9.3x64,

Thanks once again for your concern. Believe me, I was very concerned when I shot this data because it is well outside both my expectations & my comfort zone. I spoke at length by phone to a more learned colleague before finally acknowledging that R17 can add plenty to the 9.3x62's historical performance. Just to clarify:

- I don't think my gun is special (24" Walther barrel with standard freebore) which provides about 30fps faster loads than my old Tikka M65 using AR2208
- I believe the 9.3x62 can be loaded to similar pressures to the 30-06 family cartridges without compromise in modern & strong firearms
- I know it ain't a 9.3x64

I was aiming for a 320gn load at near to 2400fps to get a POI close to my 286gn load using my open sights. Also I was hoping for a lower pressure 286gn load of 2450-2500fps, both goals based upon online data researched from reputable publishers. My AR2208 loads get hot at 2460fps in my FN'98.

Performance from my '62 with 286gn at 2400fps has proven excellent on pigs up to brumbies. I thought a 320gn bullet at 2350-2400fps would improve the '62's ability to 'stop' scrub bulls & buff based upon greater penetration/wound channel.

I bought some R17 & worked up loads from a safe starting point adding 1.0gns at a time before reaching my max which I shared previously. Below are my observations:

1. slightly flattened primers/ no excessively loose primer pockets
2. Bolt lift normal
3. recoil & muzzle blast normal
4. excellent 100m accuracy - three shots touching (286gn) 320gn - 1.2"
5. 18fps deviation for 5 shots chrono' 286gn load @ 2600fps 27 fps deviation for 320gn load@ 2500fps
6. Less twisting/torquing of the rifle in my hands than with AR2209 loads (unsure of what this means but AR2209 loads torque much more than AR2208 loads)
7. Only 20fps variation between summer & winter chrongraphed velocities
8. my maximum R17 loads were right on compression eg. filled to base of neck of case, these loads showed a bit higher velocity increase than previously worked up loads so I stopped the increase!

I love the 270gn Speer for most of my hunting & find it to be very reliable beyond the closer shots,this bullet is my preferred longer range bullet because it readily expands out to at least 270.0m (recovered bullet). I have killed many pigs, brumbies & 2 out of 2 bulls with this bullet! The bulls were running away at less than 50.0m so I shot through the ribs to avoid bigger bones, both dead inside 50.0m!

I do appreciate your take on my experiences I am learning as I go. Whether I need or want this extra power R17 provides is 'up in the air', I had nothing better to do at the time!

PS. I chose not to share actual loads however they are very similar to previously published loads.