When it comes to hunting or long-range shooting, having the right cartridge can make a significant difference. Two popular cartridges for hunting and shooting are the 9.3×62 and the 308 Winchester. The 9.3×62 is a European big game cartridge that is becoming more popular in North America, while the 308 Winchester has been a popular cartridge in the US for over 60 years. In this article, we will compare the 9.3×62 and the 308 Winchester to help you decide which cartridge is best for your needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 9.3×62 is a more powerful cartridge than the 308 Winchester, making it better suited for larger game animals. The 308 Winchester is a more versatile cartridge, with a wider range of ammunition options and a flatter trajectory.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how they compare in-depth.
In-depth Look at the 9.3×62
The 9.3×62 is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge that was developed in Germany in 1905. It is commonly used for hunting large game such as moose, elk, and brown bear. The bullet diameter is 9.3mm, and the cartridge length is 62mm. The 9.3×62 operates at a maximum pressure of 62,000 psi, and the muzzle velocity can reach up to 2,700 feet per second.
The 9.3×62 is known for its excellent penetration and stopping power, making it a popular choice for hunting larger game. It is also known for its accuracy at longer distances, making it a good choice for shooting in open terrain. The recoil of the 9.3×62 can be substantial, making it less suitable for inexperienced shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil.
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 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester is a popular rifle cartridge that was introduced in the US in 1952. It has become a standard cartridge for military and law enforcement snipers, as well as a popular choice for hunting a variety of game animals. The bullet diameter is 7.62mm, and the cartridge length is 51mm. The 308 Winchester operates at a maximum pressure of 62,000 psi, and the muzzle velocity can reach up to 2,800 feet per second.
The 308 Winchester is known for its versatility, with a wide range of ammunition options and a flatter trajectory than many other cartridges. It is also known for its accuracy, making it a popular choice for target shooting as well as hunting. The recoil of the 308 Winchester is moderate, making it a good choice for inexperienced shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 308 Winchester with a 150-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2820 | 2648 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.3 | 2673 | 2380 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.1 | 2532 | 2134 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 2.4 | 2394 | 1909 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 4.4 | 2261 | 1702 |
| 250 | -8.4 | 7.1 | 2132 | 1514 |
| 300 | -14.7 | 10.4 | 2007 | 1341 |
| 350 | -23.1 | 14.6 | 1886 | 1184 |
| 400 | -34.2 | 19.7 | 1771 | 1044 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 25.9 | 1661 | 919 |
| 500 | -65 | 32.9 | 1557 | 807 |
In-depth Comparison
The 9.3×62 and the 308 Winchester are both popular cartridges for hunting and shooting, but they have some key differences. The 9.3×62 is a more powerful cartridge, with greater penetration and stopping power, making it better suited for larger game animals. The 308 Winchester is a more versatile cartridge, with a wider range of ammunition options and a flatter trajectory, making it a good choice for hunting a variety of game animals and shooting at longer distances.
The recoil of the 9.3×62 is greater than that of the 308 Winchester, making it less suitable for inexperienced shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil. The cost of ammunition for the 9.3×62 is also higher than for the 308 Winchester, which is something to consider for those who do a lot of shooting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 9.3×62 and the .308 Winchester are capable cartridges that have their strengths and weaknesses. The 9.3×62 is a powerful and versatile round that is well-suited for larger game, while the .308 Winchester is a reliable and widely available option that is popular for hunting and long-range shooting.
If you are looking for a cartridge that is best for big game hunting, the 9.3×62 is the way to go. However, if you need a cartridge that is versatile and easy to find, the .308 Winchester is the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges will depend on your specific needs and preferences