Hanloading your 8mm mauser

[MacBranche]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and I couldn't find any thread on 8mm handloads.

I recently buy my first k98k, a byf45 all matching in a descent shape and I want to start making my own bullets for it, but I need a couple of tips.

1. What is the pressure you can put in a cartridge without (or with minimal) risk of using prematurely the barrel? I know that some recipe bring pressure way higher than what the gun has been made for, but in another way I know these guns can take alot as they were tested at way higher pressure than what their usual bullet was giving.

2. Which kind of bullets (weight and type) are generally suitable for k98k? I might want to bring it for moose hunting on nice weather days

Thanks!

 

[jbmauser]

I would suggest buying some current reloading manuals and sticking to published loads. Some powders that work good for me in the 8x57 are H4350 and H4895.

An original matching byf 45 isn't something I'd be taking out hunting or putting a ton of rounds through but that's just me. Personally I would stick to min loads or reduced loads for plinking and find a different rifle for hunting or pounding out a lot of rounds. Just my opinion.

 

[CM0087]

Hi there,

In regards to burning through the barrel, as long as she has a good shootable bore and you aren't planning on putting alot of rounds through her, I wouldn't worry too much about it. These things are an absolute joy to shoot and a mauser can take alot of stick.

In regards to your recepie, i use 200gr Sierra Matchkings at the range & both my k98's and Gew98 love them and group well. We don't have many moose down under,lol, but i would go with the Speer 200gr flat base soft point, it's well made and accurate. I charge my loads with 45gr of medium-burning powder for a MV of 2370-2400 FPS, which is a medium charge and groups the best. But, you may want to put an extra grain or two for added oomph (check min-max loads for your powder type first, obviously)

Enjoy

Cheers
Chris

 

[CLMI04]

I would suggest buying some current reloading manuals and sticking to published loads. Some powders that work good for me in the 8x57 are H4350 and H4895.

An original matching byf 45 isn't something I'd be taking out hunting or putting a ton of rounds through but that's just me. Personally I would stick to min loads or reduced loads for plinking and find a different rifle for hunting or pounding out a lot of rounds. Just my opinion.

+1 on finding another rifle for taking down moose or putting a ton a rounds down range with.

 

[mto7464]

making bullets as in casting? A great plinking load is 18 grains of 2400 and Lee's 175 grain cast bullet with gas check.