In reply to:

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Well, then, is there really a need for both the 9.3x74R and the .375 Flanged?

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Vincent,

Ballistically speaking, I also don't think so...!

However, one has to see the historical development behind those cartidges: both the germans with the 9,3x74R and the 9,3x62 as the english with the .375 rimmed and flanged versions wanted to have similar rounds for bolt actions and double rifles. (Also, I must admit that the germans made a better job back then of keeping the ballistic performance of the two rounds similar. (and yes, obvioulsy with todays modern powders and strong actions the unflanged version can be loaded hotter)).

One works of caution however:
in most african countries there is still a legal mimimum caliber of .375 (i.e. 9,5mm) for hunting the big five in place!
With that in mind, the 9,3 might not be legal for hunting buffalo and such, whereas the various .375's are.
Also heard that most PH's will tolerate 9,3x64 (not x62) from their (mostly european) clients since it has a very similar performance to the .375 H&H.

So, from the stricly legal point of view, there might actually be a "need" for a flanged .375!

Regards,
500NE

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