A Look Back at Their Origins
The 9.3×62 Mauser’s Story
To truly understand these cartridges, we must first journey back in time to appreciate their inception and the context that shaped their development.
The 9.3×62 Mauser’s story begins in the early days of the twentieth century, specifically within the workshops of German gunmaker Otto Bock. Designed primarily for hunting in Africa, Bock envisioned a cartridge that would deliver both stopping power and penetration against thick-skinned game like lion, buffalo, and elephant. He built it on the ubiquitous Mauser 98 action, ensuring a strong and reliable platform. The result was a cartridge that quickly gained favor among professional hunters and settlers in the Dark Continent. Its large diameter and relatively heavy bullets, when combined with reasonable velocities, made it a capable round for taking down big game at moderate ranges. The 9.3×62, with its metric designation denoting the bullet’s diameter in millimeters and the case length, offered a balance of performance and practicality that resonated with hunters facing dangerous game.
The Birth of the .35 Whelen
On the other side of the Atlantic, the .35 Whelen has its roots in American ingenuity. Elmer Keith, a legendary gun writer and firearms enthusiast, is often credited with popularizing the .35 Whelen. Its foundation rests on the .30-06 Springfield cartridge case, a platform that was well-known and readily available. The concept was simple: neck up the .30-06 case to accept a .358-inch bullet. This gave rise to a cartridge that offered increased bullet diameter and weight, while retaining the case capacity that allowed for respectable velocities. The Whelen was born out of the desire for a versatile cartridge capable of taking down North American big game. The popularity of this round grew slowly, but steadily, gaining prominence among hunters seeking a powerful, yet manageable, cartridge for game like elk, moose, and bear. It also provided an effective way to improve the performance of rifles chambered in .30-06, without requiring a major overhaul.
Ballistic Battleground: Performance on Paper
Bullet Options: A Diameter and Weight Examination
The true test of any cartridge lies in its ballistic performance. Understanding how these rounds perform on paper is crucial for making informed hunting decisions.
The .35 Whelen, typically shooting bullets that are .358 inches in diameter, offers a range of bullet weight options. Commonly, you might see weights from around 180 grains to over 250 grains, and even heavier. These bullets, moving at considerable speeds depending on the load, deliver a significant impact at varying ranges.
The 9.3×62, with its .366-inch diameter bullets, offers heavier bullet options, generally ranging from around 230 grains to over 300 grains. This provides additional momentum and energy, making it an excellent choice for animals of substantial size.
Energy at Impact
When we look at the energy delivered on impact, the 9.3×62 often enjoys an advantage, especially when using heavier bullets. This translates to a greater ability to transfer energy to the target and create a more immediate effect. The .35 Whelen is by no means deficient in this area, but its performance can vary depending on the bullet weight and construction used.
Penetration and Sectional Density
Examining sectional density, which refers to the bullet’s mass relative to its diameter, highlights another aspect of their performance. Bullets with high sectional density tend to penetrate deeper. The heavier bullets of the 9.3×62, with their substantial mass, typically have a higher sectional density than the .35 Whelen. This gives the 9.3×62 an edge in scenarios where deep penetration is critical, such as when hunting heavy-bodied animals or when dealing with potentially dangerous game. The .35 Whelen, however, is no slouch in this area and can provide significant penetration with the right bullet choice.
Trajectory and Ballistic Coefficient
The ballistic coefficient, which indicates how efficiently a bullet overcomes air resistance, also comes into play. The .35 Whelen benefits from more readily available bullets with optimized ballistic coefficients that allow for a flatter trajectory. This allows for a wider effective range without the need for holdover correction in many circumstances. The 9.3×62, can be effective at reasonable distances but often benefits from a slightly closer range, as its trajectory can be impacted more by bullet drop.
Practicality in the Field: Real-World Considerations
Recoil: Handling the Kick
Beyond ballistics, practical factors play a crucial role in the choice of a hunting cartridge.
Recoil is a fundamental aspect of rifle handling. The 9.3×62, especially when shooting with heavier bullets, typically delivers a noticeable recoil. It is more than manageable for most shooters, but it can be more pronounced than the .35 Whelen, especially with lighter rifle configurations.
The .35 Whelen, while still offering a firm recoil, tends to be slightly milder. This makes it easier for many shooters to handle and allows for more accurate follow-up shots. If you are sensitive to recoil, the .35 Whelen may be the better choice. Rifle weight, stock design, and the load itself will influence the recoil felt by the shooter.
Rifle Availability
The availability of rifles chambered for each cartridge is also an important consideration. While both cartridges are available, the .35 Whelen is typically more accessible in the United States. It can often be found in various bolt-action rifles from manufacturers like Remington, Winchester, and others. The 9.3×62, while available, may be less readily available, especially in mainstream sporting goods stores.
Ammunition Considerations
The cost of ammunition is also a factor. Generally, .35 Whelen ammunition is more widely available and, therefore, often more affordable. The 9.3×62 is available from various manufacturers, but prices can vary depending on brand and availability. Handloading offers a path to cost savings for both cartridges, but requires investment in equipment and components.
Hunting Applications: Matching Cartridge to Game
The 9.3×62: A Powerful Choice
Each of these cartridges has its own strengths, making them suitable for different hunting applications.
The 9.3×62 Mauser, with its combination of bullet weight, diameter, and energy, is ideally suited for hunting a variety of European game, as well as many African plains game species. It’s an excellent choice for red deer, wild boar, and various antelope species. Its deep penetration makes it effective on heavier animals and is considered suitable for dangerous game like brown bear. The 9.3×62’s reputation for delivering consistent, reliable performance has solidified its place in the hearts of many experienced hunters.
The .35 Whelen: Versatile for North America
The .35 Whelen shines in North America, offering impressive performance on animals like elk, moose, black bear, and whitetail deer. The .35 Whelen’s flatter trajectory and wider range of bullet choices make it a versatile choice in various situations. It also excels in brushy environments, where its heavier bullets can retain energy and maintain trajectory through dense cover.
For those hunting larger species, like elk or moose, both cartridges can handle the task. However, the 9.3×62’s extra bit of sectional density with heavier projectiles may be considered as offering an advantage. Both cartridges have proven themselves as effective and reliable for big game hunting in North America.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
9.3×62 Advantages
Each cartridge brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages to the table.
The 9.3×62’s advantages are many. It offers exceptional penetration, making it a solid choice for heavy-bodied and potentially dangerous game. Its high sectional density translates to excellent retained energy, which contributes to its effectiveness at moderate ranges. The disadvantages are primarily centered around its wider case diameter and availability. The .366 bullet does require specific manufacturing considerations, and ammo selection might require additional research.
.35 Whelen Advantages
The .35 Whelen, on the other hand, is highly accessible, with rifles and ammunition widely available in North America. It provides a good balance of power and trajectory. Its selection of bullets also allows hunters to tailor their loads to specific game and conditions. The disadvantages of the .35 Whelen may be perceived to be that it has a slightly more curved trajectory at longer ranges than some of the newer, flatter-shooting cartridges.
Concluding Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the 9.3×62 Mauser and the .35 Whelen hinges on several factors. The primary consideration is the game you intend to hunt. If your pursuits involve dangerous game or animals that require significant penetration, the 9.3×62 is a clear choice. For North American big game, like elk and bear, both cartridges are well-suited, but the .35 Whelen’s availability and flatter trajectory can be advantages.
Consider your personal preferences. If you are recoil-sensitive or are looking for wider availability, the .35 Whelen may be a better fit. If you prioritize penetration and are willing to accept slightly more recoil, the 9.3×62 offers a proven track record.
Ultimately, the best cartridge is the one that you can shoot accurately and with confidence. Research both cartridges thoroughly, consider your hunting needs, and assess your shooting skills.
By making a well-informed decision, you can confidently venture into the field, knowing that you are armed with a cartridge capable of delivering ethical and effective results. Both the 9.3×62 and .35 Whelen are legendary hunting tools that will continue to provide hunters with proven performance. Consider which one best suits your hunting style and preferred game, and then experience the satisfaction of taking game with a cartridge built for the task.
