again]

calvon - I neck up 8x57 brass for the 9.3x57, then trim to square the mouth.  The cases end up a touch too short, but not a concern.  I like the 9.3x57 because you won't see too many of them, the style of the rifle itself and it can handle bullets of at least 335 grains without keyholing.  I also have a 35 Whelen that is a blast.  Cases are easy to find (cheap if necking up 30-06), cast bullets and moulds are also easy to find - but with the "normal" twist of 1 in 16, cannot use the heavier (somewhere over 250 grains) bullets.  If you do shoot jacketed, you will have a wider selection (probaly less money also) of bullets in the Whelen.  It all boils down to if you want to go through a bit of a hassle to get something that not everyone has.  If all you're after is performance, it's pretty hard to beat the 35 Whelen over the 9.3x57 using cast bullets in each.

ratherbefishin' - I've shot 5 deer with the 9.3x57.  I hunt heavy woods and brush with a long shot being around 75 yards for me.  Use Norma 9.3x57 cases, CCI 200 primers, IMR 3031 (can't remember exact charge), and a Mountain Molds 300 grain cast bullet.  I'd guess I'm hitting right around 1900 to 2000 fps.  One hunched up and ran about 30 yards and expired with a heart shot.  The others did not take more than 3 steps before they went down with solid lung shots.  But to be honest, I've had the same results with a 35 Whelen using 220 grain bullets on 7 or 8 deer.   Key is the flat meplat used on all my cast hunting bullets.  Round nose just doesn't work for me, and I've used them.

I think of the 9.3x57 as a kissing cousin to the 358 Winch, with anything the 358 will do, the 9.3 will do and in some cases better (can use heavier bullets).

[ratherbefishin]

What would be the effect on a cast bullet if you drilled a small hole right in the center of a round nosed  cast bullet-much like some of the 22 bullets?I'm thinking of the expansion effect on game

[gutshot_again]

Should work OK if the alloy is not hard so it won't shatter.  I have not seen any reason to hollow point cast bullets.  With the proper design (flat meplat) I don't feel the hollowpoint is needed.