I have just purchased an unfired M48 Mauser (nearly same as M98) it has all forged/milled steel (No pressed metal). It is in pristine condition, covered in original factory grease and has never fired a round. I am going to use this in Military shoots.

Does anyone know a good load and bullet type for this rifle. (I was thinking of using 150gr Sierras as this is for target work.)


Thanks a million


The Ace

(from Downunder)

My 8mm mauser likes Hornday 150 gr with 50. gr of IMR 4064 and REM 9 1/2 primer . I get 2 " groups at 100 yds . My rifle was a used K98 with a ok barrel ,Me and iron sights are the limiting factor it probly would shoot better if i could see . Still I have shot 2 deer with this load/gun.

My Drilling is the "jrs" version of the 8x57, and it shoots "very good". It does seem to prefer heavier bullets, and "yes" i did try numerous lighter ones includeing 150 Sierra's.

For hunting i only use 200 grain Nosler partitions, and i've found them very effective on moose, deer, bear, ect....

I shot the nice buck in the picture last fall as it stood about 100 yards away, with the above Nosler load. The deer just love to come out into my food plots!!

Drilling Man

I have a sporterized K98 that likes 180 grain and 200 grain pellets. An M48 that prefers 200 grain and an original configuration K98 that also prefers 200 grain bullets. None of them like the 150 grain stuff.

I have had good luck with Remington's 185g CL bullet with a max charge of IMR 4350. I've also had good luck with the Nosler 180g BT.