9.3x74 R

The 9.3x74R is a rimmed cartridge built for break-action rifles: double rifles, combination guns and kipplauf single-shots. Its ballistics sit close to the 9.3x62, and the rim gives reliable extraction from a break-open barrel. This category holds four loads from Norma, RWS and Geco with bullets from 15 to 19 g for large game.

Who this caliber is for

9.3x74R cartridges are meant for hunters of large game: wild boar, red deer and moose. The heavy 9.3 mm bullet hits hard even at moderate velocity, so animals often drop on the spot. That matters on driven hunts, where shots are close and the target is moving.

Because the case is rimmed, the cartridge works best in break-action guns. A double rifle in this caliber is a classic driven-hunt tool: two fast shots without reloading and a short gun that swings well on a tight stand.

Loads in this category

Four loads cover the main bullet construction types, from the fast-expanding Vulkan to the deep-driving Oryx. Bullet weights run from 15 g to 19 g, so there is an option for boar on a driven line and for moose from a high seat.

Norma Vulkan 15 g

The lightest bullet in the category. The Vulkan has a folded nose, opens quickly and dumps its energy inside the animal. A good pick for boar on driven hunts where shots come at short range.

Geco TM 16.5 g

A classic soft-point (Teilmantel) bullet. Simple, predictable construction for everyday hunting at moderate distances and for zeroing your rifle before the season.

Norma Oryx 18.5 g

A bonded bullet with the lead core fused to the jacket, so it keeps most of its weight after impact. It penetrates deep, which suits moose, heavy stags and angled shots through the shoulder.

RWS UNI Classic 19 g (293 gr)

The heaviest bullet here. Its two-part core works in stages: the front expands while the harder rear stays intact and drives the bullet deeper. A universal choice for the biggest game.

How to choose

1. Match the bullet to the animal: 15 g Vulkan handles boar on a driven line, while moose calls for the 18.5 g Oryx or 19 g UNI Classic.
2. Think about distance: heavy bullets drop fast, so past 150 m this caliber demands an exact range estimate.
3. Check your double rifle's regulation: break-action barrels are regulated for a specific load, so re-test on paper after changing bullet weight.
4. Fit the construction to the shot: a fast-expanding bullet for close driven shots, deep penetration for calm shots from a high seat.

Field advice

Zero your rifle at 100 m with the same load you will hunt with. Double rifle barrels are regulated at the factory for one bullet weight, so once you find a load that groups, stay with it. On cold winter mornings keep cartridges in an inner pocket, because temperature shifts powder burn and point of impact. After a drive, inspect the chambers: the rim helps extraction, but dirt works against it.

Brands

Norma is a Swedish maker whose Oryx and Vulkan bullets are standard fare on Scandinavian moose hunts. RWS and Geco are German brands: RWS loads premium hunting ammunition, while Geco is valued for simple, reliable bullets. All three have loaded this caliber for decades.

If your rifle is chambered differently, see .243 WIN. cartridges, 6.5x55 cartridges, 7x57 cartridges or .22 cartridges. If you are unsure which bullet fits your gun and your style of hunting, write to us and we will advise.