The Ruger 77 in 9.3x62mm: Bill Wilson's Favorite Hunting Rifle - Gun Guys Ep. 44 with Ken Hackathorn

Published on September 28, 2021
Duration: 12:36

This guide details the customization of a Ruger 77 rifle into a potent 9.3x62mm hunting tool, favored by expert hunter Bill Wilson. It covers rebarreling, bedding, optic selection, and ammunition choices for effective big game hunting, particularly in African and European environments. The process emphasizes durability and versatility for a wide range of hunting scenarios.

Quick Summary

Bill Wilson's favorite hunting rifle is a customized Ruger 77 chambered in 9.3x62mm. This caliber offers significant stopping power comparable to larger magnum cartridges but in a more manageable package, making it ideal for big game hunting in Africa and Europe. The rifle features a Pac-Nor barrel, glass bedding, and a Trijicon Accupoint scope for reliable performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction: Bill Wilson's Favorite Hunting Rifles
  2. 00:35Bill Wilson's Hunting Background
  3. 00:55Ruger 77: Favorite Bolt Action
  4. 01:289.3x62mm Caliber Explained
  5. 02:15Ruger 77 Customization & Ballistics
  6. 03:089.3x62mm Advantages & Ammo Choice
  7. 04:04Optics & Sights for Ruger 77
  8. 05:23Ruger 77 Durability & Features
  9. 06:24Growing Popularity of 9.3x62mm
  10. 07:20Other Rifle Calibers and Special Editions
  11. 08:08Wilson Combat Ultralight Hunter (AR-10)
  12. 09:29Ultralight Hunter Specifications & Ammo
  13. 10:37AR Platform for Hunting
  14. 11:34Conclusion: Bill's Proven Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 9.3x62mm caliber a favorite for big game hunting?

The 9.3x62mm is favored for its potent stopping power, comparable to larger calibers like the .375 H&H, yet it's housed in a lighter rifle with manageable recoil, making it exceptionally versatile for hunting medium to large game across various terrains.

What modifications were made to Bill Wilson's Ruger 77 rifle?

Bill Wilson's Ruger 77 was rebarreled to 9.3x62mm by Pac-Nor, glass-bedded for accuracy, fitted with a Trijicon 3x9 Accupoint scope, and features a durable Black Armor-Tuff finish and a Decelerator recoil pad for enhanced performance and longevity.

Why does Bill Wilson prefer the 9.3x62mm over other calibers for African hunting?

Bill Wilson selects the 9.3x62mm for its proven effectiveness on African game, offering a balance of power and shootability. He uses specific loads like 286-grain Nosler Partitions for general hunting and Barnes X-Bullets for tougher animals, making it a reliable all-around choice.

What are the advantages of the Trijicon Accupoint scope on a hunting rifle?

The Trijicon Accupoint 3x9 scope offers dual illumination: tritium for low-light conditions and fiber optics for daylight. This versatility ensures a clear sight picture and rapid target acquisition in a wide range of hunting environments and times of day.

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