Hankering for a big bore. 9.3x62 or 375 Ruger

[jeretilda]

Having shot plenty of 308 projectiles down range and at the bacon machines, I've a got an itch for some bigger pipe.
Yes, I'm a hopeless Ruger man in anything larger than 223 centre fire.
Thinking either 9.3x62 or 375 Ruger in either No.1 or African.
Having never owned a No.1, I'm inquisitive on their operation in the field.
I know the ammo isn't cheap for either, but I reload already.
Anyone using these calibres on game other than buffalo?
I mean, you never know when a stray top end buff will emerge from the rabbit warren.

[handofcod]

I hear of plenty using 9.3 on sambar down here.

[North East]

I know a few blokes who use the 9.3X62 on Sambar deer in Vic. Haven't used it myself but I'm sure it will to the job.

[brett1868]

If you're keen on the big stuff then go the whole hog and buy a 50. Won't be much meat left on the deer but it'll be easier to carry the small pieces home

[yoshie]

I've got a 9.3, I really like it. Recoil isn't too bad, I was put off by 338 WM which is just awful. (It's big but not snappy like the Magnums) I haven't managed to get a Sambar with it yet, it's defiantly too much gun for smaller game. Ammo and cases are dear but in using highland and it goes pretty good in my gun.

[Aster]

Anyone using these calibres on game other than buffalo?

I'm assuming based on that your hunting deer-sized game at the largest then?

For my money I'd go the 9.3. Still an authoritative cartridge for large Sambar without the excess of the .375.

.375 Ruger has approx 20gr more case capacity than the 9.3. In my eyes you're not really getting anything out of that, just burning extra powder.

[chacka]

Forget what the girls say.

Size does matter

[jeretilda]

Yeah, deer sized game would be the largest but I'd also take it along as alternative medicine for the pigs.
I'll probably go the 9.3 based on the fact that I would use it (albeit not a great deal) more than a .375
No one's got a Ruger african in 9.3 that is taking up safe space?

[BBJ]

Only need the .375 for Buff if you were interested in that. Otherwise I'd go the 9.3 too.

[BBJ]

No one's got a Ruger african in 9.3 that is taking up safe space?

Let me wade in there and see if there is one floating around

[Norton]

The guys are making practical arguments which is all good, there's fun to be had in a big cartridge for the sake of it though.

That's why I got my .416

[Deco]

Still got any feeling left in that shoulder these days, Norton?

[1290]

I would describe the 9.3(366cal) and even the 375 as medium bore...
maybe 375H&H you could say is borderline bigbore, 45cal is bigbore territory , 470, 475 500...600 700

I have thought about a Ruger #1, but cant see the value for a mass produced single shot.... especially now that you can get a mauser actioned 458(&375) repeater with timber stock, for a lot less than a grand!!

[Bourt]

Don't mess around, straight to 2 bore!

[Chronos]

The guys are making practical arguments which is all good, there's fun to be had in a big cartridge for the sake of it though.

That's why I got my .416

yep, there's a good write up by uncle nick in this months sporting shooter where he talks about the short commings of the 375 H&H, one of which is the lack of velocity and it's resulting trajectory

I'm hearing lots of good stuff about the 400 whelan at the moment with a mate up north building one to sit beside his 416

there's something to be said for buying a "fun" gun, something you want to shoot a little and let a mate have a shot now and then. That's partly why i bought the .338Wm, something i could fire one or two shots out of and be happy, turns out it's a pussy cat shooting 225 grainers and i just want to sit at the bench and shoot groups next time i'll buy a real gun, .400 min

Chronos

[headspace]

Mate, I'd be definitely going for the 9.3. You don't have any of the head spacing problems often found with belted cases and there is nothing that walks in this country that it won't handle with ease. I had one years ago in a Mauser action rifle and loved it. I'm seriously considering another. The Ruger is no longer imported in that calibre but there are Tikka's, Zastava's and the lovely Voere available and all at reasonable prices. For value for money you can't beat the Zastava. Great Mauser action, great barrel although the wood is a little basic, it's still a great rifle and excellent value at under $800.

[1290]

The guys are making practical arguments which is all good, there's fun to be had in a big cartridge for the sake of it though.

That's why I got my .416

yep, there's a good write up by uncle nick in this months sporting shooter where he talks about the short commings of the 375 H&H, one of which is the lack of velocity and it's resulting trajectory

I'm hearing lots of good stuff about the 400 whelan at the moment with a mate up north building one to sit beside his 416

there's something to be said for buying a "fun" gun, something you want to shoot a little and let a mate have a shot now and then. That's partly why i bought the .338Wm, something i could fire one or two shots out of and be happy, turns out it's a pussy cat shooting 225 grainers and i just want to sit at the bench and shoot groups next time i'll buy a real gun, .400 min

Chronos

What say you? 375 H&H Mag shortcomings? Its the benchmark, the original magnum....which article, I need a good chuckle

Until the dinos return, 4300footpound of energy is more than enough and in fact RECOMMENDED for damn near most of the predators... and the trajectory with eg 270gr load, is damn near the mirror image of the 30-06 with 180gr proj.

If you want a 40+ cal; look at the 416Ruger, standard (30-06 length) and the Rugers look the goods at the moment for an off the shelf big-banger, unless you wants a 458

[1290]

Mate, I'd be definitely going for the 9.3. You don't have any of the head spacing problems often found with belted cases and there is nothing that walks in this country that it won't handle with ease. I had one years ago in a Mauser action rifle and loved it. I'm seriously considering another. The Ruger is no longer imported in that calibre but there are Tikka's, Zastava's and the lovely Voere available and all at reasonable prices. For value for money you can't beat the Zastava. Great Mauser action, great barrel although the wood is a little basic, it's still a great rifle and excellent value at under $800.

What headspacing problems? I have 4 or so belted rounds and havent had issues...

The Whelen(Chrony) on the other hand HAS LITTLE SHOULDER to headspace off, the case was never meant to hold that diameter of bullet, apart from the limited case capacity, compared to the real 40+ cal rounds

[jeretilda]

I have considered the Zastava as an option previously when I was looking for an 8x57. Like you say Headspace, the wood is pretty basic, like all the stocks were made at 3.30 pm on a Friday.
It would have to be a Mauser action for me anyway.
There plenty of you tube footage of guys hammering pigs with 9.3 and .375
Ruger
I smell a PTA looming...

[Chronos]

I have considered the Zastava as an option previously when I was looking for an 8x57. Like you say Headspace, the wood is pretty basic, like all the stocks were made at 3.30 pm on a Friday.
It would have to be a Mauser action for me anyway.
There plenty of you tube footage of guys hammering pigs with 9.3 and .375
Ruger
I smell a PTA looming...

*Cough, Cough, Ruger guide gun*





http://www.ruger.com/products/guideGun/models.html

[jeretilda]

Chronos ,this thread is gonna cost me some money for sure.
I'm not normally a stainless laminate kind of guy, but there's something about that guide gun!

[North East]

Chronos ,this thread is gonna cost me some money for sure.
I'm not normally a stainless laminate kind of guy, but there's something about that guide gun!

It's got a muzzle brake on it.....man up.

[headspace]

1290, the heads pacing on a belted magnum is usually done at the belt. Mainly due to minimal shoulders most of the original magnums had. The problem is not the cartridge it's due to some fairly random chambering by some manufacturers. Case life can be short; as low as 3 firings. Not a problem if you only use factory ammo but can be if you reload. Check with Uncle Nick. The 9.3 has reasonable shoulders unlike the Whelen, therefore no drama's.
JD

[1290]

Just as any rifle can be poorly manufactured and headspaced, headspace, a belted mag can.... sorry, you're propagating a myth....
The belted mags have a distinct and absolute headspace location (face of the belt is vertical) while rimless cases, especially those with very slopey shoulders, rely on the angles surface to 'fix' the location.... this can vary.

Back in the day the rim was necessary not only to extract those big nitro cases.... but to headspace, so the belt allowed that to continue, the hespacing therefore isnt a design failure, but by design....A big case with a belt looks more purposeful anyway, especially with a big opening at one end

I've reloaded up to 5 or 6 in some of my cases.... no probs

[headspace]

No worries mate, I just have no need of a belted magnum, nor any desire to own one. But that had no bearing on my opinion of them. Just information I've picked up over time. Plus I do like the look of the 9.3x64 and will probably own one before I'm much older.
JD

[Blackened]

I'm hearing lots of good stuff about the 400 whelan at the moment with a mate up north building one to sit beside his 416

.400 Whelan you say?

Didn't know the 35 had been one upped.

[1290]

I'm hearing lots of good stuff about the 400 whelan at the moment with a mate up north building one to sit beside his 416

.400 Whelan you say?

Didn't know the 35 had been one upped.

Only happened almost a century ago.... didnt you get the memo? there were at least a couple of whelen bigger than the 35, 38? too I think...probably both preceded the 35...

[Blackened]

Honestly I can't recall ever hearing of it.

Turns out I don't know everything, who'd have guessed.

[jeretilda]

Hi All
Thanks for the input and advice.
Ended up going for a 9.3x62
I will use it more than something bigger.
Got a second hand Zastava M70 with some deluxe redding dies and some projectiles.
Cheap enough to try it out and if I use the calibre more than I think, at least I've got cases etc and can upgrade the rifle later.
From what I hear though, the Zastavas are pretty accurate which makes up for the stocks that are made from old Serbian pallets.

[yoshie]

If you want a fun gun, what about a 45-70 or 444 marlin. Plenty for the biggest pig, more than enough recoil to put a smile on your face.