The Poor Man's Magnum Rifle (9.3×62)

WisBorn

WisBorn

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I was looking on GunBroker (yes it will make you broker) for a left-handed 9.3×62. Well I don't know if I'm RICH enough for a POOR man's Magnum, based on what I saw.
What is a some what reasonable priced way to get into a 9.3×62?
Or just buy a 35 Whelen, Americas POOR man Magnum cartridge.
 
Years ago before I retired, I was earning a very good salary as a Construction Project Manager. I splurged and bought a German made custom Mauser in this interesting 9.3 X 62 chambering. It turned out to be very accurate and hard hitting within reasonable hunting distances. The largest animal that I shot with it was a nilgai at a large ranch in Texas. The animal fell over at the shot and struggled to get up a few times before it died. But I ended up selling this rifle when I retired to northern Florida. Any 30-06 can be reamed to 35 Whelen by a competent smith. The difference between these two cartridges is largely in theory in my opinion. TR
 
There are lots of 9.3 fans, they claim miraculous things, the 9.3 bullet is a little wider, and so the bullet can be heavier. Got to tell you, a 200 grain, 225 grain, and 250 grain bullet in a 35 Whelen kicks, and the standard 286 grain bullet in the 9.3 will kick even harder.

Out to 300 yards I doubt the animal will notice any difference. Past 300 yards, I had round nose 35 caliber bullet tumble between 300 and 600 yards at CMP Talladega. You cannot trust claims of stability past 300 yards, as bullet companies don't shoot past that distance. All of them have 300 yard/meter wind tunnels, but how the bullet handles the super sonic to sub sonic transition is something they don't test. All of the over the horizon groups that you read about in gun magazines are based on ballistic spreadsheets which do not take into account shock waves and bullet wake. Seldom does the author shoot beyond 100 yards, but they always make 600, 800, and 1200 yard claims on bullet performance.

I was really surprised to find my flat base 270 bullets tumbling at 600 yards, more surprised to find boat tailed 270 Win bullets tumbling. And then, had 308 190 gr Sierra Match kings (and 190 gr Hornady match) tumble somewhere between 300 and 600 yards.
 
WisBorn said:
What is a some what reasonable priced way to get into a 9.3×62?
Click to expand...

I learned about JES Reboring in a thread on THR. His work got good reviews and I've been thinking about having my 30-06 rebored to .338-06, a cartridge that I've always liked. Then I snap back to reality and ask myself what can a .338 do that a .30 can't, other than cost me as bunch of money. But in your case, if you really want or need a 9.3 x 62, buy a nice 30-06 and have it rebored.

http://www.35caliber.com/ (I got a "not secure site" warning but still opened it. Nothing bad happened yet)

Maybe a phone call to him would put you on the right track? The only problem that I can see would be the -06 barrel not having enough meat.
 
Very interesting observations & cartridges to me also, none had I ever paid more than a minutes attention to! But it's from lack of need for anything bigger or badder than my 06's! BUT, I wish I could hunt the country now, where they're needed, the game they useful for, needed!
Sure can't speak from experience, other than my 06. But if in big bear country, the 9.3x62, 35W, but especially the 338-06 is what I'd be considering? Just from plenty reading lately, I'd be leaning towards the very interesting and big achievements of the 338-06! Less recoil than all I think! One underappreciated but potent cartridge! But in the case of often chances of dangerous bears, sounds me like the 9.3 62 is the best stress remover? Idk, but good thread and opinions!
 
All of the calibers mentioned here to dispatch a large bear are more than sufficient; most critical is shooting ability and bullet design. I would never feel under-gunned carrying a 30-06. Bears are big and aggressive and tough but they are not Sherman tanks; awareness, a cool head, shooting skill and a well designed bullet from any of these calibers will do the job - caliber is just one of many considerations.
 
WisBorn said:
I was looking on GunBroker (yes it will make you broker) for a left-handed 9.3×62. Well I don't know if I'm RICH enough for a POOR man's Magnum, based on what I saw.
What is a some what reasonable priced way to get into a 9.3×62?
Or just buy a 35 Whelen, Americas POOR man Magnum cartridge.
Click to expand...
.35 Whelen is a great cartridge.
 
Any 8mm Mauser 98 or most 30-06 rifles can be bored to 9.3X62, a wonderful accurate round that is a mid-bore hammer. JES will do a good job. I've owned seven or so 9.3X62s. One special 9.3 put together by Mike McCabe in CO was a great classic safari configuration. A good friend in OK wanted it and now owns it. Every 9.3X63 I've owned was spooky accurate. The most was one put together on a VZ 24 action with a Timney Sportsman and Bauska barrel in a Brown synthetic stock. It had a heavier barrel contour and was heavy, so I sold it. I had two CZ550's, one European design, and one American. I hated the CZ stocks with a purple passion, but they shot tight.

My present and the one I'm keeping until I croak is a simple commercial FN 98 Husqvarna in a plain walnut stock. I put an aluminum Browning Safari bottom metal set under it, a Timney Sportsman in it, and a 2.5-8 Leupold VariX III on top. It could use a soft recoil pad. o_O

IMG_20220427_192417624.jpg
IMG_20231231_122454971.jpg
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzHusq 9.3X62.jpg
 
If you want magnum and inexpensive, it’s impossible to beat the Mossberg Patriot in 375 Ruger.

Mossberg Patriot 375 Ruger

The stock is pretty unpleasant - very plastic. Mine was shockingly light - I want to say something absurd like 5.75 lbs out of the box. I added weight and rigidity to the plasticky stock with epoxy and lead shot and have been meaning to upgrade with a Boyd’s laminate stock. Mine is at least as accurate as I can shoot it, about 1.5 MOA in ideal conditions. I suspect a better shot could tighten that.

It is a thunking great round. The 270 grs Barnes TSX is pretty awe-inspiring and Game King 250 grs did remarkably well on large hogs. I will hunt elk with it this year. It’s a lot of rifle and a lot of fun.
 
Roverguy said:
If you want magnum and inexpensive, it’s impossible to beat the Mossberg Patriot in 375 Ruger.

Mossberg Patriot 375 Ruger

The stock is pretty unpleasant - very plastic. Mine was shockingly light - I want to say something absurd like 5.75 lbs out of the box. I added weight and rigidity to the plasticky stock with epoxy and lead shot and have been meaning to upgrade with a Boyd’s laminate stock. Mine is at least as accurate as I can shoot it, about 1.5 MOA in ideal conditions. I suspect a better shot could tighten that.

It is a thunking great round. The 270 grs Barnes TSX is pretty awe-inspiring and Game King 250 grs did remarkably well on large hogs. I will hunt elk with it this year. It’s a lot of rifle and a lot of fun.
Click to expand...
Good choice and not a big investment!

I had an early Ruger 77 in 375 Ruger, and it's a great round. If Holland and Holland were developing their first 375 now it would be this round.

I have Patriots in 243 and 300 Win, and both shoot well and function well. My only dis is their long action magnum magazines. Mossy had to replace mine that came with the rifle. Rounds would tend to just pop out. I was able to get the triggers to a tad under 2lbs, nice and crisp.

Still, a 98 Mauser in 9.3X62 has a certain aura about it. It's tough being a lefty, however.
 
Last edited:
Roverguy said:
If you want magnum and inexpensive, it’s impossible to beat the Mossberg Patriot in 375 Ruger.

Mossberg Patriot 375 Ruger

The stock is pretty unpleasant - very plastic. Mine was shockingly light - I want to say something absurd like 5.75 lbs out of the box. I added weight and rigidity to the plasticky stock with epoxy and lead shot and have been meaning to upgrade with a Boyd’s laminate stock. Mine is at least as accurate as I can shoot it, about 1.5 MOA in ideal conditions. I suspect a better shot could tighten that.

It is a thunking great round. The 270 grs Barnes TSX is pretty awe-inspiring and Game King 250 grs did remarkably well on large hogs. I will hunt elk with it this year. It’s a lot of rifle and a lot of fun.
Click to expand...
Thats THE cheap/easy button for a +338 medium bore hunting rifle imo.
The next cheapest/easiest option would be a Savage.

If you really want a 9.3x62 a cheap savage and a new barrel should set you back about 600 total
 
Several years back I saw a beautiful 9.3x62 custom model at the LGS. For WAY cheap, like maybe +/- $350 IIRC. Left handed or it would have been mine. I was trying to figure out why it was so cheap until I saw the left handed.

I’m sure it’s long gone by now
 
My step up from a 30 cal is the 375 Ruger, but between your choices I think I would go with the 9.3x62, it has a great reputation.

Here in the US you could probably find a 35 Whelen for a good price if your patient.
 
375 Ruger!!! I have thought about adding a Ruger m77 375 Left-handed African. I'm not a fan of 3 position wing safeties, but in that cartridge that would certainly not be a deal breaker. It would probably be the cartridge that would pull me into handloading.

375 guys. Anyone loading a 375 Winchester power level load for their 375 Ruger and/or 375 H&H???

The 35 Whelen is an easy fill. The CVA Scout would cover it! And for the cost of a case of shells. My LGS has one in the rack right now. I don't want to handle because it will probably come home with me. (I also think??? Would a 45-70 be a better choice 🤔. ) I should ask my single shot friend @Armored farmer which he would pick.

The 9.3×62 just has a certain mystery about it.
I really think the rebarrel or reaming would be the easiest way to go. I have always been a Model 700 fan, but a Winchester 70 or Ruger 77 would fit the build nicely.

@jmorris thanks for the 300wm comments. I have owned/used the 300wm and 300wsm in the past. But I have not tried the Winchester XPR. Do you have one? And how do you like it.

I think @luv2safari makes a good point about the Mauser 98 and 9.3×62 just going together! 🤔 There are a few lefty Mauser 9.3 ×62 out there.
 
redneck2 said:
Several years back I saw a beautiful 9.3x62 custom model at the LGS. For WAY cheap, like maybe +/- $350 IIRC. Left handed or it would have been mine. I was trying to figure out why it was so cheap until I saw the left handed.

I’m sure it’s long gone by now
Click to expand...
That would be perfect for me 👍
 
WisBorn said:
375 Ruger!!! I have thought about adding a Ruger m77 375 Left-handed African. I'm not a fan of 3 position wing safeties, but in that cartridge that would certainly not be a deal breaker. It would probably be the cartridge that would pull me into handloading.

375 guys. Anyone loading a 375 Winchester power level load for their 375 Ruger and/or 375 H&H???

The 35 Whelen is an easy fill. The CVA Scout would cover it! And for the cost of a case of shells. My LGS has one in the rack right now. I don't want to handle because it will probably come home with me. (I also think??? Would a 45-70 be a better choice 🤔. ) I should ask my single shot friend @Armored farmer which he would pick.

The 9.3×62 just has a certain mystery about it.
I really think the rebarrel or reaming would be the easiest way to go. I have always been a Model 700 fan, but a Winchester 70 or Ruger 77 would fit the build nicely.

@jmorris thanks for the 300wm comments. I have owned/used the 300wm and 300wsm in the past. But I have not tried the Winchester XPR. Do you have one? And how do you like it.

I think @luv2safari makes a good point about the Mauser 98 and 9.3×62 just going together! 🤔 There are a few lefty Mauser 9.3 ×62 out there.
Click to expand...
Yes. I shoot a 375 Win level cast load in mine with IMR 3031. Would be a great deer load.
 
WisBorn said:
@jmorris thanks for the 300wm comments. I have owned/used the 300wm and 300wsm in the past. But I have not tried the Winchester XPR. Do you have one? And how do you like it.
Click to expand...

I do not. I have shot them before. I didn't like the stock (I don't like a number of different brands of cheap plastic factory stocks though) but they shot well and have a 3 position safety, if that's important to you.
 
jmorris said:
I do not. I have shot them before. I didn't like the stock (I don't like a number of different brands of cheap plastic factory stocks though) but they shot well and have a 3 position safety, if that's important to you.
Click to expand...
The forward tang safety is good 2 & 3 position. The wing safeties are not my favorite....
 
I've had 338-06 and 35 Whelen. Neither is a significant (if any) step up from 30-06. 200-220 gr Partitions in a 30-06 will out penetrate 200-225 gr bullets in either 338-06 or 35 Whelen. The larger bore diameter with the same case size means the 33's and 35's will shoot the same bullet weights a little faster at the muzzle than 30-06. But by the time you get much past 100 yards the same bullet weights in a 30-06 will catch up and be moving faster, hitting harder and penetrating deeper. A 35 caliber bullet is about the thickness of a dime bigger than a 30 caliber bullet. A 33 caliber bullet is about 1/2 the thickness of a dime bigger.

If you move up to 275 gr or heavier in the 35 Whelen you start to see some separation in performance over 30-06. But there isn't any game animal I'd hunt with one and not the other. It's not bullet weight as much as the bullet length in relation to weight. A 220 gr 30 caliber bullet is a long bullet that penetrates deep. A 225 gr 35 caliber bullet is a short stubby bullet that won't penetrate as much. Assuming everything such as bullet construction and impact velocity are similar.

I've never played with the 9.3 but it does intrigue me. The traditional bullet weight is 286 gr and that is enough where I can see it in a different category than the others. The 9.3 is 36 caliber, not much bigger than 35 Whelen, but the availability of much heavier/longer bullets is the difference.

Part of me says just skip everything altogether and go with either 375 H&H or 375 Ruger. But another advantage of the 9.3 is that you can load the magazine 4+1 or 5+1 depending on the rifle. The 375 is going to be 3+1.
 
WisBorn said:
I was looking on GunBroker (yes it will make you broker) for a left-handed 9.3×62. Well I don't know if I'm RICH enough for a POOR man's Magnum, based on what I saw. ...
Click to expand...

:rofl: THR is Comedy Central today. I fell off my chair laughing twice in a half hour.

Reminds me of all the cheap cuts of beef we used to eat at home when I was young, that are now considered gourmet delights!

PS. While you're at it, try finding a nice 7x57mm "everyman's" hunting rifle, and then trying finding ammo, or God forbid, reloading brass... 6.5 Greedmor has ruined everything.
 
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