Mickey,

I have been reading a lot lately about the 9.3 bore and paying attention to the velocities posted by folks for either the 250 or the 286 grain. It seems pretty consistent that folks who chrono their loads average about 50 fps per inch of barrel from 22 inches to 26 inches. One poster actually stated that the 9.3x62 cartridge really liked long barrels.

Now, this is not a scientific study. You could get the same velocity in your 22 incher that others get in their 26 inchers. Who knows what the leade is like in these guns? No one commented about that nor did any of them say they had custom throats on their rifles. If you have one made, I would definitely look into typical leades and throats.

I just happen to notice that over quite a few postings, folks who shoot 9.3x62's seem to average 50 fps per inch of barrel from 22 inches to 26 inches and it seems to be very consistent. And, that is something I find very interesting.

In general, you are right, big bores have large expansion ratios which require medium speed powders, so they tend to work well with shorter barrels without the loss a 7mm STW would have in a 22 inch barrel. I had a 22 inch barrel put on my 458 Win Mag just for that very reason.

RobertD