Googleplex
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Btw, TOU, how do you like the hog's back stock shape?
The 9.3 Dollar Question: Ruger or CZ?
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Maverick223
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Hehehe, I plan to take my .45-70Govt. to .45-120 specs. (then proceed to load it like my .45-70, with nitro, just adding a lot more powder). Same for the 1895 lever rifle in
.30-06Spd....which is destined to become a .35Whelen. One of these days I guess I'll settle back down...or my shoulder will give out, one.
I liked mine too, arguably better (catridge wise) than my new .17HMR, but between rifle selection (I wanted a Savage TR series rifle, which is unavailable in the .17HM2), cartridge selection/availability (Eley was the only thing that shot well for me {exceptionally well!}, and was somewhat hard to procure), and the uncertain longevity of the cartridge I decided that the .17HMR was the best choice. FWIW, the rifle I had wasn't reliable, so it had to go.
TOU
Member
But...I already have one. My nephew regularly pops coyotes out past 400 yds with his. I absolutely love it...to me, its one of the ultimate coyote rifles...it is amazing to watch the red-mist on ground squirrels...and I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon if ever.Googleplex said:.204R
But...it uses nearly 3x the powder...is much louder...is very mild but does have additional recoil...only allows 3-5 rnds before a standard tapered pencil barrel is too hot and looses accuracy...8-10 out of a 3/4 HB. For shooting multiple multiples in rapid succession on ground squirrels, for me, the 17 HH may be the ticket in a factory offering. It will likley give me a couple dozen shots before hot or loosing accuracy. (Least that is what my friends tell me with it's sister wildcat, the 17 AH.) While my 19 Badger is probably equal or slightly better than the 17 HH and is nearly turn-key...almost a factory available...it is not and the 17 HH is with no brass forming needed.
Anyway to each his own, I just think for me, that it will be an light awesome rig for a walk-a-about in the ground squirrel killing fields with the occasional badger, chuck and coyote...which it should also perform well on, out to about 250-300 yds.
Anyway, I think your going to love your 9.3...an interesting caliber and one that is under appreciated here in the States.
Cheers,
TOU
TOU
Member
At first it was different but it has grown on me; I have several. (CZ FS's & Brno 611's among others.) Especially for open sights, it really comes to the point quickly. That is NOT to say it doesn't with a scope, not at all. I really don't notice it either way anymore as I have it on several rifles including rimfires and some of my CF's. Between the almost gel like factory recoil pad and the hog's back stock...and being a bit heavier rifle, it is the most comfortable .300 Win Mag I have ever shot. I really think it is a non-issue and an aesthetic thing that Americans are just now getting used to.Googleplex said:
TOU
Member
WOW!!! Yeah..I guess we really are going in different directions.Maverick223 said:
You remind me of a old shooting buddy who picked up a CZ 550 in .416 Rigby. On the first day he shot it, he emptied the rifle and just laughed and said how much he loved his new rifle. The rest of us shot it 2-3 times and had enough. Same guy a year later bought a handgun...that had broke the previous owners wrist...twice. The seller's wife made him sell it. LOL (.460 Nitro Express, maybe? Can't remember at the moment.) Anyway...I never heard how it was when my buddy shot it, but he was thrilled when he got it. Different strokes...LMBO...you crack me up, dude.
:banghead: Like I said, I sold my .458 Win Mag and feel my .300 Win Mag will get done ANYTHING I will ever need done here in NA...even then, I shoot it little these days. Enjoy it ...while you can. I LOVE this little round. (HM2) I don't question that the HMR is probably superior in speed, power and distance but at a cost...both in $ & destructiveness. Many times I just don't need that though and the HM2 really gets it done out to 125 yds when it comes to squirrels. Again, the HM2 is just such an efficient little round. BTW, I picked up 11,000 rnds back when it was $3.50-$4.00/box delivered...most of it is Eley which my CZ HM2's seem to like...so I'm okay for a while.
As noted previously I still shoot HMR's just not as much. I had 3 of them...then sold off two in favor of the HM2's, keeping only my "Fancy" grade CZ. Recently, I picked up another in a 16" threaded CZ 452 Silhouette for a specific application I have in mind...
Understood. I personally think it will be around for a long time...but that is a discussion for another day.
Googleplex
Member
It seems to me that most cartridges that fade away are relly hot for year or so, maybe even less, and then they just die. The 6.8 SPC is a prime example. The .17 HM2 has been around a few years now, and has definately established a fanbase. I doubt it will being going anywhere for a long time.
Probably so. I'm really starting to like the way it looks. Very classy design.
That definately sounds like a sweet little round. It looks fairly new. When was it introduced?
I sure hope so. Everything I've ever heard about suggests that it is a pretty sweet cartridge.
TOU
Member
Agreed. Again...a debate for another thread, but I feel overall it is gaining in popularity year over year but that is just MHO.
Absolutely & IMHO timeless.
Nine days ago
...Nov 4th, 2011...as a factory offering. Basically it is just legitimizing a 60+ year old wildcat offering the 17 Ackley Hornet (AH) which why ther is so muh feedback on it before we can buy either rifles, ammo or brass.Googleplex
Member
Oh wow. Has anyone began groundwork on designing a rifle for it?
Gtscotty
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I think I read that Savage is going to chamber its walking varminter in this cartridge first, although forum-goers were speculating that a Ruger would probably follow, mostly because Hornady and Ruger seem to be working together a lot lately. I too think the 17 Hornet should be an interesting proposition, and at 1000fps faster than the 17hmr, it really is a step up. If I was a varmint guy, I think i'd probably be looking into picking one up.
TOU
Member
Yeah, Savage has confirmed they are are releasing it on their Model 25 for 2012. No one else has confirmed that they will manufacture it but Ruger (77/22) and CZ (527) just make the most sense...maybe Browning if it takes off. I have to wonder if announcements like that will wait to be made until the ShotShow in January. The CZ is the only one I'm interested in one wy or the other.
That said, I think part of whether this round takes off like a rocket could hinge on whether rifle manufactures like CZ pick it up. My thing is I think CZ has one of the greatest abilities to capitalize on it as their 527 is known world wide as one of the consistently finest small caliber and varminiting rifles. On this note, I'm monitoring about a dozen threads on this round. In ALL of them there is a common theme; that there is no rifle more anticipated in this caliber than the CZ 527...sadly CZ has not confirmed anything.
The other thing that is reoccurring in these threads is that the rifle manufactures that offer it early will potentially gain the lion share of this market quickly. CZ makes more sense than anyone to me though...not just because I like them. They already make some of the most popular 22 Hornets & 17 Remington's. Hence they have Hornet bolt faces, magazines and actions...and 17 cal tubes. All they need is a new reamer. Presto!
However...as much as I love my CZ's and while as "innovative" as they are, they are NOT known for being first to the market with calibers. They are known though, for being very opportunistic when it comes to caliber offerings. (I.E. Remington announced that they were discontinuing any offering in 17 Remington...CZ immediately announced that they were going to have regular runs of manufacturing them. Unfortunately, those of us wanting a CZ 527 may have to wait some time if it is not announced at the ShotShow.
To me this 17 HH represents the best thing on a NEW factory offering since the .204R & 17 HM2. I really think that I'm sold enough on it, that I will try to wait on CZ to get'r done. But if they wait too long, I may instead just pick up a cheap CZ 527 Hornet and a spare CZ 17 Rem barrel... then re-chambered/ set it back in 17 HH. Or maybe just get a PacNor barrel and let them do it as soon as reamers are available.
If CZ does not get together...and early, they will be sorely missing out and maybe missing the boat...IMHO. :banghead:
That said, I think part of whether this round takes off like a rocket could hinge on whether rifle manufactures like CZ pick it up. My thing is I think CZ has one of the greatest abilities to capitalize on it as their 527 is known world wide as one of the consistently finest small caliber and varminiting rifles. On this note, I'm monitoring about a dozen threads on this round. In ALL of them there is a common theme; that there is no rifle more anticipated in this caliber than the CZ 527...sadly CZ has not confirmed anything.
The other thing that is reoccurring in these threads is that the rifle manufactures that offer it early will potentially gain the lion share of this market quickly. CZ makes more sense than anyone to me though...not just because I like them. They already make some of the most popular 22 Hornets & 17 Remington's. Hence they have Hornet bolt faces, magazines and actions...and 17 cal tubes. All they need is a new reamer. Presto!
However...as much as I love my CZ's and while as "innovative" as they are, they are NOT known for being first to the market with calibers. They are known though, for being very opportunistic when it comes to caliber offerings. (I.E. Remington announced that they were discontinuing any offering in 17 Remington...CZ immediately announced that they were going to have regular runs of manufacturing them. Unfortunately, those of us wanting a CZ 527 may have to wait some time if it is not announced at the ShotShow.
To me this 17 HH represents the best thing on a NEW factory offering since the .204R & 17 HM2. I really think that I'm sold enough on it, that I will try to wait on CZ to get'r done. But if they wait too long, I may instead just pick up a cheap CZ 527 Hornet and a spare CZ 17 Rem barrel... then re-chambered/ set it back in 17 HH. Or maybe just get a PacNor barrel and let them do it as soon as reamers are available.
If CZ does not get together...and early, they will be sorely missing out and maybe missing the boat...IMHO. :banghead:
dprice3844444
member
brownells sells a scope rail for the ruger
Googleplex
Member
That in a savage would probably be an awesome combination. I'd be shocked if ruger doesn't offer it in something. CZ, they might if it catches on. They entered the .204 game early on in the 527. As for browning, I wouldn't expect it too much. It seems to me that they tend to cater more to big game hunters. Though that would be a great combination. Browning is one of the nicest American arms manufacturers.
I think the only thing brownell's doesn't have is 9.3 reloading supplies.
Googleplex
Member
Okay, fellas, I'm gonna pose a question: Does anyone know of an online dealer other than bud's that has a 550 FS 9.3x62 for less than $800? There is nothing wrong with bud's, but I want to know all my options, and google hasn't yeilded much when I take close look. Surely bud's isn't the only one. It's a shame Cheaper Than Dirt doesn't have it.
Maverick223
Member
Sure they do! Check Sinclair (which is Brownell's sister company for reloading equipment).
FWIW, Bud's is regularly the least costly retailer for many firearms (mostly due to the volume they deal in), but you have to factor in the shipping and FFL transfer, so it may not always come out the cheapest.
Googleplex
Member
Cool. I'll check them out.
The shipping was already worked into the cost, and the FFL I'd go for would be $15. So it would essentially be 777 + 15 = 792. That's in my desired range, but just barely. If that's the cheapest, I'll do that. But I'm wondering if there's one with a little more financial cushion?
Maverick223
Member
I'll do a little checking and report back if I find anything worthwhile. Something else that might be a concern is the scope...make sure and get good optics as the recoil from such a heavy chambering will deconstruct poor quality scopes in pretty short order. If you must, save up for a while and use those irons (something CZ does right!).
Used my easy button and found something...PM inbound.
Used my easy button and found something...PM inbound.
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Gtscotty
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That's honestly the cheapest I've seen the 550 fs in 9.3, even before you take into account the fact that it includes shipping. Most other places are going to charge you $15-$20 on top of their (already higher) price for shipping. Oh, and by the way, my purchase at Buds went really smoothly and easily, I'd give them two thumbs up. Don't forget that the price online includes a 3% cash discount, so you'll have to pay by money order, cashiers check, or E-check (probably the easiest) to get that price.
I'm glad to learn about Sinclair Inc. They don't have a whole lot of 9.3 stuff, but it's good a MidwayUSA alternative for other more common components (not that I've ever had a bad experience with Midway.
I'm glad to learn about Sinclair Inc. They don't have a whole lot of 9.3 stuff, but it's good a MidwayUSA alternative for other more common components (not that I've ever had a bad experience with Midway.
Maverick223
Member
I agree, MidwayUSA is probably my favorite retailer (for a multitude of reasons), but a little competition is never a bad thing, and Brownell's/Sinclair isn't bad either. FWIW,
Graf & Sons' is another good one (though I would be surprised if you didn't already know about them).
Graf & Sons' is another good one (though I would be surprised if you didn't already know about them).
Googleplex
Member
Thank you, that's much appreciated. I will probably use the irons for a while, as the scope I want to put on it eventually is a leupold VX3 1.5-5 power withan illuminated reticle. That'll probably cost around $500, so I expect it will be a while before I could pull the trigger on that.
That's definately the most secure way. Gun broker provides an option, but you never quite know how long they'll be up. I'm looking at maybe about a month or two time span before I could for sure make deal. I'll keep a watchful eye on all options.
Graf actually seems to have a wider selection of 9.3 components than midway.
Gtscotty
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That Leupold looks nice, I have a Vortex Viper 2-7 ready to go on the ruger right now, but I'd like to get a scope in that style/magnification range at some point. Have you looked at the Nikon Monarch African 1-4x20? I haven't been able to find a whole lot of reviews, but if its decent quality, a Monarch in the $240 range would be pretty sweet.
Here's the scope:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Monarch-African-Riflescope-Reticle/dp/B002P8DDZ4
Also came across a similar Weaver, but don't know anything about it:
http://www.amazon.com/Weaver-V-3-1-3X20-Riflescope-Matte/dp/B0000V2EBM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_6
Very true, I picked up all my stuff from them, they seem to be the go-to guys for 9.3 components.
TOU
Member
I have bought a few from Bud's in the past...the last one I bought, I just received in October..it was paid for last Decemeber. I think I'm done with them no matter what the price.
One I would definitely check with is Whittaker Guns...one of the biggest volume CZ dealers in the US and great people to deal with. I have bought several over the net from them and never been disappointed. But...if the phone is busy (no email)...keep trying...an trying. Its a busy place.
http://www.whittakerguns.com/
One I would definitely check with is Whittaker Guns...one of the biggest volume CZ dealers in the US and great people to deal with. I have bought several over the net from them and never been disappointed. But...if the phone is busy (no email)...keep trying...an trying. Its a busy place.
http://www.whittakerguns.com/
Maverick223
Member
That's a good choice IMO. I have one (less IR) on my .375H&H and it has done well thus far (and I shoot it fairly frequently). I'm not a big fan of Leupold (they're generally not a good value IMO), but that particular scope is a pretty good one.
It's isn't a bad scope at all, but honestly I liked the old Monarch UCC 1.5-4.5x20mm better as it has a smaller ocular, was a little cheaper, and even looked a bit better IMO.
Googleplex
Member
The nikon looks nice. I know they make very clear scopes, I have a buckmaster on my 7mm-08 and it seems to be a good scope. Weaver, however, I've heard mixed reviews about. On a light kicking gun, it probably wouldn't be a problem, but on this rifle I could foresee a potential issue.
They're definately gonna be my first bet for reloading supplies on this cartridge. A good second would be Black Hills Shooter Supplies, but they don't carry the 9.3 die sets.
Ouch, having heard that, I'll check out all the alternatives I can.
I have been hearing that they just don't make them like they used to, anymore. This one does seem like a nice one, though. That nikon is interesting, too.
Googleplex
Member
All said and done, Whitaker's will end up a little more expensive than Bud's, but then again at purportedly better service. Hmmm...
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