9.3x62 vs 338 win mag

[7mag]

I had to choose the 9.3.... I like the classics... And it close to my 35 Whelen

 

[Bare]

I chose the 9.3 only because that’s what I have. I shoot 250 accubond and 286 partitions. I also shoot a Whalen with 225 accubonds. I guess I’m not a magnum guy

 

[broadhead67]

When I was deciding the same I went with a 300 WM and a 9.3x62

 

[Gatehouse]

The actual answer is 375 Ruger

I would probably take the 338 for practical reasons.

 

[medvedqc]

The actual answer is 375 Ruger

I would probably take the 338 for practical reasons.

how life will be that bad if we can choose only one ... i really like my 375 ruger and 9.3x62 platform.

 

[Chas59]

When I was deciding the same I went with a 300 WM and a 9.3x62

Same with me, love the 9.3x62 recoil, sweet, easy, and the great accuracy.

 

[rifleman762]

I have a 9.3x62 for nostalgia's sake but the 338 Win Mag (I don't own one, btw) is a better all-round hunting cartridge. Sure it kicks more but that's the price you pay for performance . I also have a 300 WM that I do 95% of my hunting with even though it has no personality. It just works.

 

[Scrumbag]

9.3x62 - Like a .375H&H without the belt....

 

[SuperCub]

I didn't vote. Don't own either. The 300mag will do for now.

When I was deciding the same I went with a 300 WM and a 9.3x62

Good combo, but it might be argued that the 338 could replace both.

Just sayin'

 

[Boomer]

In order to appreciate the .338 bore as a long range number, it has to be set up accordingly with a long barrel and a high magnification scope. The cartridge in the chamber of a long range rifle is unlikely to be a .338 Winchester; if its not a .338-378 or .338 Lapua, then its a .338 Ultramag or .338 Edge. The 9.3 was never intended for long range duty, but as a moderate range big game killer which has the reputation of being the equal of the .375 H&H, even though the paper ballistics wouldn't lead you to that conclusion. If both the 9.3X62 and the .338 Winchester are loaded with 300 gr bullets, the muzzle velocity is pretty close.

 

[medvedqc]

we should listen more you Mike.

 

[Mik123]

338 WM has better ballistics but my vote is 9.3x62. I regret selling the one I had built.

 

[Ardent]

Appreciate both, but the ease of supplying ammunition would push me to the .338.

 

[Al Bear]

My personal rule of thumb is based on what I think the best barrel length is to most efficiently burn the powder of a given cartridge. So I summarize my rule this way: 22” bbls work best with .308 class cartridges; 24” bbls for 30-06 size shells; 26” bbls for magnums. There are other decision criteria which may have more weight but this is how I simplify rifle selection.

 

[rifleman762]

My personal rule of thumb is based on what I think the best barrel length is to most efficiently burn the powder of a given cartridge. So I summarize my rule this way: 22” bbls work best with .308 class cartridges; 24” bbls for 30-06 size shells; 26” bbls for magnums. There are other decision criteria which may have more weight but this is how I simplify rifle selection.

It's not quite that simple. Bore volume to case capacity determines barrel length requirements. A 358 Winchester works in a much shorter barrel than a 243 Winchester. Likewise 35 Whelen (or 9.3x62) vs 25-06. Or 338 Win Mag vs 264 Win Mag.

 

[Ardent]

Expansion ratio indeed... science! The .338 and 9.3 are actually pretty similar expansion ratio wise, and the .338 fares just fine in 22” and even under barrels.

 

[MTM]

My .338s have always been 22-23”. No problem meeting or slightly exceeding factory speeds.

 

[john-brennan]

I have owned a .338 and loved it, it gets my vote certainly for longer ranges.

 

[emerson]

Appreciate both, but the ease of supplying ammunition would push me to the .338.

This. If practicality is my goal the 338 wins. Of course I have a #1 in 375 H&H AI, so I live in a glass house.

 

[bcsteve]

I have a .35 Whelen and a .375 Ruger so I don’t need either but if I had to choose I would have to go with the .338 Win.