9.3x72r

[rat shoot]

I've been looking at a 9.3x72r. It appears that it was not Nitro proofed for
smokeless powder. Would it be o.k. to use Sellier and Bellot ammunition?
Gun is tight on face and looks almost new. There is a proof mark that i have
not seen before "112/35". What does it indicated?

thanks, don

[John]

S&B told me not to use their ammo in my old drilling, but they might have just been telling me the "legally safe" answer. I don't know what their ammo is loaded to (pressure-wise). For that matter, I do not know the typical black powder pressures for original ammo... Also, bear in mind that the proofs you see were used before the cartridge was "normalized." So, among other problems, the S&B ammo may not even chamber in your gun ! (I know that a vintage RWS loaded round will not chamber in mine, as the rim is just a bit too thick.

It is true that the S&B bullet is the thin "driving band" style that is designed for use in various bore diameters, and I have heard others state that S&B is loaded to "safe" pressures. In my mind, there are too many variables to safely answer...

BTW: The 112/35 is the "gauge" diameter of your gun. (measured land-to-land, NOT groove-to-groove) It was the largest size pin gauge that would enter the muzzle of your barrel at proof. (See tech data on the home page.)

[John]

BTW: Are you sure it doesn't read 118/35 ? (That's the marking on my drilling too...)

[rat shoot]

It is 112/35......