Stuart;

This issue has been debated over and over again on a Forum devoted to Swedish commercial arms.

Without making any statements about strength per se, I can tell you that the 96 actions will require strict attention to shorter-than-normal overall length of handloads and many factory loads may require reseating and concommitant pressure testing also.

The 9.3x62 cartridge is an interesting one in that loads, and I suspect pressures, vary greatly, with some published factory loads and handloads using 285 grain bullets generating velocities in the 2200 fps all the way up to 2500 {

} or so.

In deference to the lack of a safety lug, marginal gas deflection and gas venting features of the 96 as compared to the 98, I'd keep loads on the low side for sure.

I have 96 and 98-actioned 9.3x57's. That cartridge is probably a better choice for the 96 action in that bullets can be seated to the mag and leade length limits which provide in my gun one-caliber seating in the neck and maximum case capacity. I keep my loads in the 96 action rifle to just under 2100 fps with a 285 grain bullet. It is a sure killer, and I reckon if a guy had a nice condition 96 in 9.3x62 he could make good work with it and still keep pressures low.

The 96-action rifles have one neat thing going for them in that they make for a very trim, light and handy rifle. My 96-action x57 weighs 5 1/2 lbs {with Svensk jaktdiopter peep rear sight} and is pure joy to carry and is, miraculously to me and others who have shot it quite gentle on the shoulder, too.

Have you got one of these guns or are you shopping?