ligonierbill
New member
First, I like "classic" cartridges, and I'm fascinated by medium bores. I have been shooting a Savage 116 .338 Win Mag for a few years, like it, but I had to try this old German round. I bought one of the new cheap Sauer 100s last year and have been working loads. Now, the Savage weighs 8 lb empty with a scope; the Sauer is just a few ounces lighter. You would think they'd kick the whey out of you. Of course, that's a matter of perception, but I will say the .338 can wear me out. I had the 9.3 out this afternoon, and despite my previous assessment that it pretty much matches the .338 "thump", I would now say it's a pleasure to shoot. Not quite as sharp as the .338, although the 286 Partitions I was shooting today do push.
It does not have the range of the magnum, but a hell of a punch out to 300 yards. Maybe I'm just getting old, but that is starting to seem far enough to shoot. I should note that nothing from either rifle exceeds 1 1/2" at 100. For anyone asking about a big critter killer, I'm going to be a PITA touting the 9.3.
It does not have the range of the magnum, but a hell of a punch out to 300 yards. Maybe I'm just getting old, but that is starting to seem far enough to shoot. I should note that nothing from either rifle exceeds 1 1/2" at 100. For anyone asking about a big critter killer, I'm going to be a PITA touting the 9.3.