Lack of 9.3x72 brass in usa

[cordite]

I’m always lookIng at old German guns for sale but more often than not they are chambered in 9.3x72r or for similar cartridges that need to be made from 9.3x72r brass. Given the number of these guns, I find it strange that this brass is so hard to find. Maybe this isn’t the case in Europe but it sure is here. Even normally reliable sources like buffalo arms never seem to have it in stock. How do you deal with this? Are there other sources that I’m not aware of?

[mike ford]

Cordite,
For a good while, Sellier and Bellot ammo was available in the USA. Many handloaders saved the cases from this ammo and found it acceptable. I understand this company now has a presence here and has a web site which indicates they will sell cases and bullets. There may be minimum quantity requirements, however. I am given to understand that T&G German Gun Imports has brass, as well as ammo, available from time to time. They also have a website. I load several cartridges, for which 9.3x72R cases are often recommended, using either 30-30 or original length (2.125-.130") 38-55 as donor cases. The 30-30 cases work fine for 8.15x46R, 6.5x48R, 6.5x52 R, 5.6x52R, 8x48R, and 9.3x48R (head diameter is a little smaller and rim diameter/thickness may need adjusting). The original length 38-55 cases work for 8x57R/360, 6.5x58R, 8x58R, 9x58R, and 9.3x57R (head diameter also smaller and rim may need adjusting. this case is a little bit short but works fine by seating the bullets to the correct OAL). Starline has these cases but calls them 38-55 long cases (their 38-55 short cases are the same length as 30-30). From time to time, Norma may make a run of 9.3x72R but availability may be uncertain and RWS may be the same.
I hope this helps.
Mike

[cordite]

Thanks for the information Mike. I have used 38-55 long cases for my 6.5x58r. Still seems strange that 9.3x72r cases are not more available. But I suppose in the big picture the demand just isn’t that high. Not really that many people now a days interested in these fine old guns.

[mike ford]

Cordite,
I'm pretty sure you are right about the demand, it seems like there is room for only maker to produce them. Years ago, I noticed that when one company stopped producing them another would start. Right after the war, it seemed the only ones were re-drawn 30-06 or 30-40 cases then Norma started, then DWM, then RWS, then Norma again, then DWM went out of business, then RWS again, now S&B. I dread when we have to go back to re-drawn cases, so I try to keep enough on hand and use them when nothing else will work.
Mike