sestoppelman
AH ambassador
I have used the 9.3x62 extensively in Tanzania and So. Africa. I have shot a number of buffalo with it. I can handload my strong Mauser with a 26 inch barrel and long throat enableing me to seat out the bullets to a safe 2450 FPS with RL-15 and and the 320 gr. Woodleigh. I load my .375 to 2500 FPS with a 300 gr. bullet, I have never been able to tell any difference between the two on buffalo. It is a grand caliber set up in such a manor as above and capable of killing any animal on the planet. A requirment of any caliber is proper placement of the first shot, and it helps greatly to do the same on follow up shots. Good shooting and proper bullet construction is the key. not caliber within reason.
Ray and I have talked about this before. I find the figures above while possible, slightly misleading though I am not accusing Ray of purposely misleading anyone. If as he states one uses his loads per above, it gives the 9.3x62 an advantage in energy figures which is the misleading part. His figures net the 9.3x62 a muzzle energy of 4266 ft/lbs. and the much larger .375 H&H with a mere 4164 ft/lbs! The .375 enjoys a fair advantage in powder room (and bullet diameter) over the 9.3x62, over 20 grs of water which is considerable. Now Ray can load his rounds any way he likes but it doesnt reflect the true nature of either round. Ray may be able to coax these kinds of speeds out of his particular 9.3 but its doubtful that most would, whereas on the other hand, any good average .375 can push a 300 gr bullet to over 2600 fps and some even approaching 2700fps. I used to load mine to just under 2600 with my loads which were pretty effective. I dont dispute the efficiency of the 9.3 on game, I have used it myself, but I dont believe its the equal of the .375 but again Ray has used his more than I and taken more buffalo than I. Not trying to start a war here but I think we should endeavor to paint an accurate picture and not try to elevate one cartridge over the other when it is not deserved. The 9.3x62 is a fine cartridge and a favorite of mine, but it aint no .375 H&H, on paper anyway. They simply are not equals in potential. Just put one alongside the other and its obvious!