Author Topic: 9.3x74R (Read 2424 times)

oliverstacy · « **on:** March 23, 2006, 09:02:19 AM »

Anyone out there reload this. Looks like I'm getting a Encore barrel made for this...just waiting on final $ numbers from the manufacture. I've been reading all I can on this round and can't wait to get it in action, should be a lot of fun.

Thanks,

Josh

killdeer · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2006, 09:40:56 AM »

Fill us in on this bad boy Oliver! :grin:

KD

kombi1976 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2006, 06:51:57 PM »

Oliver have you considered getting an Encore chambered to 9.3x62 instead?
Brass is more easily available and the '62 case is almost identical to 35 Whelen.
The 9.3x62 is the ballistic equivalent of the 9.3x74R and the rimmed cartridge was designed for doubles, drillings and combo guns.
As the Encore is a strong action and can be chambered for magnums it's easily up to the 9.3x62.
The only possible advantage of the '74R is that it would extract easier.
Just a suggestion.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2006, 03:42:17 AM »

kombi1976...I looked into all three current 9.3 caliber chambers. 9.3x62, 9.3x64 and the 9.3x74R. All are hard to get in the US and all are very interesting in their own way.

I was originally looking to get a CZ 550 in the 9.3x62 Mauser and they run around 550 to 600 dollars depending on the model...American, FS and LUX. That got me to thinking and I started looking into custom Encore barrel makers on whether they could make this round. They can chamber all three so it was up to me.

The Brenneke is the most powerful but brass is not available in most avenues, matter of fact I haven't found it listed. This left the Mauser and 74R round. Of the two the 9.3x74R was the one I wanted the most, I can get brass for both...even though the 74R is more expensive. Bullets are obviously the same between the three so I opted for the 9.3x74R, mainly just to be different. If your going to be different...be very different.

Looks like I'm going to go with the 9.3x74R for two reasons. First the Encore being a single shot, this round lends itself well to this action. I'm deciding on barrel contour and lenght, probably going to be .810" at the muzzle and 26 or 27" long. If I decide to get the 9.3x62 down the road I will more than likely get it in the CZ 550.

Josh

kombi1976 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2006, 01:49:33 PM »

Sounds like you've got it all sussed out.
You may even be able to screw a little more out of the '73 with it in a good strong action instead of the weaker doubles and drilling actions.
And I can't think of better value for money than a CZ 550.
They're great rifles.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2006, 06:52:11 PM »

Well I placed an order with Match Grade Machine in UT. Very nice service and prices are in line with what I was thinking. Can't wait to get this thing in service. Went with a 28" SS and a 6 hole scope base set-up.

This thing should be a great barrel.

Josh

kombi1976 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2006, 07:37:47 PM »

Is there any particular game you plan on using this for, Josh?
It should put the hurt on practically anything at the right range although for the big bears I'd prefer the 9.3x64 Brenneke or 9.3x66 Sako.
Guys here in Australia are using 9.3x62 CZ 550s and Tikka T3s to hunt sambar deer.
Sambar originally came from India and were basically introduced here by the Brits, along with red, fallow, hog and chital deer so they could hunt them.
Sambar are not quite the size of an elk but big, hardy and secretive which is why they're regarded as the most difficult animal to hunt here in Oz.
Buffalo are more dangerous but much easier to find.
Sambar are tiger food in their native habitat which explains their habits and also explains why a 9.3mm is a nice way to be certain that Sammy the sambar won't get up when you deck him with a good shot! :twisted:
Incidentally, Josh, have you looked into the 9.3x66 Sako? :|
The figures are scary, at both ends! :x

Turk · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2006, 05:57:21 AM »

Josh,

Looking forward in seeing your range reports. I have a CZ FS in 9.3x62 and it's a tack driver form 100-200 yards. 9.3 is a very overlooked bullet here in the states as it will stop anything breathing in North America. The 74mm will be real interesting shooting out of an encore.

Turk

Remember to pray for our troops.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2006, 05:52:08 PM »

I've been looking at something to chamber in the Encore that was out of the norm. I'm always looking for something different and this was a ends to the means. I will hopefully draw a black bear tag either this or next fall, not that you need this much gun for them, but it will definitely do the trick. Hopefully in the next 10 years I can hunt both elk, caribou and hogs, if the range isn't going to be over 200-300 yards this will do the trick very nicely. I like hunting with the single shot and this will allow me to hunt almost anything with it. Didn't want the 375 H&H, too many of those things around. Could have gone with the 300 Win. Mag but I have a couple of .308 bores already. Since I reload it was just something I wanted to try. I helps me stay different from the rest of the people I know (my wife says I don't need to try real hard to accomplish this).

kombi1976...I haven't seen anything on the 9.3x66 Sako, I'll do some research on it later tonight, must not be something used over here in the states. In all the reloading manuals I have there isn't a listing for it, at least in the Norma, Speer, Nosler, Sierra, Barnes and the like.

Turk...I will be expecting great things from this at the range as long as I do my part. It is being made from a Shilen blank that will be hand lapped and tightly chambered. Might by the three die set that has a full length die, neck die and seater die to try different things. Full length vs. neck sizing. I hope this thing shoots as good as I think it will. Then again I have a 26" 220 Swift that will shot groups under .5" if the dummy that loaded the rounds shoots them accordingly.

I'll post some pictures when I get it and let everyone know how it shots. If your interested Match Grade Machine in Utah is doing the work. Talke to Kerry and he'll help you out.

Thanks for all the insight on this project,

Josh

longhunter44 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2006, 01:11:58 PM »

Enjoy your rifle O! I have one of the Pedersoli side-by-side doubles in 9.3x74r. Love it!

I got a great set of dies from Redding. Believe it or not, I found NOS unprimed brass on eBay. I also ordered what I fugured would be a lifetime supply of 232 grain factory ammo from Sportsmans Guide - a couple rounds to sight, then one or two for deer season each year. The 232 works great on whitetails. After that, I'm reloading with 286 grain Nosler Partitions.

Nosler, Speer, Barnes and Norma make bullets and have loading data. Norma's is on-line. I worked up to the max 286 grain loads shown in Nosler's manual and showed no signs of overpressure in my gun. Really good accuracy, too. Killed a 300 pound Tennessee wild boar with the Nosler with this load. I noticed that Barnes just added both a 250 grain and 286 grain Triple Shock in 9.3. That should take this round to the next level in terms of size of game one could consider using this on.

Careful setting up your dies as this cartidge is long and the brass is thin. I buckled several cases seating the bullets before getting the neck expander just right. Chamfering the neck helped. After that - smooth sailing.

Send news as it develops!

brasskeeper · « **Reply #10 on:** March 28, 2006, 02:52:21 PM »

I found this on another forum and I thought you might find it interesting especialy about ruger.

Quote

Originally posted by Roadranger

RedBeard, first off, the 9.3WSM is certainly a viable concept. I have worked with both the 35WSM and the 375WSM. Obviously, the 9.3 would split the difference. I would think that the 9.3WSM would generate at least 200fps more that the 9.3 x 62, maybe more. We are getting 2700fps with the 375WSM with 270 gr. bullets. It is my understanding that CZ has discontinued their WSM bolt rifle. It was built on the Montana Rifleman Co. action which is readily avaialble from MRC. My 35WSM is built on that action and works flawlessly. Ruger has a 9.3 x74 cataloged in the #1 this year. That may solve your problem!! If I were going to persue the 9.3WSM, I would contact Dave Kiff at PTG for reamer availability. If a reamer and a 9.3 barrel are available, it's a done deal. Good Luck Bob[:p][]Bob

longhunter44 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2006, 04:22:14 PM »

Been thinking of a rifle barrel for my Encore, too. I've got the 50ML barrel on mine.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 28, 2006, 04:30:48 PM »

Quote

I have one of the Pedersoli side-by-side doubles in 9.3x74r. Love it!

Must be nice...I have a poormans option to this. Then again I have a few guns under the cost of the custom job I'm having done. Just got an email from Kerry at MGM and their reamer people had one on the shelf so their 4 week lead time is going to be available. If your interested in a second rifle in this caliber they'll have the reamer on hand from now on and can do a custom barrel, both lenght and contour, for you anytime. That is if you have an Encore frame.

I've been looking into brass and will go with...lets see...Norma, imagine that since they're the only manufactured brass I can get my hands on. I have a Lyman VLD (very low drag) inside deburr tool, hopefully this will save on crushed brass.

If you ever get frustrated with your double and don't know where to turn, let me know I'll take care of your problem...

Josh

longhunter44 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2006, 05:08:19 PM »

O, I lucked into that double. Cabela's carried them for a few years way cheaper than anyone else, then closed them out. My regret is that I didn't buy one in 45-70 as well. Those rifles (when you can even find one) are going for three times what I paid.

I saw a post from you about this round on another thread.

Commenting upon that, I have found this to be a really forgiving round to load - modest case volume / bore. More like a 30-30 than a 22 Hornet in that respect.

The double purists may not like this, but I gave up trying to find a regulating load and concentrated on the right barrel. It'll group Nosler's 286 grain Partition easily within 1 1/2 inches at 100 yards using the max load in the manual. The left barrel hits at the same elevation exactly 8 inches left. at 25 yards, it's 2 inches left, so I guess they never cross over, or regulate with this load.

I find the 232 grain Norma factory load pleasant to shoot. I would guess the Encore and Pedersoli weight about the same and with the more modern stock and recoil pad, the Encore should be better.

The 286 grain, loaded to max is a little stout, but nothing like my friend's 30-378 or even a 3 1/2 inch 12 gage turkey load.

Very excited to hear of your results.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2006, 06:14:17 PM »

longhunter44 thanks for all the info and to all others also.

I will be loading 250 Nosler BTs and Speer 270 SSPT. The barrel is going to be at least 27 inches long, depending on the blank size. Kerry didn't know the exact size it was, he stated that it wouldn't be over 28" though.

I'll let you know what the range sessions uncover.

Josh

longhunter44 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 29, 2006, 11:22:15 AM »

My Speer manual claims about 2250 to close to 2400 ft/set out of a 24 inch barrel. You might be able to touch 2500 or a bit more with that extra 3-4 inches of barrel and that strong Encore action.

Are you buying brass or factory loads and reloading after use? The Norma factory 232 grain Vulcan is pleasant to shoot, and as a semi-hollow point, is frangible enough at these modest velocities to really cleanly kill deer without lots of meat damage.

If you use that Nosler ballistic tip on deer, let me know how it works. It also should be a good one.

longhunter44 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2006, 11:24:56 AM »

Oh! I forgot. If you haven't bought dies yet, shop around the internet retailers. I found a huge price difference. Can we mention names here? I think maybe I did in a previous post.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2006, 05:00:31 PM »

Longhunter44...I'm mainly going to handload this. Looking at brass from a couple of different sights. I may by a box of 20 loaded rounds to both break in the barrel and get the scope sighted in. I've been looking around at different websites for dies and will probably go with a 3 die set-up. FL, Neck and Seater. There will be more options for different load develpment.

I purchased some Speer 270 gr SSPT today and have 250 grain Nosler BTs on the way, should be here Friday. The 232 grain Vulcan would be a nice "light" load to use. With a long tube velocity should be up somewhat from what the manuals state, like you said hopefully atleast 100 ft/sec more.

Should have the barrel by the end of April and will have brass and bullets ready to be loaded soon. Unfortunately nothing about this project is cheap...then again that's the best kind!!!

Josh

Drilling Man · « **Reply #18 on:** April 06, 2006, 10:38:56 AM »

I own a couple double rifles and also a couple combi's in 9.3x74R. I've loaded hundreds and hundreds of rounds in this cartridge, as i use to sell the loaded ammo. It works very well on big game.

I use to make my own 9.3 bullets, but these days i'd load the 286 NP's if it was me. I'd work up a load and use that one load on everything, as there's no use haveing to learn different trajectories for all the different bullets.

I by far like RWS brass the best, and you can buy dies from RCBS.

Drilling Man

oliverstacy · « **Reply #19 on:** April 12, 2006, 04:33:39 PM »

Drilling Man...I'd love to be able to afford a drilling or double rifle in this round. I was at Cabela's in Dundee, MI yesterday and they had 4 drilling's mostly 16x16x9.3x72R. They all looked very old and were quite expensive.

There was a single shot Merkel in I believe 300 Win Mag that was awesome. Then again if I'm going to spend that much money I'm going to get it in an old cartridge made for those types of firearms.

I think for the next project I'm going to look into getting an Encore barrel made in either 7x47R, 7x57R or the 7x65R. Supposedly the 7x65R is an equivalent to the 280 Remington. We'll just have to see what the banker (wife) approves after this excursion.

If you have some good loads with 250 gr Nosler BT's let me know. I found three boxes at a good price. I'm going to stick with those for now but also have some Barnex 250 grain TSX and Speer 270 SSPT. If I go after something really big I'll probably look into Oryx or Partitions.

Josh

Drilling Man · « **Reply #20 on:** April 13, 2006, 12:33:06 PM »

Quote

I was at Cabela's in Dundee, MI yesterday and they had 4 drilling's mostly 16x16x9.3x72R.

"If" it's the same ones they had a month or so ago, i also looked at them. Those drillings were sure in poor shape and over priced! One of them had the side clips beat in with a hammer!! I assume someone thought they was "tightening" it up by doing that!!! All of them were altered or beat to death.

I'm of the opinion that the best all around bullet for big game in the 9.3x74R would be the 286 Nosler partion. That's the bullet to work up a load for, and use for everything big.

They had a 8x57jrs double rifle that was REALLY nice though!

I have a 7x65R double set too, and it's very accurate. I find the 7x65R factory loads are loaded to lower pressures than the 280 Rem., so it doesn't give quite as high of velocities with factory loads. "If" i was buying a new drilling today, this is the cartridge it would be chambered in!

Drilling Man

oliverstacy · « **Reply #21 on:** May 16, 2006, 09:56:02 AM »

Well it just arrived and I can't wait to get it up and running. Ended going with a stainless steel shilen blank, 28" and .820 at the muzzle. I have a scope and only need rings and a different forend since this is a 6 hole design. Going to head to Cabela's later in the week and get another forend to modify and rings and I'll start loading this week.

I'll let you know on the speed and accuracy when I get a chance to get to the range.

Josh

longhunter44 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 26, 2006, 01:16:05 PM »

Great news, Oliver. I'll look forward to hearing accuracy reports and maybe some loading data.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #23 on:** June 23, 2006, 08:07:23 PM »

Well I finally got the scope mounted and took some pics. What do ya think??? :grin: :grin: :grin:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h138/oliverstacy/IMG_1787.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h138/oliverstacy/IMG_1788.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h138/oliverstacy/IMG_1780.jpg

Love this thing, hopefully I'll get to the range this weekend and fire some rounds.

Josh

kombi1976 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 08, 2006, 05:56:56 AM »

Great stuff, Oliver!
I look forward to some pics, particularly of you in full recoil!

Get to the range, mate and let's see what she's capable of.

And if I didn't say before......I am SO jealous!Â

oliverstacy · « **Reply #25 on:** September 02, 2006, 06:26:43 PM »

Kombi1976...

We'll I finally made it to the range and found the following: It kicks!!! But is not as bad as the 12 gauge slugs I was shooting earlier in the day.

First three shots with a bore sighted scope and S&B 285 grain factory loads landed less than an inch high and were .593" CTC Excited to say the least. They were perfect left and right and only 3/4" high.

I had loaded some 250 grain Nosler BT's up with H380 and IMR-4064. My gun seemed to like the IMR-4064 much better. One five shot group was 1.387" CTC and another was .683" CTC. I don't have the load data in front of me but it had around 55 grains of powder. One thing I did notice was these were around 4" higher at 100 yards than the factory were at 50 yards.

I'm going to be loading more up with this combo and also load some 250 gr TSX and 270 SSPT.

Josh

kombi1976 · « **Reply #26 on:** September 03, 2006, 12:38:57 AM »

Excellent stuff, Oliver.

Now all we need to see is you standing next to something big & furry & dead holding said long arm.