9.3x64 Brenneke

History

The advent smokeless powder had a profound effect on cartridge development. As cartridge designers achieved higher velocities, designers discovered that small bore bullets driven faster could render wide, fast killing wounds. Nevertheless, while the small bores of the early 1900’s proved to be effective on commonly hunted deer and antelope species, most proved inadequate for use on large dangerous game under less than ideal situations. On the other hand, large bore bullets (over .400”) driven at high velocities generated significant recoil and were simply too much gun when used for all around work on light through to large heavy game. The compromise to this was to be found in the high velocity medium bores.

Two notable medium bore cartridges appeared during the turn of the 20^th century. English gun maker John Rigby designed his 450/350 Rigby cartridge (.35 caliber) while German gun maker Otto Bock designed the 9.3x62. The 9.3x62 became immensely popular due to its adequate power and economy with regards to the Mauser 98 action. Following these advancements, English gun makers achieved great success with the design of the .375 H&H Magnum, introduced in 1912. The .375 set a new benchmark for large game medium bore cartridges. The .375 boasted high velocities, producing both a flat trajectory and wide wounding. Recoil was also high but tolerable. However; this cartridge remained proprietary to Holland and Holland and for a time was available only to the most affluent of hunters. It should be noted that both Rigby and Holland and Holland both utilized Mauser actions, but these were heavily and artistically modified and were in no way similar to the common 9.3x62 work horse rifles of the same time period.

For German gun makers, the First World War halted any further medium bore cartridge developments to compete with English designs. Finally, in 1927, the famous gunsmith and cartridge designer Wilhelm Brenneke designed the 9.3x64 Brenneke, a high velocity medium bore cartridge designed to work in the inexpensive Mauser rifle system. The German cartridge fired similar bullet weights to the .375 at similar velocities yet from a much shorter case length of just 64mm. This case design was and is similar to the modern 2.5” magnums (e.g 7mm Rem Mag, .338 Win Mag) yet featured a simple beltless case head design. Utilizing relatively blunt nose bullets (or later short ogive cone points), the 9.3x64 could be housed in the M98 action without any need for magazine length alterations or milling of the action behind the lower lug rebate.

But as a sad turn of events, the projectiles initially loaded in the 9.3x64 were derived from those used in 9.3x62 designed for low impact velocities and were not nearly as tough as those loaded in the .375.  Before Brenneke could recover from this early set back, Holland & Holland released their .375 from its proprietary status.  Although Brenneke and other German manufacturers developed some outstanding projectiles for the 9.3x64 for use on both medium and large game, the popularity of the .375 had gained unstoppable momentum.

The 9.3x64 has since retained a small but staunch following among German hunters for use on game of every size and body weight. During the 1990’s, mass exports of Swedish 9.3x57 and 9.3x62 caliber rifles helped introduce the 9.3 caliber to the greater worldwide hunting community. But while many hunters outside of Europe would like to experiment with the Brenneke, rifles, ammunition and brass are not so easy to come by. In many instances, those who wish to explore the 9.3 at magnum velocities find wildcatting an easier option.

The 9.3x64 is one of the most powerful of the 9.3mm family. The exception to this can be found in the 9.3x70 DWM (essentially 9.3-404 Jeffery) along with modern wildcats.

In a quite unexpected move, the 9.3x64 was adopted by the Russian Army following experiments during the years 2000-2001.  The cartridge is utilized in a similar manner to the .338 Lapua Magnum as an intermediate powered anti personal / anti material cartridge filling the gap between the low powered assault rifle cartridge and the full powered heavy machine gun/ anti material cartridge.  The 9.3x64 has for some years been chambered in the SVDK and LOS-9 Sniper rifles firing a 258 grain FMJ bullet at 2500fps. Military 9.3x64 ammunition is manufactured by the firm Barnaul in Russia who unfortunately make their ammunition using steel rather than brass cases, these cases can be reloaded but are not nearly as malleable as brass cases. 

Performance

The 9.3x64 is a potent cartridge but in no way excessive. The Brenneke achieves 3000fps with a 225 to 232 grain bullet and around 2500fps with a 293 to 300 grain bullet. This velocity can be put to good use and cannot be considered wasteful or over powered in any way. The 9.3x64 produces higher down range impact velocities which can be exploited whether hunting light or heavy game.

Firing either light for caliber 225 to 232 grain bullets or heavy and blunt nosed bullets of soft construction, the Brenneke is extremely effective and often spectacular in performance on light to mid weight deer species. High impact velocities (close to moderate ranges) also help in the generation of wide wounds on lean game when using tough bullets that might normally show little expansion. These factors can allow the hunter to choose from a wider range of projectiles while the ability to generate very wide wounds also gives the hunter some room for shot placement error.

The Brenneke excels when used on larger bodied deer. The hunter can choose from a wide range of projectiles and expect a good balance of deep penetration and broad wounding out to ranges of around 300 yards.

As a heavy game cartridge, the Brenneke can be considered adequate, much the same as other medium bores. My best description is that this (and like velocity / weight cartridges) can ‘get the job done’. But for the record I will state that the 9.3 RUM boasting an additional 400fps can get the job done a whole lot faster. I could care less what other gun writers or enthusiasts may think. Bullet construction and shot placement aside, the higher the power the faster the kill. Instead, the Brenneke simply is what it is, a good all rounder that can be used on all manner of game without excessive recoil. The Brenneke compares well with the .358 Norma, .375 Ruger and .375 H&H.

The velocities of the Brenneke necessitate the use of a sturdy rifle, preferably with a strong steel based epoxy bedding platform. Rifles fitted with optics should have a straight comb and all rifles should have a generous forend as opposed to fancier yet impractical lines. In a rifle of sufficient heft, recoil is tolerable and should not warrant the use of a muzzle brake. In other instances, a brake may be needed to overcome ergonomic flaws.
 

Factory ammunition

Although ammunition may occasionally be sourced from custom manufacturers, the only mainstream manufacturers currently offering 9.3x64 sporting ammunition are the German firm RWS and Barnaul of Russia. 

RWS produce two loads for the 9.3x64, the 8.8 gram (135gr) Evolution Green (tin core frangible) at 3180fps and the traditional 19 gram (293gr) Uni Classic (TUG / conventional) at 2575fps. Unfortunately it appears that RWS no longer list the 14.6 gram (225gr) DK (Dual core / similar to Nosler Partition) load at 2900fps. Unfortunately, I have not tested the 8.8 gram bullet which RWS designed for general use on medium game.

RWS advertise the 293 grain UNI Classic as being useful for game up to the size of Moose. In practice, the UNI  bullet is to be considered frangible, especially at 9.3x64 velocities. Readers are advised however  not to immediately draw negative conclusions from this statement. When I first began studying this bullet many years ago, my own ignorance and unrealistic expectations lead me to conclude that this bullet was not at all sound for anything other than mid sized deer. But as time has passed and with a great deal more experience under my belt, I now understand why RWS have stuck by this bullet. Put simply, the TUG was designed to tackle a wide range of game across a wide impact velocity spectrum. In the 9.3x64, this bullet breaks 1800fps (nearing its limit) at around 400 yards. 

When used on light or lean game out to ordinary hunting ranges, shots with the TUG that strike the forwards chest area produce very fast kills. Note however that if shots fall to the rear of the lungs and meet little resistance, both bullet expansion and killing may be delayed and dead runs may exceed 50 yards. On larger medium game such as Red deer, Sambar and Elk, the TUG can be sheer dynamite. Due to the nature of this bullet, it reaches its limit on Scandinavian Moose. Those who hunt game of this size or larger but wish to take angling shots at close ranges (as is common outside of Europe), a stouter bullet will be required.

Barnaul produce a 258 grain soft point bullet for the 9.3x64 at a velocity of around 2400fps which like its military counterpart features a steel cartridge case that is not particularly well suited to reloading. I have not tested this bullet but will assume until I know otherwise that the projectile is also made of steel (copper coated) and that bullet performance is severely limited and inconsistent from batch to batch.
 

Hand loading

Due to the fact that the 9.3x64 case design is unique to its inventor, cases cannot be formed from other cartridges and brass must generally be sourced from RWS. This cartridge does its best work with medium-slow burning powders in the H4350 (ADI 2209) range. Full power loads from the common 24” barrel length drive 225-232 grain bullets at around 2900fps, 250-258 grain bullets at 2750 to 2800fps, 270 grain bullets at 2650 to 2700fps, 285-286 grain bullets at 2600 to 2650fps and 293-300 grain bullets at 2550 to 2600fps. The heaviest projectiles available for the 9.3 are the 320 grain bullets produced by Woodleigh, these can be driven at velocities of between 2400 and 2500fps. If building a 9.3x64, my suggestion is to use a 26” barrel of good proportions. This helps to tame recoil while giving optimum velocities if using slower burning powders. But as far as velocity gains are concerned, expect no more than 50fps (25fps per inch). 

The following projectile information is listed in the same respective order as the information found in the 9.3x62 text. Take note however that with increased velocity, the 9.3x64 can display changes in behavior.

Hornady produce two projectiles in 9.3 caliber consisting of the basic 286 grain Interlock projectile and 300 grain Dangerous Game Solid. The Interlock first appeared simply as a component for hand loaders but is now utilized in Hornady’s 9.3x74R factory load at around 2300fps. At 2650fps, the Interlock does not show any great increase in prowess on light or lean animals but works well enough. At close ranges, shots placed in the forwards chest cavity produce fast kills while rear lung shots cause game to jump, land, then stagger off in a drunken  manner before collapsing and expiring generally within a few yards of the shot. Below 2400fps, the Interlock produces clean but more delayed kills on lean game if shots fall to the rear of the lungs. Between 2200 and 1800fps, performance is entirely dependent on shot placement. This bullet is at its best when used on larger bodied deer out to ranges of around 400 yards. The Interlock is too soft for heavy bodied game, especially at Brenneke velocities. As suggested in the 9.3x62 text, Hornady would do well to produce more 9.3 caliber bullets as and when time and funds allow.

The steel jacketed 300 grain Hornady DGS is designed to be used either as a dual load (first shot soft point, second shot solid) or for deliberate central nervous system (CNS) shots on heavy game.

The Speer 270 grain semi spitzer Hotcor can be put to good use in the Brenneke. On light framed game, shots should be kept forwards to maximize resistance and initiate full bullet expansion. If shots strike to the rear, kills may be delayed at lower impact velocities due to the light core bonding within this bullet. The Speer Hotcor comes into its own on larger bodied deer (over 90kg / 200lb) and from muzzle velocities of around 2700fps we see heavy trauma and rapid shut down. At close ranges (woods hunting), the Speer gives the shooter some room for error when snap shooting. This bullet is well suited to game weighing around 400kg (880lb). The Speer produces very fast killing at impact velocities above 2400fps, delayed but generally clean killing at 2200fps and reaches its limit (expansion) at 1800fps where the hunter must take care to keep shots well forwards. In some ways I wish this bullet wasn’t sitting on the fence, being neither a pointed bullet or round nose design. Speer make incredible round nose bullets (poleaxing all manner of game) and a 9.3 version would be extremely useful.

On very large animals, the Speer Hotcor generally sheds 50% of its weight. This weight loss can greatly aid internal wounding, however, if the Speer hits bovine sized round bone or ball joints, it can lack the ability to penetrate further. As a comparison to this, the tougher Woodleigh Weldcore bullets generally retain 75% weight which can prove to be a very good balance, yielding some energy for wounding while retaining just the right amount of weight and SD for desirable penetration on large and heavy bodied game.

As suggested in the 9.3x62 text, Sierra unfortunately do not produce any projectiles in 9.3 caliber. This is such a shame as a 225 grain Gameking traveling at 2900fps would be spectacular out to 400 yards while a 250 grain round nose bullet would prove equally emphatic on smaller deer species through to Red and Mule deer down to impact velocities of 2200fps (possibly 180 yards), gradually waning in performance thereafter.

Nosler’s 9.3 caliber projectiles include the 250 grain Accubond, 286 grain Partition and the 286 grain solid. The 250 grain Accubond really comes into its own when used in the 9.3x64, though it is best suited to game weighing over 90kg (200lb) as a means to initiate full expansion. From muzzle velocities of 2800fps, the Accubond travels a good 220 yards before breaking 2400fps, the point where its core bonding begins to inhibit performance. Beyond this range, wounding remains fair provided the bullet meets good target resistance (up to 320kg / 700lb). When matched accordingly, the Accubond can be used to great effect out to ranges exceeding 300 yards or 2200fps. Below 2200fps, both shot placement and target resistance become significant factors. This bullet reaches its absolute limits at around 600 yards (1800fps). Although these descriptions of the Accubond make it sound very tough, this bullet should never be used on heavy animals in the 9.3x94. Please pay close attention to the suggested body weights given here. These are not random numbers I have pulled from the ether.

The 286 grain Nosler Partition (BC.496) is a fair performer. It is best suited to larger body weights due to its smaller meplat. It can however be used on light or lean game but does its best work at close to moderate ranges. On both light and large bodied deer, the Partition produces fast kills with forwards chest shots and a drunken reaction with rear lung shots, after which game quickly expire. The Partition really comes into its own on Elk sized game with Moose as the upper limit. On these larger body weights, the Partition produces excellent wounding characteristics down to impact velocities of 2200fps or 250 yards. Below this, the Partition is still capable of good expansion but does not produce a great deal of hydraulic wounding, therefore shot placement is critical. Those who have put in a great deal of practice and have a good handle on wind drift, may be able to use this bullet to its lower limit - 1800fps or 500 yards. But again, shot placement is critical at such ranges. 

The Partition generally works well on bovines. The SD of this bullet is .307, this being a good sectional density to aid straight line penetration and prevent tumbling. From muzzle velocities of around 2650fps, impact velocities are generally mild and weight retention is around 60 to 75%.  Hunters are advised to get close as a means to obtain high impact velocities and therefore maximum trauma. Broadside shots should be taken placing the vertical crosshair on the center line of the front leg. I prefer to aim just forwards of the line of the leg to break the ball joints but for this shot I generally choose a long for caliber core bonded bullet. This requires very precise shot placement, deliberately placing the bullet under an extreme level of strain. The Partition has not let me down so far when I have tested it in this manner, however it really is at its limits, therefore I would advise less ‘extreme’ shot placement. The Partition may not be the most hard core penetrating bullet on the market but as it is, the Partition works well due to its ability to impart energy on a wide range of game body weights. The Partition produces penetration far superior to the Accubond yet without any sacrifice in wounding. For extremely heavy game, Nosler offer their monolithic solid, a very basic bullet design that ideally should be used for CNS shots.

The Swift 250 and 300 grain A-Frame bullets are both highly effective on large game. These bullets are basically core bonded variations of the Partition design. On light framed game, the core bonding prevents full energy transfer but on large and heavy bodied game, the Swift bullets prove immensely effective. Of the two weights, there is merit in choosing the lighter bullet for large animals. The closer one can get to or above impact velocities of 2600fps, the greater the trauma and the faster the kill and the 250 grain Swift impacting at around 2700fps can be an emphatic killer. However, one should never sacrifice too much penetration. The closer one gets to 750kg (1650lb) or the heavier the bone structure, the more one needs to make use of high sectional densities.

Barnes currently list five projectiles including 250 grain Tipped TSX, the 250 grain TSX, the 286 grain TSX along with the 250 and 286 grain Banded Solids. If I am to be honest, I do not believe Barnes have done this industry any great favors with their ‘environmentally friendly’ designs which have since been politically forced onto many hunters. These bullets produce slow kills when used at extended ranges or where bullet weights are not matched to game weights. Furthermore, some rifles simply do not produce great accuracy with a homogenous copper bullet. In many instances, such bullets are the anti of environmental friendliness.  These issues and do gooding politics aside, the Barnes 9.3 caliber bullets are extremely useful for hunting large bodied game. There is no great need to use the 286 grain bullet or solids, the 250 grain bullet being more than enough weight for all but the very largest of game. Utilizing high impact velocities above 2600fps, bovines may drop on the spot with shoulder shots, then try to rise but in doing so, lose too much blood, lose consciousness and then crash back to the ground. Internal wounding with either the TTSX or TSX is broad but not to the same extent as the Woodleigh or Swift bullets which lose some SD and impart further trauma. Note that the TTSX is a long bullet, therefore those who have M98 actions may wish to use the shorter flat base TSX design.

RWS reloading component bullets include the 11.9 grams (184gr) Evolution Green (powder metal frangible), 14.6 gram (225gr) DK (similar  to the Nosler Partition, also called Twin or Dual core), the 16 gram (247gr) KS (conventional soft point, also known as Cone Point), the 16.7 gram (258GR) H-Mantel (frangible front core breaks away exposing full solid rear), the 18.8 gram (290gr) Evolution (core bonded) and the 19 gram (293gr) UNI Classic (conventional with stouter rear core but to be considered frangible).

Unfortunately, I have yet to test the 184 grain Evo Green, a bullet which has shown great promise. The 225 grain DK bullet is outstanding when used in the Benneke. From muzzle velocities of around 2900fps, the DK produces violent wounds and fast kills on light framed game but with a low BC of .266, it does shed velocity quickly. By the time this bullet reaches 80 yards it is down to 2600fps, after which its performance on lean game becomes more modest and rear lung shots produce delayed but clean kills. This bullet performs extremely well on large medium game, producing both wide wounding and excellent penetration while being less reliant on high impact velocities as a means to increase target resistance. In the past, I have used this bullet as my general go-to medium game bullet, especially when the Vulkan has been scarce. Provided shots are kept forwards, the DK is very consistent on a wide range of game. The DK generally does its best work inside 250 yards but can be pushed to ranges of 300 to 350 yards with attention to shot placement and especially wind drift which can be a major factor with such a low BC bullet.

The 247 grain RWS KS (cone point) driven at 2800fps is a fast killer with rear lung shots on lighter medium game out to ranges of around 70 yards (BC .320). Like the DK, wounds can be immensely broad at high impact velocities. This projectile is a basic conventional softpoint, very much in the same class as Hornady, Sierra and Remington softpoint bullets. The KS is designed to expend most of its energy inside game and in Europe it is typically used on Boar, Red and Fallow deer. When taking crossbody shots on game of this size, the KS will normally exit after creating very wide internal wounds. As velocity drops below 2600fps (around 70 yards), the KS behaves like the DK and is too stout to produce a poleaxe effect with rear lung shots on both light to medium weight game. Attention must therefore be placed toward suitable shot placement, especially if dead runs are unacceptable due to the terrain. Although stout, the KS does not give as deep penetration as the lighter DK or Norma Oryx bullets.

The RWS 258 grain HMK (H-Mantel) is a fairly versatile 9.3mm projectile. With a BC of .372 and from a muzzle velocity of 2800fps, the HMK produces a reasonably flat trajectory. On lighter medium game the HMK produces a very broad internal wound due to explosive expansion. This bullet does not appear to produce a great deal of hydrostatic shock, however light game hit through rear lungs out to moderate ranges do not travel far, tending to go down in a drunken like state. Following full and explosive expansion the HMK loses all frontal area to become a solid and is perfectly adequate for raking shots on large bodied deer. This is a good all round projectile for the 9.3x64 and can be used out to ranges of 300 to 400 yards.

The Uni Classic, also originally known as the Torpedo Universal Geschoss or TUG (Geschoss meaning projectile) is very much a frangible bullet when used at 9.3x64 velocities. The main point I wish to drive home here, is that with realistic expectations, the hunter will not be disappointed. It is only when we set out expecting one result but then experience something completely different that we come undone. The strength of this torpedo bullet is that it dumps a great deal of energy. This can be put to great use when for example, hunting large bodied Red deer in thick bush. Under these conditions, the bullet will reach vitals from most angles and even if it fails to do this, will generally anchor game, allowing the hunter to finish the job to quickly end suffering. The TUG has a BC of .465 and from a muzzle velocity of 2550fps, can be used out to ranges of around 400 yards.

Norma bullets include the 15 gram (232gr) Vulkan bullet (conventional), the 15 gram (232gr) Oryx (core bonded), the 18.5 gram (285gr) Alaska (conventional, similar to Sierra Prohunter), the 18.7 gram (285gr) Oryx (core bonded) and the 325 grain Oryx (core bonded).  

The Norma Vulkan is a spectacular killer of light to mid weight game. It has a low BC of .278 but when driven at 2900fps, can be used out to 350 yards. Many times over the years I have had to make peace with the trajectory and wind drift of this bullet. In a 10mph cross wind, the drift is around 16” which one could mentally round off and picture as being one and a half feet. I normally utilize a small drop chart when using these bullets, often paying more attention to the wind column than drop. Ultimately, the Vulkan is worth the effort because as a big punch/knockout load for medium game, it is in my experience without peer. This is a great bullet to use both in tight bush and across small gully systems on light to mid weight game. The Vulcan is not really suitable for heavy bodied deer at magnum velocities, especially if angling shots are to be expected. But in open or semi broken terrain, it can deliver a hard blow on game weighing up to and around 250kg (550lb).

The heavy 285 grain Alaska is a wonderful bullet for 9.3x64 users, possibly one of the very best. The Alaska has a wide meplat (tip) to initiate trauma (preventing energy retention) on lean game, yet a high bullet weight, a sectional density and comfortable impact velocities when used on larger bodied game. It is however a shame that hunters no longer have access to (as far as I am aware) the Plastic Point (ball shaped) bullet as this was extremely violent in action. Regardless, the Alaska is a very simple yet reliable bullet which has accounted for a great many animals world wide. Sierra would do very well to duplicate this with a basic 9.3 caliber Prohunter design. From a muzzle velocity of 2550fps (BC .365), expect emphatic performance down to an impact velocity of 2200fps (150 yards) and fair performance down to 1800fps (350 yards).

The Oryx is a tough bullet design but in the 9.3x64 there is room for experimentation. The 232 grain Oryx bullet tends to respond to both magnum velocities, combined with bullet annealing (see bullet annealing section of Knowledge Base). This helps increase the flexibility of the Oryx with regards to those who need one load for both light and larger bodied deer. Note however that the annealing process can inhibit penetration by a small degree. In any case, this bullet can be interesting to ‘doctor’. Do however keep in mind that velocity parameter and effective ranges remain the same. The core bonding of the Oryx (and other core bonded bullets) tends to limit expansion below 2400fps on lean game and 2200fps on large bodied deer.

The heavy 285 and 320 grain Oryx bullets are best suited to very large game. These bullets will not generally cause a poleaxe reaction due to mild impact velocities. If using either bullet on bovine sized game, my advice is to aim to break bone. If using the front leg of an animal to take your aim, I suggest using the front line of the front leg as opposed to dead center. This places the bullet into the autonomic plexus where it can do a great deal of damage (see game killing section).

Woodleigh core bonded bullets include the 232 grain Weld core (Protected Point), the 250 grain Welcore (both RN and PP options), the 286 grain Weldore (RN and PP options), the 320 grain Weldcore (RN and PP options) along with their traditional 320 grain Solid. Woodleigh now also offer their Hydrostatically stabilized solids at 232 and 286 grains, similar to a Keith style wadcutter but with a concaved meplat for enhanced trauma production.

The Woodleigh bullets can be utilized and experimented with in the exact same manner as the Norma Oryx. Those who have a good memory will remember when Norma utilized the Woodleigh bullet before developing their Oryx bullet line.

As many readers will know, I very much like the Woodleigh round nose bullets due to their ability to generate trauma across a wide range of body weights. This has allowed me to shoot lean game in tight bush surrounded by cliffs without having the animal run and then fall, expire and become stuck in vines (or native Gigi), never to be seen again. By the same token, the heavy Woodleigh bullets can easily tackle game weighing over 600kg (1300lb). Whether one uses the round nose or protected point version of the Woodleigh Weldcore, my advice remains the same. Get close, aim small, break bone, reload. I have never had to fire more than one shot when using the Woodleigh in this manner and have the utmost confidence in its abilities. My advice to ‘reload’ is simply a matter of caution.

Please note that the two Woodleigh 320 grain bullet variations differ in their impact velocity ratings. The 320 grain round nose is designed specifically for low impact velocities (9.3x62) and Woodleigh suggest optimal impact velocities as being between 2000 and 2200fps. The Protected Point bullet is rated as giving best performance between 2000 and 2600fps. In practice, I find these bullets can handle impact velocities 300fps faster. Having said this, should I ever have any problems with over expansion, I have only myself to blame for not following Woodleigh’s recommendations. Those who wish to utilize these bullets in more potent wildcat magnums as I have done are advised to use the Protected Point bullets when hunting heavy game. This will help prevent a loss of SD (over expansion) during penetration.
 

More magnums

The DWM 9.3x70 was a magnum based on the .404 Jeffery necked down to 9.3mm. This cartridge was designed and adopted by the German firm DWM around the time period of 1928 in order to compete with the Brenneke cartridge. Perhaps due to gun stock designs of the day which generated high recoil along with shallow penetrating bullet designs, few rifle manufacturers or hunters were willing to adopt the 9.3x70 cartridge. DWM continued to offer 9.3x70 ammunition until war broke out in 1939. This rendered the rare cartridge obsolete. Today, 9.3x70 brass can be formed from .404 Jeffery brass although Jeffery brass is not that common itself. 

The 9.3x70 case design is extremely close to the .375 Dakota proprietary cartridge and both produce similar velocities. The 9.3 has a slightly longer case length than the .375 however the .375 has a longer base to shoulder length which balances case capacities evenly. The 9.3x70 achieves around 100fps more velocity than the 9.3x64, typically pushing a 250 grain bullet at 2900fps, a 286 grain bullet at 2750fps and 293 to 300 grain bullets at 2700fps.

More easily formed wildcats include those based on the .338 Winchester magnum necked down to 9.3 duplicating the velocities of the .358 Norma, the 8mm Remington magnum necked down to 9.3mm duplicating the 9.3x70 and my own pet, the .375 RUM necked down to produce the 9.3 RUM.. The 9.3 RUM fairly well duplicates the .375 RUM, comfortably firing the 225 grain DK at over 3250fps, 250 grain bullets at 3200fps, 286 grain bullets at 3000fps and 293-300 grain bullets at 2950 fps. The RUM is easy to reload for and can be put to use on a wide range of game out to fairly long distances. As a heavy game rifle it is quite well balanced with regards to bullet weights, versus velocities, versus game weight. As an added plus, the 9.3 RUM produces horrendous recoil to help teach the finer virtues of good shooting technique. These wonderful virtues aside, the 9.3 RUM is hard on projectiles when hunting heavy game at close ranges. It is here that we begin to see some differences between the premiums. The Oryx for example can turn itself inside out, becoming a core bonded ball. The Woodleigh PP bullets on the other hand have a cannelure which although located nearer the base of the bullet, prevents this occurrence.

 

Closing comments

The high velocity 9.3x64 Brenneke is a well balanced cartridge for use on a wide range of game. As magnums go, its velocities are similar to the .338 Winchester Magnum, however the Brenneke fires wider and heavier bullets which can be put to great use on heavy game. These comments aside, this cartridge and its 9.3mm kin could do with some U.S made high BC bullets along with basic round nose designs. Until we see greater support, many hunters will never know just how versatile this cartridge or its wildcat equivalents can be.

Sight height 1.6” (Scope).

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