accuracy with FN actioned husqvarna 8x57 and 9.3x62?

Pat Brennan

CGN Regular
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Location
BC
Looking for some feedback on how accurate the Fn actioned husqvarna 8x57s and 9.3x62s are? Just wondering as I have a bit of a low budget project in mind that would utilize a factory barrel.
 
I have a 1950's Husqvarna 640 in 9.3x62. Two weeks ago, off sandbags, targets at 102 yards. 250 Nosler Accubonds. Varget. 3 shots @ 59.5 grains - 3/4" group. 3 shots at 60.0 grains - two holes of three cutting. 3 shots at 60.5 grains - 3/4" group. Leupold M8-3x scope. Plenty good enough for me.
 
The rifles are certainly capable. I would say the limitation is the 50+ year old stocks that are beech and relatively soft. I've had a few of the Tradex guns, and they all required some tweaking wrt bedding.
 
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The 9.3x62 is a Hunting round, designed for a bit bigger game animal. It has been a very successful cartridge for this purpose, even in Africa. I used a 9.3x57 Husqvarna in B.C and Alberta, especially in the close, dark timber. As long as I did my part, it put down what I aimed it rather nicely.

Hunting accuracy is generally accepted as 2 inches grouping at 100 yards. This roughly is 4 inches at 200 yards and 6 inches at 300 yards. You really do not need one hole groups on a Moose or one of the big brown furries that inhabit your Province. Reloading can cut that 2 inch group down a fair bit.

The 8x57 cartridge is very under rated. The North American factory loads are anemic, compared to the European loadings by Companies that understand just what this cartridge will do. In fact, the 8x57 Mauser cartridge compares favorably with the 30-06 Springfield cartridge, and will do just about anything the 30-06 will accomplish.
 
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Bought a Husky 1600 in 8x57 about a year back, to add to the collection, as you do. Got it for a ridiculously cheap price. Fitted a Kahles 4x scope, did some Google research, made up some loads for 150gn projectiles, took it to the range, 5 shots inside an inch, for the one and only load I made up, figured that'll do and walked away happy. All my Huskies shoot moa, no matter model or age, just seem to do the job. I dont think you will be dissapointed in buying a Husky, excellent rifles, great value.
 
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