9.3x74R Heavy Load

[MM]

I hunted water buffalo in Argentina and was advised to shoot first round expanding bullets then solids. I usually use the 286 grn Nosler partitions but could not find Nosler solids. I couldn’t find any solids of any manufacturer anywhere. I decided to go with Barnes 286 grn. Tsx to try and combine an expanding and solid into one bullet. I shot the bull 3 times no bullet exited one recovered. The bull died but not happy with the bullet expansion. 2200 FPS 93 yard shot MV 2200. It died but I question would this be effective on a Cape Buffalo?

[MM]

IMG_8435.jpeg

Here is the bullet

[Vaughan2]

You need a bit more speed maybe? I don't pretend any experience with large dense bodied game like buffalo, I only use mine on moose. I shoot 250gr Peregrine VRG3's in mine atm but have used Lapua 250s and Barnes TTSX 250s. The bullets I have retrieved - most have passed through - have expanded well for monolithics. My current load with the Peregrine bullets runs a little over 750m/s so around 2450f/s. I don't know whether that would make enough diference.

[9.3x64]

If that bullet leaves the muzzle at 2200fps it is still doing approximately 2000fps at 93 yards, maybe a tiny bit more. It should still expand. I think Barnes recommends a minimum of 1800 fps. Maybe it did do its job as intended, others more experienced with Barns bullets will comment.

However, I wouldn’t be using a bullet on buffalo that I was not completely confident in. Not just because of performance, but for my own personal confidence in the bullet.
I have a 9.3x74R double rifle drilling. I use 320grain Woodleigh RNSP at 2100fps. I would be very confident with that combination out to 130m for buffalo.

[SPEEDY]

Another option, use a couple of barns in the magazine then a couple if partions on the top.
Those barnes should work like solids.

[mchughcb]

My 9.3x74R is 2323fps up to 2396fps with handloads with 286gr Woodleigh rnsp.

[MM]

I am loading this in my K95 and using the Barnes Bullet loading manual. After talking with the tech at Barnes I am 1gr over maximum so I should according to their manual be getting 2340fps. It took three shots but it killed the buffalo, and this was my test to get confidence in the bullet and load because at some point I want to shoot a cape buffalo with my K95.none of the bullets passed through and I recovered two. The second one looks identical to the one in the picture I just cant locate it at the moment. I am wondering if I should just keep increasing charge weight? Barnes does not list many powder options in their load data.

[9.3x64]

Nearly every load I have developed is over the book load. Some of them are way over, yet I have shot thousands of loads with no signs of pressure or measurable case head expansion.
Every rifle is different.
I would proceed with caution.

[mchughcb]

I am loading this in my K95 and using the Barnes Bullet loading manual. After talking with the tech at Barnes I am 1gr over maximum so I should according to their manual be getting 2340fps. It took three shots but it killed the buffalo, and this was my test to get confidence in the bullet and load because at some point I want to shoot a cape buffalo with my K95.none of the bullets passed through and I recovered two. The second one looks identical to the one in the picture I just cant locate it at the moment. I am wondering if I should just keep increasing charge weight? Barnes does not list many powder options in their load data.

Haven't shot Barnes so no Idea. The 9.3x74R is a low pressure cartridge. My loads are maximum according to the ADI manual with 2209. No signs of over pressure. I'd try and get your hands on nosler or hornady and see what velocity you get.

[SPEEDY]

I used the partition on water buff in the Territory many moons ago in my 9.3x62, and they worked quite well.
Maybe stick to them, I also had some woodleigh in a RN that were quite good.

[Rod]

With any traditional premium bullet in 286 grains, in 9.3 x62, 9.3 x 74R cartridges , loaded near factory ballistics I’d hunt any water buffalo, scrub bull or brown bear with confidence .

Like anything shot placement is king.

Rod

[MM]

With the 286 partitions I have shot Whitetail deer, moose, wolf, and brown bear no problem. They wanted me to start with a soft and then solids but I couldn’t find solids of any brand anywhere so I thought the Barnes TSX could do double duty. The buffalo died so I guess it worked but I am probably going to go back to the partitions.

[Dom]

Have you tried Swift A Frames? If not, they may be what you're looking for, they have a solid reputation. I would not hesitate to use them on Buff. I used lots of them in 30-06 on deer to limit meat destruction, they hold together and pass thru.

Swift A Frame 286 grain: https://www.swiftbullets.com/products/a ... al-9-3mm-1