Is the maximum cartridge overall length of the 9.3x57 is 3.189"? Norma's website lists the COAL's of its various loads in 9.3x57 as from 2.933 to 3.012". I'm giving some thought to building a 9.3x57 sporter on an intermediate Mauser action with a magazine box length of 3.115". Looking for opinions: would this magazine box's slightly less than COAL dimension make this a poor idea, or is the 0.074" difference too inconsequential to matter?
I am loading Speer 270gr. to an OAL of 3.080". The bullet base is level with the base of the neck in my brass. There is plenty of room in the '96/'94 action(M46 Husky) which has the same length you note, I believe.
Overall length is governed by the length of the chamber's leade (free/bore length) and throat angle. Most of the Husky chambers have generous leades and throats. Although I am still well off the rifling, my rifle shoots just fine for me. I'm getting 1" or tighter groups at 50 yards using the factory iron sights with 232gr. Normas, drawn 225gr. Horandy's, 270gr. Speers, 286gr. Privi's and drawn 300gr. Hornadys. Good enough for hunting, I'd say, especially considering the my rifle was made in 1929.
-------------------- Daryl
"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V
Thanks Daryl, for the encouraging info. If I could also ask - you mention shooting some 'drawn' Hornadys. What dies, in what steps, are you using to do the drawing?