When it comes to choosing a hunting cartridge, there are countless options available on the market, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Two popular choices are the 9.3x62mm and the .30-06 Springfield. While both cartridges are capable of taking down large game, they each have distinct differences in terms of their performance and intended use.
Here is the short answer:
The 9.3x62mm is a versatile cartridge that is suitable for hunting a variety of game, particularly in Africa. The .30-06 Springfield is also a versatile cartridge, but is better suited for medium to large game hunting in North America.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-depth Look at the 9.3x62mm
The 9.3x62mm is a powerful cartridge that was originally developed in Germany for hunting large game in Africa. It has since gained popularity in Europe and other parts of the world as a versatile hunting cartridge. The bullet diameter of the 9.3mm is .366 inches, making it slightly larger than the .35 caliber cartridges commonly used in North America.
The 9.3x62mm is capable of firing bullets in the 250 to 320 grain range at velocities between 2,400 and 2,600 feet per second. This results in a large amount of energy transfer upon impact, making it a good choice for hunting larger game like moose, elk, and even bear.
In addition to its power, the 9.3x62mm is known for its accuracy and relatively low recoil. The cartridge’s large diameter and weight contribute to its ability to maintain velocity and trajectory, even at longer distances.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 9.3×62 with a 285-grain Soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2360 | 3537 |
| 50 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2252 | 3221 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.2 | 2147 | 2928 |
| 150 | -2 | 2.6 | 2045 | 2656 |
| 200 | -6 | 4.5 | 1945 | 2403 |
| 250 | -12.3 | 7.2 | 1849 | 2170 |
| 300 | -21.3 | 10.8 | 1756 | 1959 |
| 350 | -33.1 | 15.1 | 1668 | 1766 |
| 400 | -48 | 20.2 | 1582 | 1589 |
| 450 | -66.3 | 26.1 | 1500 | 1429 |
| 500 | -88.4 | 32.9 | 1423 | 1285 |
In-depth Look at the .30-06 Springfield
The .30-06 Springfield is a classic cartridge that has been used for hunting and military purposes for over 100 years. It was developed by the U.S. Army in 1906 and quickly became a popular hunting cartridge due to its versatility and power.
The .30-06 Springfield is capable of firing bullets in the 150 to 220 grain range at velocities between 2,700 and 3,000 feet per second. This makes it a suitable choice for hunting medium to large game, including deer, elk, and even moose.
One of the benefits of the .30-06 Springfield is its widespread availability and versatility. The cartridge is commonly used in bolt-action, semi-automatic, and lever-action rifles, making it a popular choice for hunters and shooters of all kinds.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 30-06 with a 180-grain soft point:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2700 | 2913 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2584 | 2668 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2470 | 2439 |
| 150 | -1.3 | 2 | 2359 | 2225 |
| 200 | -4.2 | 3.7 | 2252 | 2026 |
| 250 | -8.8 | 6 | 2147 | 1842 |
| 300 | -15.3 | 8.8 | 2045 | 1671 |
| 350 | -23.8 | 12.1 | 1945 | 1512 |
| 400 | -34.6 | 16.2 | 1848 | 1365 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 21.2 | 1756 | 1232 |
| 500 | -64.6 | 27 | 1667 | 1111 |
In-Depth Comparison
Bullet Selection and Performance
Both the 9.3×62 and the 30-06 can shoot a wide range of bullet weights and styles, but the 9.3×62 has an edge when it comes to heavy bullets. It is designed to shoot bullets up to 320 grains, which is considerably heavier than the 30-06’s limit of around 220 grains. The 9.3×62 can deliver tremendous energy and penetration at long ranges, making it an excellent choice for hunting larger game animals such as moose, elk, and brown bear. The 30-06, on the other hand, is better suited for medium-sized game animals such as deer, antelope, and black bear.
Recoil
Due to the 9.3×62’s larger case capacity and bullet diameter, it generates more recoil than the 30-06. This can be a consideration for some shooters, especially those who are sensitive to recoil. The 30-06, while still generating some recoil, is generally more manageable for most shooters.
Rifle Selection and Availability
The 30-06 is one of the most popular and widely available cartridges in the world. As a result, rifles chambered in 30-06 are plentiful and come in a wide range of styles and price points. The 9.3×62, while gaining popularity in recent years, is still relatively uncommon in North America. This can make it harder to find rifles chambered in this cartridge and ammunition can also be harder to find.
Cost
In general, ammunition for the 9.3×62 is more expensive than the 30-06. This is partly due to the fact that the 9.3×62 is not as widely used and therefore does not benefit from the economies of scale that the 30-06 does. Additionally, rifles chambered in 9.3×62 tend to be more expensive than those chambered in 30-06.
Accuracy
Both the 9.3×62 and the 30-06 are capable of excellent accuracy, but the 30-06 has a reputation for being one of the most inherently accurate cartridges ever designed. This is due in part to its relatively mild recoil, which allows shooters to maintain better control of the rifle and achieve better accuracy.
Conclusion
The 9.3×62 and the 30-06 are both excellent cartridges that have been trusted by hunters and shooters for decades. While they share some similarities, they are also quite different in terms of their ballistics, recoil, and availability. The 9.3×62 is a powerful cartridge that is best suited for hunting larger game at long ranges, while the 30-06 is better suited for medium-sized game at moderate ranges. Both cartridges have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to the individual shooter’s preferences and needs.