9.3x62 Barrel length.

[TStone]

Would 22" be a good length for a 9.3x62's barrel, or should I go to 24"? The rifle will be used for sub 200m hunting mainly using 286gr bullets. How much velocity would I sacrifice by going with 22"? If I can get ±2300fps with a 286gr bullet I'll be happy.

[Wesley]

I’m getting 2320ft/s from a 24” barrel shooting 286gr ProAms.

I always dreamt of a 9.3x62 with a full stock, but now that I have a sporter style rifle, I’m glad I went for the longer barrel.

Also, I think this caliber in the bushveld might just do a little better shooting a 230gr monolithic. Especially when stalking is difficult and the range extends toward 200m and beyond.

That said, I hunt so few animals that need the punch of the 9.3 over the 7x57, I should probably just leave it with the 286 grainers and work a little harder to get closer for the Eland that I still need to get.

For the volumes you hunt, I would definitely go for a lighter monolithic.

Do you have a specific use in mind?

[TStone]

I have rifles for longer range shooting, I still think that my .300 win mag is the perfect rifle in this terrain for eland and wildebeest. I have a small supply of 230gr Peregrines that I will test but I plan to load 286gr bullets mostly. I shoot a surprising number of animals at less than 200 meters, on those days that I simply can't afford to pass up shots between 200 and 350 meters, I will carry either the .300 or the Creedmoor.

Thanks for the advice.

[Messor]

How much velocity would I sacrifice by going with 22"?

In the region of 50ft/s

If I can get ±2300fps with a 286gr bullet I'll be happy.

Easily

[Messor]

In hunting bullets, if not going the mono route, look at the 285gr Norma Oryx, real good value for money.

[TStone]

Thanks Messor. The Oryx is a good bullet, even in smaller calibers.

[TStone]

Does anyone have experience with Warne's Maxima bases and qd rings? I would like to be able to change between a scope and an Aimpoint Micro T1.

[SBB]

Does anyone have experience with Warne's Maxima bases and qd rings? I would like to be able to change between a scope and an Aimpoint Micro T1.

I use them on a 338wm alternating between scope and RMR. No hassles. RMR has it's own weaver style QD ' rings/base' and the scope uses the Warne QD rings.Initially I put the Leupold QR bases. I prefer the bases being quick release as it makes for cheaper rings. However the lockup mechanism is very different to the piccatinny/weaver style which is so common on all mounting platforms so swopped over to Warne.

[TStone]

Thanks, SBB.

[kayaker]

22". Mine has a 20.5" and for sub 200m work I don't find it to be a handicap at all.