375 H&H vs 375 Ruger vs 9,3x62

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Omenator

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Sitting around bored with a broken arm, so thought I could start a fun discussion (argument!) over which of these cartridges is best for moose, black bear and bison at various ranges: 375 H&H vs 375 Ruger vs 9,3x62. Keep in mind I don't currently have one of these (but keeping an eye out), so I don't have a dog in this fight. So here are the three, left to right: 375 H&H, 375 Ruger, 9,3x62
cartcasecomp375r2.jpg

Now to hopefully set some preliminary questions so this thread doesn't descend into a pissing match too quickly...

How does the availability of brass and bullets differ between the cartridges?
Loaded ammo isn't the biggest issue as these are too expensive to shoot much if you don't reload. In my experience in the Okanagan region of BC, I've not seem much of anything for any of these cartridges, seems most stores stop at .338".

What is your opinion on the usable range on our heavier North American game of each cartridge?
For the 9,3x62 specifically, it seems trajectory and not retained energy & momentum is the big issue at extended range. I've seen some speculation that these larger cartridges (9.3mm/.366" and up) produce wounding that is noticeably more dramatic than some of the smaller bores like 300 and 338 WIN MAG (not getting into the fast 338s, those are in a different category). Now I know the 375s pack more punch, but I'm wondering if it is noticeable on our thinner skinned game? Bullet selection is always important, so please mention specifics if you can.

With the H&H specifically, does the approx. 3/4" longer bolt throw make a difference?
I'm already really close to punching myself in the face when I cycle my 30-06 and try to maintain sight picture. I'm have about a 14-1/4" LOP (although I shoot mainly factory rifles with about 13-1/2" LOP) if that makes any difference.

And just to finish it off, what recommendations do you have for pairing a cartridge with a rifle? For me I think the following would be good matches:
375 H&H: Magnum Mauser M98, Sako L61R/AII/AIV/AV, Winchester Model 70, Montana Rifle Co. 1999, P14/M1917 Enfield conversions and more great combos are out there I'm sure.
375 Ruger: Ruger M77 MKII, Howa 1500, Nosler M48 (pretty new, doesn't seem to be many QUALITY rifles in 375 Ruger).
9,3x62: Mauser M98, Husqvarna 640 through 1600 series (selection of old and new rifles here in Canada seems limited).

Have fun!
 
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I have some experiences with the 9.3x62 and 375 Ruger. I myself in the end chose the 9.3x62 due to its lower recoil. The 375's you mentioned will have more power, more recoil, and slightly better trajectory, but within 350 yard hunting the 9.3x62 will do just great and will kill just as effectively, and its nipping at the heels of the H&H.

375 H&H runs a 300gr bullet between 2500-2600fps, the 375 Ruger with same bullet weight will be around 2700-2740 fps( 23inch barrel), and the 9.3x62 with a 286 will run in at 2400-2500fps.

Keep in mind that the 9.3 gets that decent velocity with much less powder compared to the H&H.

As for reloading the 9.3 will be cheaper to reload. Less powder charge. Bullets and brass can be had from Tradex. The 375 H&H will be pretty decent too, lots of components around at most shops, and 375 Ruger will cost you quite abit for brass due to less companies making them.

As for rifles you can buy Ruger #1 and M77 ,Zastava m70's, Cz 550, Sako 85's, Mauser's, and Husqvarna in the 9.3.
The 375 H&H Will have a bigger selection which include the above and many more like Winchester, Ruger, Remington and etc.
The 375 will be more with Ruger, Mossberg, and howa.....I would be inclinded to choose the Ruger African model with this cartridge.

The H&H and the 9.3 have a rich history and are far more classic then the Ruger.......if that means anything for you.

At the end of the day you will be happy with all 3 cartridges (performance wise) mentioned.......

*Edit* Heres some trajectory data sighted in at 200 yards

9.3x62- 286gr Nosler partition (BC .482) @ 2500 fps.......................(300 yards( 9.9 inch drop)...2540 ft-lbs) (350 Yards (18.1 inch drop) 2355 ft-lbs)
375 H&H 300gr Nosler partition (BC.405) @ 2600 fps......................(300 Yards (9.6 inch drop)... 2640 ft-lbs) (350 Yards (17.6 Inch drop)2400 ft-lbs)
375 Ruger 300gr Nosler Partition (BC. 405) @ 2700 fps...................(300 yards (8.8 inch drop)....2870 ft-lbs) (350 yards (16.2 inch drop) 2614 ft-lbs)
 
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I killed a moose with a 7mm Rem Mag and Ballistic tips, the bullets failed miserably (4X) as the range was close.
My 375 H&H (Ouch and Ouch) would have been way better, but you use what you are holding at the time.

The H&H has its heels dug firmly in the North American market and is never a poor choice.
 
I had all three but just recently sold my 9.3 in spite of it being a beautiful rifle.
My H&H is an old Browning / Sako which I bought in the 1970s and my 375 Ruger is on a Howa 1500 Stainless 20 ".
Both are totally smooth and more or less equal performance-wise while making my 9.3s redundant.
Having had two Ruger rifles in 375 Ruger I have to say the 1500 Howa is miles ahead in terms of quality and function of the two I had.
There is nothing wrong with the 9.3, its a fine, powerful cartridge however my personal preference lies with the 375s.
So, I should have a table full of 9.3 components at the Spring gun show @ Chilliwack...
 
It does seem like the H&H is the popular North American choice with the mainland Europeans and Africans choosing the 9,3x62. Realistically I'm planning on getting a 300 WIN MAG for elk and getting one of the above for moose and bear as I don't like tracking wounded bears and moose seem to like swimming if you don't put them down right quick.
 
Yeah I went with the .338 myself. Came down to action size and component prices. I was always in the "30-06" will kill anything crowd, but before the economy went to #### I was supposed to move/ work in far Northern BC/Yukon. I figured big country deserves a big gun, so after divesting of my "toys" I ended up with a .338.

I see a .375 Ruger in my future at some point when the cash is flowing.

I'm sure the 375 will do anything it does better, but with a bigger action and more powder. IME (limited) the .375's I have fired are considerably heavier than the .338's resulting a more pleasant shooting and less pleasant carrying experience. Depends on the rifle's of course.
 
Omenator said:
For the 9,3x62 specifically, it seems trajectory and not retained energy & momentum is the big issue at extended range.
Click to expand...

using at the very least a mauser98 to allow loading to modern pressures and a bullet as slippery or more so than a 250 accubond will really flatten out the 9.3x62 .

basically with the 9.3 , if you can hit it , it will kill it .
it may have a perceived lack of killing power when directly compared with the 375's you mention , but that difference gets much smaller when loaded to modern pressures in a suitable action ( and a round that has more hp than the 338 mag ) .
what you gain is at least one more round in the magazine , a heck of a lot less recoil and if you shoot a lot , less powder used and brass is easily reformed from inexpensive 30-06 brass
 
Omenator said:
It does seem like the H&H is the popular North American choice with the mainland Europeans and Africans choosing the 9,3x62. Realistically I'm planning on getting a 300 WIN MAG for elk and getting one of the above for moose and bear as I don't like tracking wounded bears and moose seem to like swimming if you don't put them down right quick.
Click to expand...

You'll find a dozen .375 H&Hs in African hands for every 9.3x62- trust me, I haven't encountered one being used in the field there yet! I realise they are, but far less than the legend often repeated in North American forums. It's .30-06s, .375 H&Hs, and .458s in my experience in Africa.
 
The 375 Ruger is the superior cartridge, it will do anything the others can do and more. The 9.3 is pretty cool and has gotten more popular in the last few years on the internet, but for a cartridge of it's tenure it's not really that popular in North America.

The H&H is the older of the 375's, and it's obsolete case design shows it, but due to it's age is more common. Nobody would introduce a case design like the H&H these days.

There are plenty of 375 bullets, and brass for both 375's is available, although you may have to look for both.

I was going to have a M70 built into a 375H&H or 375 WBY when the 375 Ruger was announced, so I waited. I'm glad I did, as I couldn't be happier with the Ruger Alaskan with it's Macmillan stock. Very accurate, very dependable and a pleasure to hunt with.
 
Where is Gatehouse? He will clear all this up lol.

I would vote for the 9.3x62 if reloading, the H&H if not.



EDIT: never mind he is here! We were posting at same time I guess. Lol
 
In what world can a 9.3x62 be hot rodded to .338 velocities with a 250 grain bullet?

All the data I've seen has the .338 going a few hundred fps faster even with 300 grainers.

Ardent did you not see any 9.3's in Namibia? I thought the former Germany colonies were its stronghold.
 
Thanks for the been-there-done-that input Ardent.
And good to see our favorite cheerleader for the 375 Ruger showed up!

I had a previous thread where I asked about the difference between the 338 WIN MAG, 35 Whelen, 358 Norma MAG and 9,3x62 and I did some more research to conclude the sentiment that the jump from 338 to 358+ makes much more of a difference than you'd think. My guess is it has a lot to do with the bullets as well as the larger diameter heavier bullets retaining more momentum.
If you want a 338 that does damage like the 9,3x62 and 375s, you need to use one of the fast 338s such as the WBY, RUM or Lapua. Otherwise it's just a 300 WIN MAG that's slower and has more recoil.

@Ardent: What types of rifles were popular with the PHs in Africa (30-06, 375 H&H and 458 WIN MAG), interested to hear about them all.
 
No expert, in any way shape or form.
I've a Ruger #1 T 375 H & H milled out to Weatherby Magnum. A friend was considering purchasing it and did the research on it and was quite impressed with the rifle. Digests the common 375 H & H and reguritates it in the vaslty improved Weatherby incarnation.
But honestly, I don't pay it much mind. It was just a good deal at the time.
I do have a 9.3 x 57 and love it, the 62 is likely a good shooter as well.
Merely mentioned it too muddy the already murky 375 waters...:)
 
Using modern 63,000psi reloads, what velocities can be expected with a 24" barreled 9,3x62?
It seems most reloading manuals (American) are putting the 286grn bullets at about 2500fps max. Which max pressure that corresponds with I don't know.
 
If you like belted go with a 378 WBY.

If you don't like belted cases go with a 375 RUM.

If you like less recoil and a round that fits in a shorter action, go with a 375 Steyr.

If you want easily obtained ammo, go with H&H.

If you want a great round to hunt North American game that's not a 375 and can reload go with the 9.3x62.

Options and opinions are endless.


Buy one of each and post your reviews!!! Lol
 
One of these days I'll do just that and buy one of each and keep the ones I like!
For me I think choice of the rifle will be more important than choice of the chambering. On that note, what medium bore rifles are your favorites and why?
 
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