9.3×62mm
| 9.3×62mm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 9.3×62mm cartridge (Norma Oryx 15g). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | Rifle | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of origin | German Empire | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production history | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designer | Otto Bock | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designed | 1905 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Produced | 1905–present | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Case type | Rimless, bottleneck | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bullet diameter | 9.30 mm (0.366 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Neck diameter | 9.92 mm (0.391 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shoulder diameter | 11.45 mm (0.451 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Base diameter | 12.10 mm (0.476 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rim diameter | 11.95 mm (0.470 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rim thickness | 1.30 mm (0.051 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Case length | 62.00 mm (2.441 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overall length | 83.60 mm (3.291 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Case capacity | 5.07 cm3 (78.2 gr H2O) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rifling twist | 360 mm (1-14.17 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Primer type | Large rifle | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum pressure | 390.00 MPa (56,565 psi) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ballistic performance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Test barrel length: 610 millimetres (24 in) Source(s): Norma | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 9.3×62mm (also known as 9.3×62mm Mauser) is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge designed in 1905 by German gunmaker Otto Bock. It is suitable for hunting medium to large game animals in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. At a typical velocity of 720 m/s (2362 ft/s), its 286 gr (18.5 g) standard load balances recoil and power for effective use at 250m (275 yds) to 300m (328 yds). The C.I.P. Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the 9.3×62mm is 390.00 MPa (56,565 psi).
The 9.3×62mm was designed to fit into the Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle. Sub 84 mm (3.31 in) overall length cartridges should fit in the standard-sized M98 action without any need for magazine length alterations. European hunters and settlers in Africa often chose military rifles for their reliability and low cost, but colonial governments in Africa fearful of rebellions often banned military-caliber rifles and ammunition. The 9.3×62mm was never a military cartridge and so never had this problem. Like their military counterparts, Mauser rifles chambered in 9.3×62mm were relatively inexpensive and quite reliable. Because of these factors, 9.3x62mm quickly became popular, and usage of the cartridge became widespread.
The 9.3×74mmR is a rimmed cartridge that evolved from the 9.3×72mmR black powder cartridge. The energy levels of the 9.3×62mm and 9.3×74mmR cartridges are similar, but the cartridges are unrelated. The rimmed cartridge is slightly longer than the 9.3x62mm, allowing for lower pressure in the case while retaining muzzle velocity and energy.