Help and Advice from 9.3x62 Users

Thanks for all the advice so far. It sounds like the Hornady Interlock is the best choice for this hunt. I thought that was the case, the 9.3x62 has a highly effective round before bonded or monometal bullets were invented.
Art, The highest BC bullet in the 286 class is Partition. But for inside 300 yards, that advantage over even the terrible BC of Oryx's .33 just evaporates. Interlock is about halfway between Partition and Oryx.

The only bad choice for your pending black bear hunt is the bullet that won't group 1 or 1.5 MoA at 100 yards. Even Speer's 270 gr is a good choice in this scenario, assuming it groups well.

  • NAB 250
  • NP 286
  • Oryx 285 and 325
  • Hornady 286
  • Hammer 258
  • Speer 270
  • Woodleigh 320, 286, 250
There are no bad choices here, only good and better, depending on what your rifle likes the best.
 
Lead core bullets work better at lower velocity and are better suited to the 9.3. I think the Swift bullet works great but Interbond and Interlock are fine too. If you had a 378 weatherly, then I would say aframe all the way and maybe even the ttsx.
 
I’ve used the Hornady Interlocks on bison at about 2550 fps which is a bit fast for the design. One was a behind the head into the rocker joint, passed through the hide, through the muscle, through the rocker joint and stopped inside the cranial vault. The bullet seperated its jacket and core. On the second bison the bullet went through the left side, took out a rib, through the top of the heart, took out a rib, jacket seperated from the core. Core broke in two pieces jacket lost two petals and came to rest lodged in the hide. The interlocks will work. I just prefer a bullet that holds together a bit better. Which is why I suggest the swift A frame. If I have my choice I’d go with swift.
 
I’ve used the Hornady Interlocks on bison at about 2550 fps which is a bit fast for the design. One was a behind the head into the rocker joint, passed through the hide, through the muscle, through the rocker joint and stopped inside the cranial vault. The bullet seperated its jacket and core. On the second bison the bullet went through the left side, took out a rib, through the top of the heart, took out a rib, jacket seperated from the core. Core broke in two pieces jacket lost two petals and came to rest lodged in the hide. The interlocks will work. I just prefer a bullet that holds together a bit better. Which is why I suggest the swift A frame. If I have my choice I’d go with swift.
Good information. One compromise for softer game like black bear would be the Nosler Partition. ...but not available right now.
 
We went June 23. I loaded partitions in my 9.3x62. Excellent expansion and penetration. Shot my bear quartering toward me, broke its shoulder and it excited lungs. Even penetrated the barrel that was behind the bear. Performance should be even better at x62 speeds.

Good luck, it is a fun trip.
 

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In truth, at the 9.3x62 moderate velocity, about anything will work great, but most "African" loads will be too tough for European / American game.

My wife uses TSX in her 9.3x62 on Buffalo in Africa (I go .458 Lott TSX), but I have to say, it is hard to beat the cost/value of the PPU factory load for the 9.3x62 on soft game like boar or bear. Yes, it opens faster, but this is exactly what you want on those animals, and nothing beats cheap ammo for a lot of fun practice.
 

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Back After a Long Time – Hello Again!


Hi everyone,


I’ve been a member since 2015 but haven’t been active since 2017. Life got busy, especially with building my second business. Still, I’ve kept my passion for hunting and followed things from afar. Now that I have more time, I’m excited to reconnect, contribute, and be part of the community again.


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ANDY
aquinn wrote on Raptor59's profile.
I'd like a bag of 100. I could actually pick it up since I'm in North Irving, but if you prefer, shipping it is fine.
 
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