Is it advisable or feasible to convert 9.3 X 72R to 9.3 X 74R?

[Bigboar]

I have the opportunity to pick up a 9.3 X 72R for cheep money.  The rifle is a beautiful stalking rifle in great shape.  Is it advisable or feasible to convert 9.3 X 72R to 9.3 X 74R or can you resize 9.3 X 74R into 9.3 X 72R?

Thanks,

bigboar

[lrs]

For the first question, I'm not sure I'd do that. 
Would be kind of like converting a .35 Remington, to a .35 Whelen.  It's an old rifle, probably not safe, although if a good gunsmith gave it an OK, then I'm sure it would be OK. 
I think the 9.3x72R has ballistics similar to a .35 remington, but I'm just going by memory.  It's no elephant gun, but it's still pretty respectable.
If you decide to pass on it, would you send me a message?

I can't answer your second question.

[AtlLaw]

If you decide to pass on it, would you send me a message?

Hey Bigboar, I agree with lrs, but send that message to me instead, that boy'll try to cheat you!   

[deltecs]

According to data available to me, the 9.3x72 is a rare bird in an original chambering.  Most were made for single shots, doubles and combo guns.  The ballistics of the 9.3x72 R would be comparable to the .35 Rem but was factory loaded for 186 gr bullets.  One could swage 9.3x74 R brass or set the barrel back and rechamber for the 9.3x74 R for use in the 9.3x72 R, but at substantially reduced loadings until it was clear that pressures were within safe limits.  Swaged 9.3x74 R brass could be used for cases, but it would take substantial work reducing case length, a reduction in base diameter and rim diameter, and setting the shoulder for correct headspace.  If this is an original chambering for the 9.3x72 R, it is probably worth more as a collectors piece than any other purpose.  I'm curious what model rifle it is and type of action.

[Nrut]

Norma make 9.3X72R brass and it is for sale here http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm?viewfrom=37&catid=41&step=2

[coyotejoe]

It would depend on the rifle, but most guns built for the 9.3x72 are light weight stalking rifles or drillings and are no stronger than needed for that old black powder round. It would be insane to rechamber such a gun to the much higher pressure 9.3x74. The 9.3x72 is still a fine little round for anything within the range of open sights, say 100 yards, maybe 150 max, and recoil is quite nice, which can't be said of the 9.3x74 since it produces about twice the energy. The analogy of the 9.3x72 to the .35 Remington is about right but the 9.3x74 is quite a bit hotter than a .35 Whelen.

[deltecs]

It would depend on the rifle, but most guns built for the 9.3x72 are light weight stalking rifles or drillings and are no stronger than needed for that old black powder round. It would be insane to rechamber such a gun to the much higher pressure 9.3x74. The 9.3x72 is still a fine little round for anything within the range of open sights, say 100 yards, maybe 150 max, and recoil is quite nice, which can't be said of the 9.3x74 since it produces about twice the energy. The analogy of the 9.3x72 to the .35 Remington is about right but the 9.3x74 is quite a bit hotter than a .35 Whelen.

I'd have to say that the 9.3x74 R is not quite a bit hotter than the .35 Whelen.  Both shoot factory 250 gr loads at 2500 fps.  One shoots a 283 gr factory at 2280 while the Whelen shoots a 275 gr at 2275 fps.  The energy figures respectively are 3161 and 3267 ft/pds, a difference of 106 ft/pds at the muzzle.   I wouldn't call that substantial or quite a bit hotter when kept within pressure specs.  One might be able to reload the 9.3x74 to equal 9.3x64 ballistics and that is quite a bit hotter than the Whelen, but I don't suggest it.  Factory loading and reload manuals keep the 9.3x74 ballistics to slightly less than the 9.3x62 Mauser data, and that is exactly where the ballisitcs are for the Whelen.   Admittedly the longer neck of the 9.3 is an advantage over the Whelen in heavier bullets and the availablility and variety of the heavier bullets in the 9.3, would lead me to choose it over the Whelen, but not for any ballistic advantage.

[lrs]

That is true,  I just wanted to hear someone else say it. 

BigBoar, did you ever decide on that rifle?
If it's in good condition, and you can get it at a good price, I think you oughta jump on it.
Ballistically, it is in the realm of the .35 Remington.  I have not heard to many complaints about the .35.

[Bigboar]

That is true,  I just wanted to hear someone else say it. 

BigBoar, did you ever decide on that rifle?
If it's in good condition, and you can get it at a good price, I think you oughta jump on it.
Ballistically, it is in the realm of the .35 Remington.  I have not heard to many complaints about the .35.

I have it on hold.  What is a fair price?

bigboar

[Drilling Man]

  Keep in mind that the 72R's more than likely will have a different twist than a 74R, and also many have a different bullet diameter than the 74R too...  Then there's the problem with having enough meat in the old bbl. to make room for the bigger 74R case...

  As for compareing the Whelen to an 74R:  The 74R is underloaded by quite a bit from the factory, and the Whelen isn't...  Load the 74R for a modern gun like a Valmet, or Ruger, and it easily out shines 74R factory loads...

  DM

[lrs]

I have it on hold.  What is a fair price?

bigboar
[/quote]

Can you give a detailed description?

[kombi1976]

Any pics?
9.3x72R is a useful cartridge; don't over complicate it by trying to rechamber.