9,3x62

German gunmaker, Otto Bock, designed this cartridge in 1905 as an all-around big game cartridge adequate for most hunting in German Colonies in Africa. He succeeded admirably and this chambering is still highly regarded there. Similar in performance to the 35 Whelen, the 9.3x62 is one of the most underrated chamberings in the US. This case has a slightly larger base than the "standard" Mauser but it readily chambers in standard-length actions; therefore, many thousands of moderately priced rifles have been chambered in 9.3x62. For many reasons this chambering was an instant success. Farmers all over Africa found it an ideal choice for use against antelope and similar species. Loaded with solids and in competent hands, it was occasionally used for taking the largest and most dangerous of African species. Most European rifle makers still chamber it. In Europe, it remains a popular chambering for hunting driven moose and wild boar. For much North American hunting, it is a fine choice for those who will keep their shots to under about 300 yards. For those preferring a mid-caliber chambering and who are not interested in long-range shooting, this is a good candidate for all-around hunting, worldwide. With practice, most shooters can learn to handle 9.3x62 recoil. With large heavy bullets delivering controlled and predictable expansion, it is a efficient killer on all but the largest of species. Handloaders combining modern propellants and pointed bullets, such as the 286-grain Nosler partition, who will zero their rifle at 200 yards can readily concoct accurate loads capable for shots on large game to about 300 yards by using a dead-on, center-of-kill-zone hold, which is as far as most hunters are comfortable shooting. With relatively modest velocity, 9.3x62 bullets typical damage surprisingly little meat, even on the smallest of species and even when the hunter makes a poor shot. The cartridge delivers surprisingly good accuracy.