At one point I had two CZ's in 9.3x62, a rifle with 23.6" barrel and the full-length-stock model with 20" barrel. I shot four loads in both of them--two factory and two handloads--to compare muzzle velocities. There was very little difference, and in fact one load was a little faster in the shorter barrel. Don't ask me why.
I feel less recoil in the 9.3x62 than from the .338, when both are loaded with 250-grain bullets to about the same muzzle velocity of 2650 fps in my rifles. There are two reasons for this: Less powder and less muzzle pressure in the 9.3x62, which translates into less "rocket effect" added to recoil. The difference isn't huge, but to me it's there, and probably could be demonstrated on some sort of machine. Certainly rifle weight and stock design will have their effect as well.
I have used my 9.3x62 rifle on African plains game of the sort you're talking about to 300 yards with very fine results.
), but in reality if the ballistics meet a sensible minimum and you know your and your rifle's capabilities and limitations, you'll be fine.
