9.3×62 Mauser
A 250-grain bullet @2450 fps yields 3800 ft. lbs. of energy and 25.7 ft. lbs. of recoil.
Ammunition is readily available.
On my first trip to Africa, I discovered the 9.3×62 Mauser and became completely smitten by it. I liked it so much that it became the first rifle of my custom, two-gun African rifle battery. The 9.3 x62 has a distinct advantage over some on the other medium-bore cartridges as it was designed specifically for Africa. It was introduced in 1905 by Otto Brock in Germany1. He designed it specifically to give the German colonists in Africa an adequate powered cartridge that was affordable1. Most of the cartridges of the day were British and very expensive. The 9.3.×62 was and still is a working man’s cartridge. The bullet has enough power to stop dangerous game if the hunter can put the correct bullet where it needs to go. On the flip side, the cartridge does not kick so bad that shooters develop a flinch. The length of the cartridge allows it to fit in a standard (opposed to a magnum) length action. The shorter action is quicker cycling, and makes for a lighter, quicker handling rifle.
I hand load 250-grain Barnes TSX and Solids for my 9.3, and the rifle groups both bullets to within a half inch of each other. My loads are on the hotter end of the scale but the rifle is not uncomfortable to shoot and I do not mind extended practice sessions. On my last Safari (July 2012), I took game varying from a 50-pound duiker (using a solid), a 100-pound springbuck, a 600-pound blue wildebeest, and a 700-pound mountain zebra, and the cartridge performed flawlessly. I shot well this trip. Each animal was dispatched with only one shot. None of the bullets were recovered as they passed completely through the animals. I have never had to use the 9.3 on dangerous game, but I know it will stop it if I can make the shot.
Kissing Cousin: 9.3×74, a 250-grain bullet @ 2450 fps yields 2500 ft. lbs. of energy and 29.1 ft. lbs. of recoil. This cartridge is normally used for a double or single shot rifle.
My 9.3x62 CZ Safari Classic Custom
