DM,
I should start off by saying that I've never handloaded anything, so perhaps I'm really off-base about all of this.
However, there is a South African gunsmith by the name of Gerard Schultz (
www.gsgroup.co.za) who has developed a range of solid copper monometalic bullets from .22 Hornet to .550 Magnum. These are both lighter and longer than a normal jacketed/cored bullet, and in all calibers, are designed to travel much faster than a traditionally constructed bullet.
Mr. Schultz is of the opinion that momentum (bullet weight x velocity) is much more important than energy (half bullet weight x velocity squared) in effectively killing game.
His data shows that lighter bullets traveling faster have higher terminal momentum levels than heavier bullets traveling slower (however at very short range distances the heavier/slower bullets do maintain a slight momentum advantage).
His data also shows that for short range use, a bullet needs to be spun much faster than is needed for long range use (in order to produce the optimum wound ballistics after impact).
His data indicates that a monometalic 9.3 mm bullet heavier than 195 gr doesn't have sufficient gyroscopic stability for short range use (especially on dangerous game). This bullet will evidently leave the muzzle at around 3000 fps (at no higher pressure levels than a 286 gr that leaves the muzzle at around 2300 fps). That's in .300 Win Magnum territory!
From the data he presents, the 1:14 rifling twist rate in the Valmet 412 is a positive liability for short range shooting.
Also, Hawk Bullets have told me they can produce a jacket/cored 9.3 mm bullet of 180 gr (and perhaps even a bit lighter).
Hawk definitely seem to believe that the majority of jacketed/cored bullets have cores that are too hard and jackets that are both too hard and too thick. But they also do offer slightly thicker (.035" vs .025") but the same hardness jackets on some bullet calibers that are designed for use in stopping critters that can stomp on/bite/maul you.
Any idea how thick/hard the jackets on 270-286 gr 9.3x74R bullets are?
Both of these firms have posted user reviews from very satisfied customers using lighter weight bullets traveling faster in rifles that were designed for use with much heavier bullets traveling more sedately.
So, at least some people seem to be having good success with the lighter/faster approach in heavier/slower rifle calibers.
I haven't read any user comments from a 9.3x74R owner. So perhaps the slow twist rate of the 9.3 mm will be a limitation.
That normal 270-285 gr bullets will dispatch game is not the issue. I'm simply wondering if it would be possible to 'extend the envelope' of a 9.3x74Rs capability without increasing the chamber pressures (or loosing accuracy).
Additionally, I can foresee lead bullets potentially being totally banned during my lifetime, so by starting to examine potential bullet alternatives today, I will be in a much better position to successfully make any transition in the future.
Like I said at the beginning of this reply, I might be way off base about all of this, but both of the bullet suppliers mentioned seem to have many satisfied customers who believe these bullets stop dangerous game much better than any traditional bullet they've used.
I do realize that there are a lot of variables in all of this and perhaps, given those impacting on the 9.3x74Rs performance, it simply isn't possible to improve upon the historically proven rounds in any meaningful way.
Best regards,
Steve
