Want to start reloading 9.3x57 - Help

CoryTheCowboy

CoryTheCowboy

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G'Day,

I'm currently in the process of looking for a 9.3x57 and as most people know, it's mostly a reloading proposition. I do re-load shotgun shells on a Lee Load-All II, I can follow instructions and have an idea on what I need to do. I won't be reloading a whole lot and from what I've read I think a single stage press will work. However, I would greatly appreciate it if someone could let me know exactly what I need. I have found some "deals"

Lee 50th Anniversary Press Kit - $129.95
Comes with the press, 3 quick change bushing, perfect powder measure, Lee safety scale, powder funnel, case cutter, Lee chamfer tool, tube of sizing lube, and a large and small safety prime.

I have no problem with my Load-All II although most people don't seem to like it. I've heard Lee is generally "entry level" equipment, but then I hear from other people that it'll last a lifetime if taken care of.

RCBS Partner Standard Reloading Kit - $234.95

Lyman Crusher Pro Kit - $229.95
Includes the Press, Pro 500 scale, Case lube kit, loading block, powder funnel, primer tray and a Lyman loading manual.

I also think besides what's included in any of the above kits, I will need dies and shellholders. Is it important to match the die and shellholder brand to the brand of the press?

I've also been told to try to watch an experienced loader do it or get them to show me the process, but I don't know anyone who reloads.

Thanks for any and all help you can give me. Thanks,

Cory
 
I have the lee anniversary kit and I really like it. For the money it is great. Getting a single stage is a good idea. It will help you learn better, less chance of getting distracted and missing a step. In terms of things that you will need beyond the kit, a reloading manual is a must. You will also need the dies, and no, you don't have to match the brand to the press. You will have to get lee shellholders, but if you get lee dies then the shellholder is usually included with the die set. You will also need a case length gauge for trimming cases. A lube pad is useful. You'll eventually need to get a tumbler, but if you buy new brass you won't have to tumble your first batch.
 
I believe Hornady makes dies for your calibre. Lee does not. The 50th Anniversary Kit from Lee is a great place to start along with dies and a shell holder and it can be had for around $82. You will probably need something to trim cases with eventually, but I am not familiar with this calibre. A tumbler is nice but you wont likely NEED one right away. A reloading manual is a good idea but I do not see data for this round in the latest Lee, Lyman and Speer editions. Also a calipre that measures in .000" will be very handy and is almost a must.
 
9.3x57 dies are made by Hornady. They run around $99.50Cdn and will be a special order thing. Bullets might be too. They're .366" diameter. Hornady makes a 286 grain Interlock. Speer makes a 270, No$ler makes a 250 and 286.
Uses the same shell holder as 8 x 57. There's no data in most manuals, but there is a fair bit on Reloader's Nest.
Tradex is listing Norma brass if you need it. $28 per 20. They say the Hornady dies have a taper expander that when lubed allows you to reasonably easily neck up 8 x 57 brass.
 
Thanks for the info. I think when I bite the bullet on the rifle, I'll go with the Lee kit. I do have a Barnes manual around here somewhere.

So it looks like getting the Hornady die would be the most convenient option? Tradeex has it, and if I understand correctly, it will allow me neck up 8x57 brass?

It looks like I'll be getting the rifle from Tradeex, so I could just order dies, brass and bullets at the same time. Nice and simple :) Thanks again.

Cory
 
"...it will allow me neck up 8x57 brass?..." Says that on Tradex's site. If you buy all of it from them, ask about a package price. Don't know if they will or not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
"...have a Barnes manual..." No 9.3 x 57 data on their site. Of course, that doesn't mean their manual doesn't have any. Barnes data is for their bullet though. Solid copper bullets fly differently than lead cored. More expensive too.
 
CoryTheCowboy said:
Thanks for the info. I think when I bite the bullet on the rifle, I'll go with the Lee kit. I do have a Barnes manual around here somewhere.

So it looks like getting the Hornady die would be the most convenient option? Tradeex has it, and if I understand correctly, it will allow me neck up 8x57 brass?

It looks like I'll be getting the rifle from Tradeex, so I could just order dies, brass and bullets at the same time. Nice and simple :) Thanks again.

Cory
Click to expand...

Hornady die set is about your only option and it works well for expanding 8x57 brass.

IMR4895 powder was easily best in my 9.3x57 rifles, but H4895 isn't bad either. 270 gr speer bullets are best bang for the dollar, and a decent bullet. The Norma brasss is pricey but good stuff.
 
The only printed source of loads for the 9.3X57 is from Norma. Go on their website and look in the relaoding datas.

If you P/M me with a valid e-mail address, I'll send you a load sheet fro the caliber and the right bullet.
 
CoryTheCowboy said:
I was looking at the Tradeex site and I see they have 9.3 bulk bullets made by Prvi. I thought these could be good to use just to get used to the rifle because of their cheap cost. My question was where would I get loading data for these bullets?
Click to expand...

The PRVI bullets have a good reputation for performance on game as well as being pretty reasonably priced.
 
Just to confirm, is there no manual out there that has a 9.3x57 load in it? I have some load data from a member here.

I do see that Norma has a few loads on their website, but no primers listed. I was told that Magnum primers are a good choice. Does that primer not matter?

Thanks,

Cory
 
Cory,

Magnum primers are a good choice for ingniting ball powder in cold weather. As for loads, no, there's nothing in print except the Norma specs, and be aware that some loads given through the Internet are somewhat "optimistic" if not simply "hotter than a standard magnum".

Norma usually use Winchester Magnum primers for most loads (look at the top of the spec).

You still can use the Hodgdon loads for 9X57 as a base (these loads are actually from the powder manufacturer, ADI) here; http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Common European Cartridges.pdf
Just be aware that Hodgdon mixed up the loads;
- the 250 grains bullets loads should read as 45 grains of H-4895 and 49 grains of Varget
- the 280 grains bullet loads should read; 41.5 grains of H-4895 and 45 grains of Varget.
 
Baribal said:
Cory,

Magnum primers are a good choice for ingniting ball powder in cold weather. As for loads, no, there's nothing in print except the Norma specs, and be aware that some loads given through the Internet are somewhat "optimistic" if not simply "hotter than a standard magnum".

Norma usually use Winchester Magnum primers for most loads (look at the top of the spec).

You still can use the Hodgdon loads for 9X57 as a base (these loads are actually from the powder manufacturer, ADI) here; http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Common European Cartridges.pdf
Just be aware that Hodgdon mixed up the loads;
- the 250 grains bullets loads should read as 45 grains of H-4895 and 49 grains of Varget
- the 280 grains bullet loads should read; 41.5 grains of H-4895 and 45 grains of Varget.
Click to expand...

Thanks as always. Just wanted to see if anyone else had any tips/advice.

Cory
 
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