| grizzbair |
| (.224 member) |
| 22/02/04 05:57 AM |
.338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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I'm debating between a used Ruger 77 Mark II Standard and a CZ American 550 in 9.3x62. The Ruger is used and CZ new.
I live in Ohio where there is not much of a need for big calibers as they can't be used for hunting. My 7 varmint guns is looking for a BIG brother. I am planning to go to alaska for a moose/caribou or africa on a package plains game hunt with in the next year or two and I want a gun that will get the job gone. What are your suggestions?
| buckeyeshooter |
| (.275 member) |
| 22/02/04 07:34 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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My guess is that from a performance view on game-- you will not be able to tell a difference. However. living here in Ohio--buy the .338 WM. Here in the buckeye state and even in Alaska finding ammo for a 9.3 x 62 will be about impossible. Heck-- In Columbus, you would not even be able to buy cases or bullets from a store. All componets would be internet or special order only from a retailer. I think that it would be about the same in most areas of the USA. With the .338, you can buy ammo or componets just about anywhere.
| Gibbs505 |
| (.333 member) |
| 22/02/04 08:17 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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An alternative is the old 375 H&H.
Should have no problem with ammo anywhere.
| ChuckWagon |
| (.275 member) |
| 22/02/04 09:19 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Based on all of the good things I have read about the 9.3 x 62 I would choose that. But the others make a fine point. As long as the cost of ammo and being prepared are not issues I still like the 9.3. I would pass on the 338 and go for the 375 or 9.3 if Africa is in your future. That's Just my opinion. I think just as critical is the quality of the guns you might be able to buy. Nothing against those you listed but I think if you shopped a bit you could easily find a far nicer gun (used) for the $$$ in 375 H&H. I would not take the same gun to AK as Africa. One is pretty much a synthetic stock venture while the other begs for wood.
| luv2safari |
| (.400 member) |
| 22/02/04 01:52 PM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Many good points have been made, and all are quite valid.
The 338 is far more practicle for a US hunter and is about perfect for an all around African plains game rifle. The 375 has the advantage of being legal for African big game. The 9,3x62 is is a wonderful caliber and has one big advantage over the other two...it can be made into a nice trim, light rifle.
I own each and would be hard pressed to have to choose which one I would part with. I think the 338 is the best choice if you don't ever intend to hunt African big game, only plains game and US types. You can always pull into Vern's Gas & Ammo in any town in the US and probably find 338 ammo.
| ChuckWagon |
| (.275 member) |
| 22/02/04 11:38 PM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Overall right now I am leaning towards a 9.3 x 62 myself. If I understand correctly it is also legal to hunt in Africa with, has a milder recoil than the 375 H&H and as mentioned can be a bit lighter. By USA standards I have always traveled with exotics ( Weatherby ) which you can be hard pressed to find ammo for even in a decent gun shop. I have never lost my guns or ammo while traveling ( Konck on wood ! ) and I always figured if I got in a real pinch my outfitter or guide would bail me out. After all the vast majority in this sport are very good people and would not leave you hanging. I do think if ammo cost or availability is a issue to you the 338 or the 375 are fine choices. Again I would go with the 375 simply do to the legal ease if you can only have one gun and it must siffice for all travels. If you shop Griffen & Howe or Guns America or Lewis Drake you will see a number of very high quality arms in 375 H&H at a VERY reasonable price. In fact it is very possible to get a origional pre-64 model 70 Winchester with beatious wood for just a few hundred bucks more than one of the modern off the shelf versions. They often come with fine scopes and mounts to boot.
| mstarling |
| (.224 member) |
| 13/03/04 05:32 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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I have a pre-64 M70 in .338 WinMag that was built to be a mountain rifle for elk, and a CZ 550 American in 9.3x62 Mauser.
Both are fine rifles and i'd not part with either.
The .338 is going to Africa in May for plains game along with a scoped light double in 9.3x74R.
The 9.3x62 does beautifully ... it is accurate, points well, and has the best balance of delivered power for moderate recoil of any rifle I own. Am sorely temped to take it to Africa rather than the .338 WinMag because the ranges expected are under 200 yards. I probably would do that if it had the wonderful trigger that the M70 has.
If you must face a limited set of choices and Africa is in your future, a .375 H&H is an excellent choice. A 9.5 pound rifle with the right high B.C. bullets can replace the .338 and 9,3x62 and is an acceptable choice for Buff (from what I've read).
| Bigfive |
| (Sponsor) |
| 18/03/04 06:37 PM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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9,3x62 is very popular in South-Africa.Mainly because it is close to a big gun and the ammo is readily available.
338 is on of my next guns to buy myself.If hunting short and long distances i'll take the 338 but if the majority of your shooting distances is less than 200m i'll take the 9,3.
| atkinson6 |
| (.375 member) |
| 28/03/04 02:18 PM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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The 9.3x62 is one of my all time favorite calibers and I shoot one, but the .338 is a more powerful gun anyway you cut it...I own and shoot a .338 and with a 300 gr. Woodleighs it is awsome..9.3x62 with a 26" barrel and hot handload is close but no cigar.
| allenday |
| (.333 member) |
| 18/04/04 01:02 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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I can't imagine a single reason that would lead me to select the 9.3X62 over the .338 Win. Mag.
The truth is, there are quite a few medium bore cartridges in this power class that'll overlap in terms of performance, and accomplish pertty much the same things, so why not distill the selection process in the most practical manner possible and go with the cartridge that offers the widest availability, and the least amount of complication?
ADay
| Gibbs505 |
| (.333 member) |
| 18/04/04 01:32 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Nostalgia? Pretending that you are Stuart Whitman in "King SOlomans Mines".
| mickey |
| (.416 member) |
| 18/04/04 01:46 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Welcome Allen
If I want a 338 I'll stick to the 340 WB. I can load it down to 338 power if I want (but why would I want too?)
As to the 9.3 I want one in a BLR as a saddle gun. A perfect rifle for back up on Bear, Moose, Elk and the occassional Deer.
| allenday |
| (.333 member) |
| 18/04/04 05:57 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Mick, the .340's a great cartridge, no question about, and extremely versatile. One of those great, do-it-all choices that you can never go wrong with........
ADay
| AdamTayler |
| (.375 member) |
| 18/04/04 01:21 PM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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Why don't you change the trigger in the 9.3? I'm sure you can find a double set trigger for that action but getting the gun converted and tested before May is probably a stretch.
Good luck in Africa. I'm sure we would all like to hear about it when you get back.
| jro45 |
| (.300 member) |
| 09/05/04 08:16 AM |
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Re: .338 Win Mag or 9.3x62??
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I own the 338 Rem Ultra mag. And I think it would make a fine Africa or Alaska rifle.I plan on going to Africa in a couple years and this rifle will be one of the rifles I take with me.