When it comes to big game hunting, there are few cartridges that can match the power and versatility of the 9.3mm bullet. However, there are two popular cartridges that are often compared to each other: the 9.3×62 and the 9.3×64. While both of these cartridges share the same bullet size, they have some significant differences that set them apart. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both cartridges and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
Here is the short answer:
The 9.3×64 is a newer and more powerful cartridge than the 9.3×62. It is capable of achieving higher velocities and delivering more energy at longer ranges. However, the 9.3×62 is a proven and reliable cartridge that has been around for over a century and is still widely used today.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 9.3×64
The 9.3×64 is a relatively new cartridge that was introduced in 1927 by German gunmaker William Brenneke. It was designed as a cartridge that provides optimal down-range performance for game hunting.
The 9.3×64 is capable of taking game as large as bison or brown bear at close range. However, thsi round has a hard time keeping its energy at long range and is on par with the performance of the much smaller 300 Win Mag at 500 yards. However, within about 300 yards the 9.3×64 is a powerhouse.
One of the downsides of the 9.3×64 is that it generates quite a bit of recoil. This can make it more difficult to shoot accurately, especially for hunters who are not used to heavy recoil.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 9.3×64 with a 285-grain Nosler Partition:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2600 | 4293 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2480 | 3905 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2363 | 3546 |
| 150 | -1.5 | 2.3 | 2249 | 3213 |
| 200 | -4.8 | 4.2 | 2139 | 2905 |
| 250 | -9.9 | 6.7 | 2031 | 2620 |
| 300 | -17.1 | 9.7 | 1927 | 2357 |
| 350 | -26.6 | 13.7 | 1826 | 2117 |
| 400 | -39 | 18.5 | 1729 | 1899 |
| 450 | -54.2 | 24.1 | 1637 | 1701 |
| 500 | -72.6 | 30.5 | 1548 | 1521 |
In-Depth Look at the 9.3×62
The 9.3×62 is a classic cartridge that has been around for over a century. It was first introduced in 1905 by German gunmaker Otto Bock and has since become one of the most popular cartridges for big game hunting in Europe and Africa.
Despite its smaller size, the 9.3×62 is still a very powerful cartridge. It shoots a heavy bullet at low velocity and relies on momentum for its enegry. The 9.3×62 is caplible of taking game like elk, moose, bison, and brown bear at close range. However, at long range this rounds looses its efectiveness.
One of the main advantages of the 9.3×62 is that it has a controllable amount of recoil. This makes it easier to shoot accurately, especially for hunters 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 Comparison
When comparing the 9.3×64 and the 9.3×62, there are a few key factors to consider:
Velocity: The 9.3×64 is capable of achieving higher velocities than the 9.3×62. This extra velocity translates to more energy and better performance at longer ranges.
Recoil: The 9.3×64 generates more recoil than the 9.3×62. This can make it more difficult to shoot accurately, especially for hunters who are not used to heavy recoil.
Accuracy: Both cartridges are very accurate, but the 9.3×64 may have a slight advantage due to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
Versatility: The 9.3×62 is a very versatile cartridge that can be used for a wide range of hunting applications, while the 9.3×64 is better suited for larger game at longer ranges.
Availability: Both these cartridges have been around a long time and have seen plenty of use. However, in modern times they can be hard to find. Neither one is vastly more popular than the other so they tie in this catigory.
Price: The cost of ammunition for both cartridges can vary depending on location and availability, but generally the 9.3×62 tends to be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 9.3×62 and the 9.3×64 are excellent cartridges that are well-suited for big game hunting. The 9.3×64 is a newer and more powerful cartridge that offers higher velocities and more energy at longer ranges. However, the 9.3×62 is a proven and reliable cartridge that has been around for over a century and is still widely used today.