Sauer 100 Classic XT 9.3x62 Project

[Raptor59]

About six months ago I was able to acquire a slightly used Sauer 100 Classic XT in 9.3x62. I am sure a lot of you have seen this rifle and are familiar with it. It has a nice feature set with an adjustable trigger (set 2.75lb), 60deg bolt, five round flush fit magazine plus one in the chamber and a 22” barrel. I did not like the factory length of pull or recoil pad. I cut the stock back and installed a LimbSaver grind to fit pad with the LOP set to 13.5”. In addition, I wasn’t totally satisfied with the Sauer finish and so I had my gunsmith wizard cerakote the barreled action using his mad scientist mix that is dead on for a factory blue finish. I then sent the stock off for a paint job of OD green with black spiderweb. I think it’s a really nice combination now. Dropped a spare Vortex PST scope on for load development. I have a pretty broad assortment of 9.3mm bullets available to work with… Norma 232gr Vulkan and Oryx, Nosler 250gr Accubonds and the older ballistic tips, Barnes 250gr TSX and the Speer 270gr. I am going to pick up some 286gr Swift A-frames at a later date. I have Alliant Reloder 15, Varget, Alliant Reloder 17 and VV N540 for powders. I plan on working up modern 60K PSI loads based on John Barsness and associated acolytes on **NOT**PERMITTED**. Stocked with a good selection of Lapua, Nosler and PPU brass. Looking forward to load development and hunting with this rifle.

 

[lkydvl]

Nice project! I have a Sauer 100 here in 9.3 x 62 as well. Complete except for a trigger assembly. Am waiting for a reply from Sauer USA/Blaser as to availability. If you know of a source please let me know.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

you are lucky to have RL15 powder that is gold, I have good good luck with the N540 for the 9.3. also Varget is very good along with CFE223. the only thing I do not like about my Sauer is the short action and magazine I would like to seat bullets out longer especially the 255 grain CEB Raptors and the lead up to the chamber just ahead of the mag sucks as it will not feed blunt nose bullets only pointed bullets but I love the rifle and I put a suppressor on it.

 

[LuikoBM]

Good afternoon, I'm considering purchasing that rifle (model and caliber) for my first PG safari. I'd like to ask what the recoil is like with heavy bullets, as it's a lightweight rifle, about 3.2 kg. Thank you very much.

 

[Raptor59]

My rifle loaded with the current Vortex Scope (19oz) weigh’s 8.75lbs. I hand load so I’m going to use Nosler Factory Ammo as a baseline. Nosler Trophy Grade 9.3x62 250gr Accubond ammo has a rated muzzle velocity (24” test barrel) of 2550 fps. I can easily obtain that velocity from my 22’ barrel with around 61 grs of Varget. Both JBM and Shooter Calculator have online recoil calculators where you can input the variables required to calculate recoil impulse, velocity and energy. Those variables are the bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight. I ran those calculations for the 9.3x62 250gr Accubond, 300 Win Mag 180gr Accubond and 338 Win Mag 250gr Accubond.
The Sauer 100 in 9.3x62 is going to “feel” more like shooting a 338 Win Mag. The caveat is that the factory length of pull and recoil pad (stiff) may make that more uncomfortable. It will just depend on you.

 

[LuikoBM]

thank you so much

 

[Hyde Hunter]

thank you so much

If you put a good muzzle brake on it and a good recoil and cut the stock to fit you it will not be bad at all. when I bought mine it had a 14.5 in lop and a hard rubber pad. shooting 250 gr heavy loads (2600fps) it kicked like a mule. I did the above things and instead of a brake I went with a suppressor from Prairie Tactical out of Mitchell, SD they make a 36 caliber one. the recoil is not heavy now . are you going to use factory loads or hand loads? Midway sells the PPY brand with a 285 gr bullet ,velocity is 2265 fps and recoil will be low with that and it will do fine for plains game. you will like the Sauer I know I like mine. Euro Optic sponsor has one in stock and tell them you are a member on AH for a discount.

 

[LuikoBM]

I was afraid of what you told me: that as it is, it kicks like a mule... In Spain, suppressors are prohibited. I don't like muzzle brakes. I had a Blaser years ago, and the noise was quite loud. I've also read that PHs don't like it for that very reason. Unfortunately, I don't reload, so it will be factory ammo. I was thinking about the 9.3 because the largest antelope I'd like to hunt is the eland, and it needs caliber and weight (then recoil). I decided to go on safari about two months ago and I'm devouring this fantastic forum. I've learned a lot, but I still haven't decided on the game (I'm leaning toward the twisted-horned, probably in Limpopo) I'll go after, nor on the rifle (Sauer? Zastava? BRNO?) and caliber for it. I'll take your advice seriously. Thanks.

 

[Raptor59]

In that you are in Spain, you might want to consider the 300 Winchester Magnum cartridge and see what ammunition is available in quality bonded bullets from 180gr - 225gr. The 300 Win mag is a flat shooting, accurate and heavy hitter that would serve you well on plains game including Eland.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

don't worry about recoil with a stock that will be the right length for you and a good recoil pad it will not be bad. as for the brakes just take a pair of electronic ear muffs the work great and pack some foam ear pugs and give to your tracker and PH but they will plug their ears anyway. I have owned a couple 300 win mags and I believe the have a harder recoil than the 9.3 will have with the PPU ammo and your shooting distance will be around 100 yards in Limpopo. the twisted horn animal is the Kudu and the are a load of fun to hunt also think about warthog and maybe a Gemsbuck cool looking. keep in mind the 9.3x62 has been used in Africa since 1905 used by the German farmers. just remember do not shoot the animals behind the front leg go up the front leg and also get some shooting sticks 3 or 4 legs, I prefer the 3 legged but a lot of people like the 4 leg type and practice a lot on them but main thing is have fun and remember you will be on African time.

 

[LuikoBM]

Precisely because the shooting distances are short, I'd considered a non-magnum caliber. In Spain, I stalk hunt with a .270WSM and four-stick support, but in bushland and with eland in mind, it doesn't seem optimal. Here, we hunt a lot in what we call "montería" (fixed positions, with game driven by dogs), and there I use an 8x57JS in semi-automatic (Sauer 303). What do you mean by "African time"?

 

[LuikoBM]

By crooked-horned cattle, I mean eland, kudu, nyala, and blesbuck. Of course, a Spaniard can't not hunt a warthog. We have a passion for wild boar. I also wouldn't rule out including a female buffalo, which is why I'm so hesitant (in this last case, I'll either go for the 375 or ask the PH for the cow).

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Precisely because the shooting distances are short, I'd considered a non-magnum caliber. In Spain, I stalk hunt with a .270WSM and four-stick support, but in bushland and with eland in mind, it doesn't seem optimal. Here, we hunt a lot in what we call "montería" (fixed positions, with game driven by dogs), and there I use an 8x57JS in semi-automatic (Sauer 303). What do you mean by "African time"?

it means in Africa, if it does not get done now, maybe another day. in Africa things move at their own speed. will you be staying overnight when you land?

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I am going to DM you

 

[LuikoBM]

Okay, I understand. I'm planning the trip for 2027. I haven't spoken to any suppliers yet, nor do I have a flight. I'm doing all the research I can, making lists, and buying things I'll need (clothes, etc.). There's a hunting fair in Spain in March, and all kinds of companies are coming, including safaris. I'll finalize it by then at the latest. I hope to have made some decisions.

 

[LRich]

About six months ago I was able to acquire a slightly used Sauer 100 Classic XT in 9.3x62. I am sure a lot of you have seen this rifle and are familiar with it. It has a nice feature set with an adjustable trigger (set 2.75lb), 60deg bolt, five round flush fit magazine plus one in the chamber and a 22” barrel. I did not like the factory length of pull or recoil pad. I cut the stock back and installed a LimbSaver grind to fit pad with the LOP set to 13.5”. In addition, I wasn’t totally satisfied with the Sauer finish and so I had my gunsmith wizard cerakote the barreled action using his mad scientist mix that is dead on for a factory blue finish. I then sent the stock off for a paint job of OD green with black spiderweb. I think it’s a really nice combination now. Dropped a spare Vortex PST scope on for load development. I have a pretty broad assortment of 9.3mm bullets available to work with… Norma 232gr Vulkan and Oryx, Nosler 250gr Accubonds and the older ballistic tips, Barnes 250gr TSX and the Speer 270gr. I am going to pick up some 286gr Swift A-frames at a later date. I have Alliant Reloder 15, Varget, Alliant Reloder 17 and VV N540 for powders. I plan on working up modern 60K PSI loads based on John Barsness and associated acolytes on **NOT**PERMITTED**. Stocked with a good selection of Lapua, Nosler and PPU brass. Looking forward to load development and hunting with this rifle.
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Where did you send the stock to be repainted?

How much did they charge you?