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What is the 9.3x57? Some perspective, perhaps.

Norma 9.3x57 ammo is loaded to 43,000psi, 38,000CUP, thus projects a 286gr. bullet at 2,050fps - bl. length not specified. That pressure listed, is a CIP "observation only". There is no CIP ruling and certainly not a SAAMI suggestion for this chambering - which is quite odd.

The same rifles that are chambered for the 9.3x57, are chambered in 6.5x55, a 55,000psi ctg. the 7x57 Mauser, a 57,000psi ctg. the 8x57 Mauser a 57,000psi ctg. and the 9.3x62, another 57,000psi, all CIP standard ctg.'s.

The M96 Husky's, we now find at tradeexcanada are/were also chambered in .30/06, a 60,000psi ctg. Tradeexcanada has sold a lot of those & they have given no problems whatsoever - impressive.

Since all of these share the same basic case head - yes, while I'm aware of the 6.5x5 and 9.3x62's 'differences' they are still all basically the same.

Thus, the 9.3x57 is no longer an anemic round when in the hands of a handloader. It is not subject to nor restricted to Normal-like ballistics, but can easily be loaded to it's most excellent potential. It is an amazingly easy shooting ctg. of impressive power.
Look at the ballistics of the 9.3x62, back in 1923 - note the 2,175fps velocity of that round with the 286gr. soft and solid. Those early 9.3x62 ballistics are what developed the 9.3x62's impressive reputation in Africa.

The 9.3x57 easily beats those ballistics by 100fps in a M96 and more in a M98, if the loader so desires. It is no slouch.

My own 9.3x57, now my brother's, shoots under an inch off bags at 100 meters with 225's at 2,550fps, 232's at 2,450fps, 270's at 2,300fps, 286's and 293's at 2,200fps and 300's at 2,170fps. Note the similarity of my 300gr. load to the original 9.3x62's 286gr. load. None of these loads is what anyone would call maximum - barely moderate by measure as they do not expand the case at the web by more than .0002" from sized.

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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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