9.3X62 Barrel Length **UPDATE**

[Noel]

Hi Noel

I didn't really notice a difference. The improved 'feel' of the rifle far outweighs any marginal increases in blast, noise or barrel jump.

If I recall correctly, you've been shooting some 250 gr bullets in your 9.3X62. Have you come up with a load or are you still experimenting? I'd be interested in velocities, etc.

Hi Mauser,

I haven't found a load that will shoot under 1 1/2" yet. Call it my flinch if you like, but the German post reticle in my scope is very coarse and I struggle with it for target work.
I am going to try my VXIII and see how that goes.
H4895 seems to be the ticket so far but I cannot give you any honest numbers yet. Velocities have been up to 2700 so far but maybe the best grouping will be lower than that.

I want to try some heavier bullets too, maybe that is my grief. The rifle shoots 270gr Speers better than the 250 Nosler, but only a little better.

Would they have designed these rifles to shoot the 286gr and have a fast twist the 250gr doesn't like?

I hope to do some more shooting soon but my cabin fever enraged family calls first priority as of late. Must.....go.....camping....

 

[dan belisle]

They were designed around the 286 gr bullet I believe, Noel. Try and find some of those to use. - dan

 

[luv2safari]

I'll jump into this with a bit of opposite "spin". After shooting 9,3X62 for some years now, I am of the belief that a longer barrel with 286gr bullets and slower powders are a distinct advantage. As a matter of fact, my good friend, Ray Atkinson of Filer, Idaho swears by 26" barrels for the 9,3X62. He builds all his with 24"-26" tubes.

I had a good older Husqvarna with a 24" barrel that I bobbed to 21 for a woods gun. Velocities fell off greatly, and I was so dissatisfied with it that it found a new proud owner. It took me over a year to find it's replacement. Bobbing 3" lost me nearly 120 FPS; I couldn't find any powder to get me back to even close to the 24" velocities.

I like 24" barrels with 1:14 twist and 270-286gr bullets and medium slow powders like IMR 4350. I use R 15 and IMR 4064 with 250 Accu Bonds and like that combination for using the 9.3 out to 300 yards. I have had excellent accuracy with the Previ bullets, as have some of my friends who shoot various 9.3s...9.3X64, 9.3X62, 9.3X74R. They don't shoot well in a friends CZ carbine full stock; it likes the 250 Accu Bonds and a hot load of IMR 4895.

Just thought I would toss in my experiences with this GREAT old round. It is one of my all time favorites. It is at long last gaining some popularity in the US...well deserved! I wish the Ruger Hawkeye were chambered in it.

 

[rgv]

I'll jump into this with a bit of opposite "spin". After shooting 9,3X62 for some years now, I am of the belief that a longer barrel with 286gr bullets and slower powders are a distinct advantage.

this is non-specific to the 9.3x62. longer barrels and slower powders are a ballistic advantage with any cartridge/bullet combo, particularly with heavier bullets.