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  • Post category:Ammunition / Rifle Ammunition
  • Post last modified:April 6, 2024
  • Post published:March 12, 2021

Best 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo - Editor's Choice

What is 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo?🧐

It is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle ammunition cartridge, first introduced by German weapon manufacturer Otto Bock in 1905. It was specifically designed for hunting in the thick forests of Germany and is renowned for its high-powered impact and efficiency. The cartridge is suitable for large game hunting, and despite its age, it continues to be popular among hunters and shooting enthusiasts globally.

Best 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo

Features 😎

🔰 It is a classic case of German efficiency and engineering competence. With a length of 82.5mm and a bullet diameter of 9.3mm, it is compact yet powerful. Moreover, it’s designed to be used in standard-length bolt actions, making it a go-to choice for many hunters.

🔰 Its weight ranges from 285 to 300 grains, ensuring a smooth and consistent trajectory. This makes it a reliable choice for hunting in different environments, whether it is a dense forest or an open savannah. The high muzzle velocity, ranging from 2360 to 2625 feet per second, guarantees a quick and humane kill, an aspect that ethical hunters deeply appreciate.

🔰 One of the key features is its reduced recoil. This can be a game-changer for hunters who spend long hours in the field. It allows for precise shots and lessens the physical strain on the shoulder, making hunting a more comfortable experience.

🔰 A practical attribute is its compatibility with different rifle models. It was specifically designed for the Mauser 98 bolt action, but also works with a variety of other rifles. This versatility further enhances its appeal to the hunting community.

🔰 Lastly, it’s important to note the legacy. It has stood the test of time, maintaining its prominence in the hunting sector for over a century. It’s not just a cartridge, it’s a piece of history, a testament to the evolution of hunting equipment, and a symbol of the hunting tradition.

9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo Review

Types🤠

Soft Point Ammunition – Known as a favourite among hunters, this type of ammo is designed to expand upon impact. The soft point design ensures a high energy transfer, leading to a greater shock effect on the game. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Ammunition – FMJ ammo is widely recognized for its deep penetration capabilities. It’s the perfect choice for hunters needing to pierce through thick hide and bone. Open Tip Match (OTM) Ammunition – For hunters seeking precision, the OTM ammo is a go-to. The open tip is not designed to expand upon impact like the soft point, but its design does offer unrivalled accuracy. Polymer Tip Ammunition – This type combines the advantages of the soft point and FMJ types. The polymer tip drives into the hollow point upon impact, causing rapid expansion. This results in a devastating wound channel and a quick, ethical kill.
Our Top Pick
Hornady Dangerous Game 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 Grain
The 9.3x62mm Mauser ammunition in the Dangerous Game Series boasts a copper-clad steel jacket bonded to a lead core, offering controlled expansion and deep penetration with high-weight retention. Each load is meticulously designed, matching powders for optimum pressure and velocity, and some loads even incorporate Superformance propellant technology. With top-quality cases and primers, this ammunition ensures consistent and reliable performance in the field. Hunters can trust the Dangerous Game Series to deliver powerful and accurate results when pursuing large and dangerous game.
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Advantages🔥

This cartridge is a popular choice for hunting medium to large game animals. It has a number of advantages, including:

  • ✴️ Power: It is a powerful cartridge that can generate up to 3,500 foot-pounds of energy. This is enough power to take down even the largest game animals, such as elk, moose, and African plains game.
  • ✴️ Penetration: It is a highly penetrating cartridge. This is due to the fact that the bullets are typically large and heavy, which helps them to retain their energy and penetrate deep into the target.
  • ✴️ Accuracy: It is a very accurate cartridge. This is due to the fact that it is a relatively low-pressure cartridge, which makes it easier to stabilize the bullet in flight.
  • ✴️ Recoil: The recoil of this ammo is manageable for most shooters. This is due to the fact that the cartridge is not as powerful as some other large-bore cartridges, such as the .375 H&H.
  • ✴️ Affordability: It is a relatively affordable cartridge. This is due to the fact that it is a popular cartridge, which means that there is a lot of competition among manufacturers.

9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo Review | Best 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo

ImageProductBrand
Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 250 GrainNoslerBUY
Hornady Dangerous Game 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 GrainHornadyBUY
Federal Premium CAPE-SHOK 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 grainFederal PremiumBUY
Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser Solid Ammo 286 grainNoslerBUY
Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser AccuBond Ammo 250 grainNoslerBUY

#1 Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 250 Grain

Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 250 Grain View on OpticsPlanet

Nosler has taken an early 20th-century cartridge and given it a 21st-century makeover with the 9.3x62mm Mauser E-Tip. This lead-free cartridge is perfect for hunting in areas with no lead restrictions. The bullet is comprised of a solid copper alloy, which makes it extremely durable and ensures reliable expansion. The bullet also has a polymer tip that helps to initiate expansion on impact, while the E2 cavity provides controlled expansion and weight retention. This ammunition performs exceedingly well at short distances, with a muzzle velocity of 2,425 fps and a trajectory that remains flat out to 300 yards. Even at this range, the bullet still carries more than 2,000 ft-lbs of energy. Overall, this is a high-performance cartridge that is perfect for hunting medium to large game animals.

Pros:
  • Lead-free construction
  • Durable copper alloy bullet
  • Polymer tip for controlled expansion
  • Flat trajectory
  • High energy
Cons:
  • Can be expensive
  • Not available in all areas

#2 Hornady Dangerous Game 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 Grain

Hornady Dangerous Game 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 Grain View on OpticsPlanet

Hornady’s Dangerous Game Series ammunition is designed for hunting the world’s most dangerous game. The bullets are made from high-quality materials and are topped with a variety of deadly projectiles. The InterLock SP-RP bullets are designed to eliminate the problem of tip deformation during recoil. They are heavy-duty bullets that combine rugged design with an improved trajectory in dangerous game rifles. The DGS bullets are non-expanding bullets that are recommended for thick-skinned games such as elephants, rhinos, and hippos. They have a tough copper-clad steel jacket that is designed to provide maximum penetration from all angles. The DGX Bonded bullets are built to the same profile as the corresponding DGS bullets but expand to 1 1/2 to 2 times their bullet diameter. They feature a copper-clad steel jacket bonded to a lead core to provide limited, controlled expansion with deep penetration and high-weight retention. The powders in the Dangerous Game Series ammunition are carefully matched to each load to ensure optimum pressure and velocity. Some of the loads also feature high-performance propellant technology. The cases and primers in the Dangerous Game Series ammunition are the highest quality available. This ensures consistent shooting in the field.

Video review

Pros:
  • High-quality bullets
  • Variety of projectiles to choose from
  • Carefully matched powders
  • Highest-quality cases and primers
Cons:
  • The bullets are relatively large and heavy, which can make them difficult to shoot in some rifles.

#3 Federal Premium CAPE-SHOK 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 grain

Federal Premium CAPE-SHOK 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo 286 grain View on OpticsPlanet

These solid copper-alloy hunting bullets are designed for deep penetration and massive wound channels. The concave bullet nose ahead of a flared pressure ring prevents deflection, while the cavitation bubble creates a massive wound channel. The polymer nose cap ensures reliable feeding in all types of rifles. These bullets are perfect for hunting large and dangerous games. The solid copper-alloy construction is extremely durable and can penetrate thick hide and heavy bone. The concave bullet nose and flared pressure ring prevent deflection, ensuring that the bullet will hit its target. The cavitation bubble creates a massive wound channel, which will quickly bring down even the largest game animal.

Pros:
  • Lead-free construction
  • Less likely to fragment, making them safer for shooters and bystanders
  • More environmentally friendly
Cons:
  • May not be as effective on small game

#4 Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser Solid Ammo 286 grain

Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser Solid Ammo 286 grain View on OpticsPlanet

Nosler’s Match Safari Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a high-performance cartridge that is perfect for hunting medium to large game animals. The ammunition is loaded with a Nosler Solid bullet, which is designed for deep penetration and reliable expansion. The ammunition is manufactured to the highest standards, with cases that are checked for correct length and necks that are sized, chamfered, and trued. The powder charges are also meticulously weighed, and each finished round is visually inspected and polished. It is available in boxes containing 10 or 20 rounds, and it is made with nickel-plated cases for corrosion resistance.

Pros:
  • High-performance Nosler Solid bullet
  • Manufactured to the highest standards
  • Nickel-plated cases for corrosion resistance
Cons:
  • The recoil from the ammunition can be quite strong, which may be a concern for some shooters.

#5 Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser AccuBond Ammo 250 grain

Nosler 9.3x62mm Mauser AccuBond Ammo 250 grain View on OpticsPlanet

Nosler Trophy Grade ammunition is loaded with Nosler bullets and Nosler brass to achieve optimum performance for hunting. The ammunition features Nosler AccuBond Bullets, which are cast from a lead-alloy core for unmatched accuracy and strength. The bullets are also AP/XLR double-diameter bonded, which means they are more likely to retain their weight and expand upon impact. Strict quality control measures are used throughout the manufacturing process, beginning at the case neck. Lubricants and fillers are added to ensure a clean burn, and each round has a precise, dope-free burn chamber that ensures consistent chambering. Nosler is proud of its long history of innovative and quality-driven ammunition for hunting, shooting, and reloading for both military and commercial markets.

Pros:
  • Loaded with Nosler bullets and Nosler brass
  • Nosler AccuBond Bullets for unmatched accuracy and strength
  • AP/XLR double-diameter bonded bullets
  • Visually inspected by hand
  • Strict quality control measures
Cons:
  • Not available in all areas

Reloading ⚙️

Reloading your ammo can be a rewarding and cost-saving experience. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

  1. 📎 Collect Your Equipment – Gather all the necessary tools for reloading. This includes a reloading press, dies, scale, calliper, case trimmer, and primer tool. Always ensure your tools are clean and in working order.
  2. 📎 Inspect Your Cases – Check your used cases for any signs of damage or excessive wear. Discard any that have visible cracks, bulges or pinholes.
  3. 📎 Clean Your Cases – Use a case tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner to make your cases shine like new. Cleaning the cases ensures accurate bullet seating and extends their lifespan.
  4. 📎 Resize Your Cases – Place the case in the resizing die and press the lever of your reloading press. This reshapes the case back to its original dimensions.
  5. 📎 Remove the Old Primer – Using the depriming tool, carefully push out the spent primer from the case.
  6. 📎 Insert New Primer – Place a new primer in the priming tool and press it into the base of the case.
  7. 📎 Measure Powder – With your scale, measure the correct amount of powder for your load. Always consult a reloading manual for the correct powder weight.
  8. 📎 Seat Your Bullet – With the bullet, seating die, press the new bullet into the case. Again, consult your reloading manual for the appropriate seating depth.
  9. 📎 Crimp if Necessary – If you’re using a cannelured bullet, you may want to apply a crimp. This helps to hold the bullet firmly in the case during handling and firing.

Remember, safety is paramount when reloading. Always wear safety glasses, keep your work area clean, and follow the steps meticulously. The beauty of reloading is that it allows you to customize your ammo to your exact specifications, enhancing your hunting experience. Happy reloading!

FAQ❓

What firearms use the 9.3x62mm Mauser ammunition?

This ammunition is primarily used in bolt-action rifles. This cartridge’s versatile and powerful nature makes it suitable for hunting large and dangerous games, and as a result, several firearm manufacturers produce rifles chambered in 9.3x62mm Mauser. Some popular firearms that use this ammunition include:

  1. ✔️ Mauser M98 and variants: The 9.3x62mm Mauser cartridge was originally developed for use in the Mauser M98 bolt-action rifle. This classic and iconic design has been adapted and utilized in various variants and modern versions.
  2. ✔️ Blaser R8 Professional Success: The Blaser R8 is a high-end modular hunting rifle that allows easy calibre changes.
  3. ✔️ Sauer 404: The Sauer 404 is another premium hunting rifle with a modular design that allows for quick calibre changes.
  4. ✔️ CZ 550: The CZ 550 is a robust and reliable bolt-action rifle manufactured by Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ). It is available in various calibres.
  5. ✔️ Ruger Hawkeye African: Ruger offers the Hawkeye African model designed for hunting large and dangerous games.
  6. ✔️ Tikka T3x: Tikka’s T3x line of bolt-action rifles is known for its accuracy and smooth action. Some models are available in 9.3x62mm Mauser for hunting applications.
  7. ✔️ Browning X-Bolt: Browning’s X-Bolt series includes models chambered in 9.3x62mm Mauser, offering hunters a reliable and accurate option for big game hunting.
  8. ✔️ Winchester Model 70: The classic Winchester Model 70 bolt-action rifle is available in various calibres.

It’s important to note that firearm availability can vary based on regional and legal restrictions, as well as the manufacturers’ product offerings at any given time. As such, it is recommended to check with local gun shops or firearm manufacturers for the most up-to-date information on available rifles with the required ammo.

What is the ballistic of 9.3x62mm Mauser Ammo?

This ammo is a powerful round that is well-suited for hunting medium to large game animals. It has a muzzle velocity of 2,350 fps with a 286-grain bullet, which generates 3,507 ft-lbs of energy. This is enough power to take down even the largest African game animals, such as Cape buffalo and elephants. It is also a relatively flat-shooting cartridge, with a trajectory that is similar to that of the .30-06 Springfield. This makes it a good choice for hunting at longer ranges.

Here is a table of the ballistics:

Bullet Weight Muzzle Velocity The energy at 100 yards
286 grains 2,350 fps 3,507 ft-lbs
250 grains 2,500 fps 3,220 ft-lbs
225 grains 2,650 fps 2,933 ft-lbs
What's the typical use of 9.3x62mm Mauser ammo?

It is a powerful rifle cartridge that is typically used for hunting medium to large game animals. It is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • ⚪ Hunting dangerous game: It is a popular choice for hunting dangerous game such as Cape buffalo, elephant, and grizzly bear. The cartridge’s large calibre and high energy make it effective at stopping these animals quickly and humanely.
  • ⚪ Hunting big game: It is also a good choice for hunting large game animals such as moose, elk, and wildebeest. The cartridge’s high-performance bullets can deliver devastating terminal performance on these animals, ensuring a quick and humane kill.
  • ⚪ Varmint hunting: It can also be used for varmint hunting, although it is not the most popular choice for this purpose. The cartridge’s large calibre and high energy can be overkill for smaller animals, and the recoil can be excessive for some shooters.

Overall, this ammunition is a powerful and versatile cartridge that is well-suited for a variety of hunting applications. It is a good choice for hunters who are looking for a cartridge that can handle a wide range of game animals.

Can 9.3x62mm Mauser ammo be used for self-defense?

While this Mauser ammunition is a powerful and effective cartridge, it is not commonly used for self-defence purposes. It was originally developed as a hunting round, specifically for taking down large and dangerous game animals.

There are several reasons why it is not ideal for self-defence:

  1. ⚪ Power and Recoil: It generates significant energy and recoil, which can make it challenging to control in rapid-fire or close-quarters self-defence situations. The strong recoil can affect the accuracy and follow-up shots.
  2. ⚪ Penetration and Over-Penetration: It is designed to penetrate deeply into the target, making it more likely to pass through the intended target and potentially pose a risk to bystanders.
  3. ⚪ Ammunition Availability and Cost: It may not be as widely available as more common self-defence calibres, like 9mm or .45 ACP, and it could be more expensive.
  4. ⚪ Firearm Selection: Firearms chambered in 9.3x62mm Mauser are typically large, bolt-action rifles designed for hunting, not for concealed carry or self-defence purposes.

For self-defence applications, it is generally recommended to use calibres and firearms that are specifically designed and optimized for personal protection. Common self-defence calibres like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP are more appropriate for their lower recoil, higher capacity in handguns, and widespread availability of suitable self-defence ammunition.

Ultimately, the choice of calibre and firearm for self-defence should be based on factors such as ease of use, accuracy, capacity, and the shooter’s ability to handle the firearm effectively under stress. If you are considering firearms for self-defence, it is crucial to receive proper training and follow all local laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and use.

What size bullet is 9.3x62mm Mauser?
The 9.3x62mm Mauser cartridge uses a .366-inch (9.30 mm) diameter bullet. This is a relatively large bullet, which helps to give the cartridge its power and penetration. The most common bullet weights for the 9.3x62mm Mauser are 250, 270, and 286 grains. These bullet weights provide a good balance of power and accuracy for hunting medium to large game animals.

Conclusion 🤩

The 9.3x62mm Mauser ammunition is a powerful and versatile cartridge originally designed for hunting large and dangerous games. Its reputation for excellent penetration and stopping power makes it a popular choice among experienced hunters pursuing big game animals such as moose, elk, and African game species. However, due to its substantial recoil and powerful nature, it is not commonly used for self-defence purposes. As with any firearm use, responsible gun ownership, proper training, and adherence to local laws and regulations are essential for ensuring safety and ethical use.

Tags: #Best #9.3x62mm Mauser #Ammo #Review #Remington #Winchester #Self #Homme #Defense #Hornady #Sale #Ballistics

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Surgeon
Surgeon
8 months ago

Dear author, thank you for your work. Just one question. What’s the recoil like for 9.3x62mm Mauser rifles?

    Natalia
    8 months ago
    Reply to  Surgeon

    The recoil of the 9.3x62mm Mauser rifle can be significant, especially when compared to smaller and less powerful calibers. The 9.3x62mm Mauser cartridge generates considerable energy and velocity, resulting in a noticeable kick when fired.

    🟡 The specific recoil experienced by a shooter can vary depending on factors such as the weight of the rifle, the type of stock, the design of the recoil pad, and the shooter’s body size and shooting stance. Generally, rifles chambered in 9.3x62mm Mauser can produce recoil that may feel sharp and strong, especially with heavier bullet loads.

    🟡 Experienced shooters who are accustomed to handling larger calibers or magnum cartridges may find the recoil manageable and less of an issue. However, for less experienced or smaller shooters, the recoil can be challenging to manage, leading to accuracy issues or discomfort.

      Fisher
      Fisher
      8 months ago

      I had a conversation with my prospective Professional Hunter in South Africa yesterday morning about the plains game and Cape buffalo hunting. He was confident and reassured that my 9.3×62 would be perfectly adequate for both Plains game and Cape Buffalo in his operational area, provided the loadings were appropriate. It seems like it is the right time to set things in motion!

        kyle
        kyle
        8 months ago
        Reply to  Fisher

        The 9.3×62 is sanctioned for use on private lands in South Africa, and historically, it has proven to be sufficiently powerful. However, it doesn’t meet the legal requirements for buffalo hunting in non-private lands in South Africa or in Namibia (where you need .375 or higher power). In Zimbabwe, while the calibre is permitted, the power falls short. Despite this, it is still utilized. Enjoy your hunting trip.

          Peterson
          Peterson
          8 months ago
          Reply to  Fisher

          My wife once took down a Cape buffalo using a 9.3×62, armed with a 286 gr A-Frame at a speed of 2450 fps. The impact was so strong that it knocked the buffalo off its feet. It managed to get back up and ran for about 100 yards before it finally dropped dead. The penetration was impressive and the result was unequivocal.
          Enjoy getting ready for your hunt!

            Hunter
            Hunter
            8 months ago
            Reply to  Fisher

            It appears that the smallest legal calibre in the Northwest Province is 375. I was thinking about using my 9.3×62 for Buff hunting in that region, and this is the information I received.

              Gatner
              Gatner
              8 months ago

              Hello. Is 9.3x62mm Mauser suitable for beginners?

                Natalia
                8 months ago
                Reply to  Gatner

                🟣 Due to its recoil and power, the 9.3x62mm Mauser is not recommended for beginners. It’s best suited for experienced shooters and hunters who can handle its recoil and manage its power effectively.