Sling

I am looking at some possible loads in QuickLoad for 8 mm Mauser (8 x 57 JS). Here is my specs:

Cartridge : 8 x 57 IS (8 mm Mauser CIP)
Bullet : .323, 196, Norma VULKAN 68020
Useable Case Capaci: 54.876 grain H2O = 3.563 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.000 inch = 76.20 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

These loads below are all pushing 56565 PSI (the CIP max). Of course, I would approach these slowly. I am not necessarily looking for a max load right now, but here is what I am seeing. Again, these are just the predictions:

Powder : Alliant Reloder-17
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
99.3 52.70 2711 3198 56444

Powder : Alliant Reloder-15
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
97.7 49.40 2668 3099 56472

Powder : Ramshot BigGame
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
99.9 52.21 2679 3123 55154

Powder : IMR 4895
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
96.9 49.00 2679 3124 56447

Powder : Hodgdon BL-C2
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
92.6 51.10 2673 3109 56544

Powder : Norma 203B
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
98.0 49.60 2666 3093 56230

Powder : Hodgdon H380
% Grains fps ft.lbs psi
99.1 51.20 2656 3071 56513

Based on your experiences, which powder do you think is likely to give the best accuracy in this cartridge? Actually, 30-06 load data seems to be close to this cartridge, so 30-06 experiences with larger bullets might be helpful also.

I am sure most on here know, but these are just predictions and are not from a reloading manual. They would definitely not be safe for a .318 8mm Mauser.

mounting man

I don't understand what you are asking?
I,also,doubt that anyone here,would want to give you an opinion on this? It is just too dangerous to do!
You are going to have to pick a powder and start trying loads.

Sling

Ok, I will repost the question in a separate post.

So, I have to share my reloading experience with this cartridge, because it is frustrating. So the big 3 ammo makers produce a load with 170 grain bullets going ~2100 fps in case someone fires one in a .318 Mauser by mistake. It makes this cartridge perform like a 30-30. Then a couple of manufactures like Nosler and Hornady produce a load with a bullet close to 200 grains that is going 2400 fps, so that appears to be the “hot” load. So the velocity range of this cartridge becomes 2100 – 2400 fps based on the US factory offerings. Then, if there is any US reloading data available at all, it usually remains under 2550 fps for a 200 grain bullet.

So when data for a 8 X 57 JS Mauser with a velocity over 2600 fps pops up, it looks dangerous as compared to everything else offered in the US. The reality are probably another 10 or so powders that would produce velocities close to or over 2600 fps and still remain below the CIP max. So to reload this cartridge, you end up spending a bunch of time searching reloading boards for bits and pieces of info just to climb back to “normal” (not max) velocities.

I am sure there are other cartridges that present challenges, but this one is a tough one to crack.

RaySendero

Sling,

I've reloaded for two 8mm Mausers. I also noticed having to work thru more different powders to get a good velocity than the other cartridges I've reloaded! I'm still not sure why, maybe its just that so many powders will work in the 8x57.

Anyway, Never did hit 2,600 fps w/ a 200 in 23" barrels.
But am satisfied with these:
2,500 fps w/ 200 Speer HCs and 200 NPTs using H4895.
2,700 fps w/ 185 Rem CLs using IMR-4064.

Both rifles like both those loads accurately.

Sling

Ray - Thanks, I will have to try those out with a 24 inch barrel. They look pretty good.

I gave it a try yesterday and I am breaking 2600 FPS with the first powder I tried (no pressure signs). I won't post the recipe since it is not from a reloading manual, but it was from a powder that is known for its velocity. I am pretty positive I can repeat this with multiple powders.

RWS factory ammo is a 196 grain bullet at 2592 fps. If there is factory ammo available at that velocity, you would think there would be a bunch of reloading data from 2600 to 2650 fps with a 200 grain bullet, right? The max loads in some US manuals could be considered reduced loads in this cartridge.

You could actually argue that it is not safe to publish reduced loads in manuals and call them max. They really need to publish true max data to help us gage pressure and reload safely.

bpd1982

Here is full house Norma data.

http://www.norma.cc/en/Ammunition-Ac...-Data/8x57-JS/

Sling

Thanks bpd1982 - That is definitely a notch above US reloading data.

There is just a ton of missing data for this cartridge.