conversion question

2

243Ben

Inactive
I was recently out hunting in Africa and used a rifle chambered in 7x57. I liked the cartridge as it was easy on the shoulder and had sufficient power for much of the hunting we were doing. Talking to the owner of the rifle he said he was also a big fan of 9.3x62 and 64. My question is this:

If I wanted to buy a modern firearm today and have it converted to either the 7x57 or the 9.3x64, what would the best chambering be? Also, would this be the best route, or would it be cheaper just to pay somebody to build one from the ground up?
 
conversion

Sir
I am so glad to read your post. I am a great fan of the 9.3X62 and 9.3X64.
The 9.3X64 is an excellent cartridge ballistically the equal of the 375 HH. The 9.3X62 is not far behind and I have two of them. I have one 9.3X64 also, and a 416Taylor.
The 9.3X62 is really gaining today in popularity but ammo and cases are expensive, as are the 9.3X64.
I think I like the 9.3X62 the best, recoil is very moderate and a standard Mauser 98 action can be used unaltered to build it. The 9.3X62 has an excellent reputation in Africa and can be used on the big five. Internet recent articles are good on this cartridge and as has been pointed out the CZ rifles mentioned are simply excellent. Please type in 9.3X62 and you will see the enthusiasm it is generating.
Harry B.
 
Which is best, 7x57 or 9.3x64? That is like asking which is best, a Honda Accord or a Peterbilt semi? The two cartridges are in different categories entirely. As you found, the 7x57 is a fine cartridge for medium game, with light recoil, and is usually chambered in a light rifle for easy carry.

The 9.3mm's are for large game, hard hitting and with the resultant heavy recoil. The rifles are generally fairly heavy for that reason.

So it is not which is best, since they are really for different purposes and both are fine in the jobs they were designed for. After all, the Accord is a nice car, but you can't transport tons of cargo in it. On the other hand, the semi uses a lot of fuel and probably won't fit in your garage.

So the usual answer - buy both, you can't have too many guns.

Jim
 
I guess I misworded my original post - I'm not asking which is better - the 7x57 or the 9.3x64. I'm trying to determine what the best starting cartridge would be to do this conversion.

For the 9.3x64 - would it be best to start with something chambered in .30-06 and have it rechambered/barrelled to hold this new cartridge? Or go with something chambered in 9.3x62 and go through the same process - minus the rebarrelling?

Same with the 7x57 - would something like the .243 work? I sort of doubt the .243 would work because of the taper on the 7x57 cartridge which isn't on the .243.

As for ammo cost - not an issue (not saying I'm full of money) I would like to own a rifle chambered in both of these cartridges, plus I roll my own which would save a couple of bucks. 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x64 - I'd prefer the 64 even with the greater recoil. I like the idea of owning a more rare chambering. I'm young and I'm sans wife - so i'm trying to blow all my money on the "important" stuff before my girlfriend becomes my wife and thus restricts my gun fun(ds).
 
The 7x57 would fit best in a standard "long" action. A Remington or Winchester action for the .270 or .30-06, for instance would work fine. The bolt face is the same. A better choice for a 7x57 to my way of thinking would be a Model 98 Mauser. I have never barreled a 9.3x64, but I understand that it is a long cartridge.

Clemson
 
conversion

Sir
The 9.3X64 is of the length that fits the standard Mauser 3.4 inch magazine. On the Mauser you will need the boltface opened to .500, and the rails opened very slightly, the 9.3X62 fits great with no modification to the Mauser at all.
It is a great caliber, Recoil is very tolerable, I cannot tell too much difference from the 30=06.
I suggest the A, Square Shooters Manual = Any Shot You Want. It covers all the African calibers and is just the very best.
A=Square can furnish cases and dies are made for it, it pays to buy the proper headstamped cases. RWS also has cases as well as other internet suppliers.
Doc and I made a 495 A=Square on a Remington P17 action. Great gun.
I am so glad to hear from an African hunter and the 9.3X62 and 64 are legal in Africa on the Big Five. You can look up both on internet.
Harry B.
 
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