Dugaboy and 4seventy,

I have sent the heavier bullets screaming out of the rifle, yet they still shoot apart.

I don't own a chronograph, but I occasionally have the use of one. I did chronograph my best loads with the 270 grain Speer bullet. That load was 55.0 gr. IMR 4320, with a CCI 200. The average of both barrels was 2284 fps. I did not want to go any hotter than that.

I have not chronographed other loads in the 9.3x74R, but I have tried a multitude. They all cry out for lighter bullets by spreading the barrel groups. Not until I started shooting the 235 Hawk did I ever see the barrel groups come together or cross. With the 235 this occurs exactly where you expect it (although I can't report specifics, as I don't have that data on my computer or otherwise at hand). I am shooting Hodgdon 4350, with the powder right to the base of the bullet.

So that's how my 9.3 acts! I think I would have to load with TNT to get a heavy bullet fast enough to print together. The rifle is not stamped with a bullet weight, but it tells me loud and clear that it was regulated for the 15 gram bullet.

338x74R,

I did email MidwayUSA asking if they would carry the 15 gram Norma Vulkan bullet. Got no reply. I intend to call them about it.

By the way, I read an article many years ago about the wildcat 338x74R. I believe Elmer Keith had one made up - it's been that long ago. I love the .338 bore and have shot a .338 Win. Mag. a zillion times. I almost had a .338x74R built on a Sharps Borschardt action. Never did it, but I think it would have been a dandy.

And now, since we have been discussing the wellbeing of my 9.3x74R, I'll just let you peek at it a little closer. It's an old codger with proofs pre-dating 1912.