Paper Patched Bullets for the 9.3x74R

[Reverend Recoil]

I have a Ruger No.1 rifle in caliber 9.3x74R. The performance I am getting with jacked bullets is:

250 gr. 2600 fps
270 gr 2500 fps
286 gr 2400 fps
320 gr 2150 fps

Accuracy is 1.5 – 2.25 at 100 yds with a NECG receiver sight. Jacketed bullets, bullet molds and sizing dies are all special order for this caliber. The only gas checks that may be used are 375 caliber. I am considering trying paper patched bullets with this rifle and would like to duplicate the performance I am getting with jacketed bullets. I will be ordering a mold from Mountain Molds. I have several questions for all you experts.

1. For a 0.366 grove diameter barrel would a 0.358 bullet be the correct size for paper patching?

2. Which base type is preferred; plain base, gas check shank, or beveled base?

3. Which body type is preferred; smooth or grooved?

4. I wish to avoid purchasing unnecessary dies and tools. Can I expect good performance without running the bullet through a sizing die before and after patching?

Thanks for your support

[dogtrainer12]

I successfully paper patch for the 9.3 x 62.

1) Yes, or .357. Either way run a file across (jacketed bullets) and cast bullets if you desire to increase the amount of friction for the paper to stick to the bullets. Roll your paper until you reach .366" diameter measured after paper dries.

2) All types will work. Gas checks do not have to be installed on bullets. before paper patching.

3) I have used both succesfully.

4) I have not use any sizing before or after patching and have been successful in paper patching for the 9.3 x 62.
The most important thing to do is to try to find paper that it thick-thin enough to rap two or three time around a bullet so that the finished diameter is .365 or .366 or .367. Depending on your bore-grove measurements one or more of the above diameters may work for your rifle. I have noticed that jacketed bullets are more uniform starting off, therefore, after they are patched they tend to group tighter then cast or swaged bullets all other factors considered.

[303Guy]

Reverend Recoil

Have you had a look over on 357maximum 's thread "35 remington patched project"? He is having great success with g/c shanked boolits (minus the g/c). He shows pics with targets.

[scb]

http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr236/scb2008/100_1044.jpg

This is my 9.3 x 74R. The boolit is from Saeco #352 mould that Ben so graciously sold me. The paper is just my printer paper, 2 wraps. Base was not fully covered. 54 grains IMR 4064. The group was fired at 50 yd. (the one off to the right was my fault). When I got to the range I found I'd forgot targets and all I had were some Shoot 'n See dots and some cardboard. The only added expence which I don't know was required was a .358 Lee sizer that I bored out to .367.

[docone31]

I stopped useing targets.
I brought paper plates. I would fire on into the plate, then use that hole as the 10. From there I developed my groups.
To cover your tail, heheheh, make the strips a little wider. Just enough to twist, even a little.
I cut my strips 1". It makes it a little easier to handle.

[303Guy]

scb, considering the is a lot of yaw in those boolits, that is not too shabby at all! What is the length of those boolits?

(I shot off a few patched boolits that made nice concentric holes but they were all over the place!)

[scb]

scb, considering the is a lot of yaw in those boolits, that is not too shabby at all! What is the length of those boolits?

(I shot off a few patched boolits that made nice concentric holes but they were all over the place!)

I don't have any cast that aren't loaded, so I can't measure one for you.
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr236/scb2008/93pp.jpg

and this is what they did to a 1/2" steel plate at 100 yds
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr236/scb2008/100_1039.jpg
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr236/scb2008/100_1041.jpg

As far as the yaw is concerned, the pic. was not taken straight at the target. Because of the corrugated cardboard looking at it at that angle sort of makes it look like the boolets weren't going thru straight. They were.

[303Guy]

Because of the corrugated cardboard ... That makes better sense!

Great pics! Thanks. To the steel plate I say, HOLY COW![smilie=w:

Do you have a pic of the rifle? It sure is a handsome cartridge. Are you seating to the base of the neck?

[scb]

Do you have a pic of the rifle? It sure is a handsome cartridge. Are you seating to the base of the neck?

http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr236/scb2008/93target1.jpg

Yes, seating to the base of the neck.

[303Guy]

Beauty! Thanks.

[Cheshire Dave]

Nice rifle. I think a restocked # 3 looks better then a #1. The lever looks better to me. I have been very interested in the 9.3x74 and now Hornady is making cases and bullets it's getting cheaper to shoot. Of couse now that Ruger is chambering the 450/400 there are too many good rounds to pick from.

[Reverend Recoil]

My Saeco # 352 mold came in and I have casted 100 good looking bullets. The next step is to roll them, load them, and shoot them. I will post the results. Thanks for the help fellows.