I had my model 71 Winchester in .348 and an early model 98 Husqvarna 9.3x57 out to the range today and this is just a few thoughts and observations from that. Velocity readings were provided by my Garmin.
Winchester, white box factory 200 grain silver tips in the .348 averaged @ 2536 fps with a standard deviation of 6 which set a pretty high standard in my opinion. I rarely shoot factory loads however took them along as I was trying an old Williams receiver sight on the 71. Everything functioned perfectly however I will need a taller front sight and will look for a fiber optic front to help my tired eyes. These original 71s are just sweet rifles and I’ve had this one for a long time.
The second rifle was a new to me, early Husky ‘98 with thumb cut that has never been drilled and tapped and is in really great, original shape. This is my first time playing with a 9.3x57. I reformed, new PPU 8x57 brass, 270 Speers and H4895 powder. My rifle has a very tight chamber and the bolt wouldn’t close on the new 8x57 brass. When I tried necking the brass to 9.3 with Hornady dies, despite the experiences I’ve read from others, only about half of the neck would expand before the case neck was pushed back. After a couple tries, I switched to my RCBS 9.3x62 dies to expand the necks and that worked perfectly. Once the necks were expanded, I used the proper Hornady dies to ever so slightly resize the case so the bolt would just close with resistance so the brass now fits this rifle really well and I would rather tight headspace than loose.
46.0 grains of H4895 gave an average of 2173 but a fairly high standard deviation of 47.
47.0 grains averaged 2203 with a deviation of 6! I could push it harder however for an iron sighted 9.3x57 that load seems promising. Accuracy was pretty good considering my old eyes and the factory sights however point of impact was high. I have a bolt peep to try on the rifle and once I install that I’ll see what height front sight will be needed. I’ll have to see who makes replacement front sight blades that fit the Husky ramp.
Anyway, it was a pleasurable range session with two honest old rifles that both deserve more time afield. I likely never would have considered the 9.3x57 if not for the many positive posts here and other forums so thanks to each of you. For my purposes and at these velocities, I think the 270 Speers will do quite well in the x57. For the .348 I have some old stock 200 grain Hornady bullets to try.
Cheers
Winchester, white box factory 200 grain silver tips in the .348 averaged @ 2536 fps with a standard deviation of 6 which set a pretty high standard in my opinion. I rarely shoot factory loads however took them along as I was trying an old Williams receiver sight on the 71. Everything functioned perfectly however I will need a taller front sight and will look for a fiber optic front to help my tired eyes. These original 71s are just sweet rifles and I’ve had this one for a long time.
The second rifle was a new to me, early Husky ‘98 with thumb cut that has never been drilled and tapped and is in really great, original shape. This is my first time playing with a 9.3x57. I reformed, new PPU 8x57 brass, 270 Speers and H4895 powder. My rifle has a very tight chamber and the bolt wouldn’t close on the new 8x57 brass. When I tried necking the brass to 9.3 with Hornady dies, despite the experiences I’ve read from others, only about half of the neck would expand before the case neck was pushed back. After a couple tries, I switched to my RCBS 9.3x62 dies to expand the necks and that worked perfectly. Once the necks were expanded, I used the proper Hornady dies to ever so slightly resize the case so the bolt would just close with resistance so the brass now fits this rifle really well and I would rather tight headspace than loose.
46.0 grains of H4895 gave an average of 2173 but a fairly high standard deviation of 47.
47.0 grains averaged 2203 with a deviation of 6! I could push it harder however for an iron sighted 9.3x57 that load seems promising. Accuracy was pretty good considering my old eyes and the factory sights however point of impact was high. I have a bolt peep to try on the rifle and once I install that I’ll see what height front sight will be needed. I’ll have to see who makes replacement front sight blades that fit the Husky ramp.
Anyway, it was a pleasurable range session with two honest old rifles that both deserve more time afield. I likely never would have considered the 9.3x57 if not for the many positive posts here and other forums so thanks to each of you. For my purposes and at these velocities, I think the 270 Speers will do quite well in the x57. For the .348 I have some old stock 200 grain Hornady bullets to try.
Cheers
