[Agent6-3/8]

Finally after about 10 years of owning Mausers I'm getting around to cranking out my first 8x57 handloads. To start me off I bought a couple hundred Privi 198g FMJ-BT's to duplicate the military loadings. (bought new Privi brass also)

I've got 8lbs of 844 on hand for my .223, but unfortunately, I can find no data for bullets above 180g. (I understand this powder isn't well suited for heavy bullets)

I've been considering Varget or H4895. Just curious what are you guys using? Which meters the best, etc?



On a side note, I was rescuing some German brass from 80's production 198g FMJ ammo. (had to grind an extra decap pin down to fit the smaller flash hole, then drill them out) I always knew this ammo was hot. It kicked like a mule, sticky bolt and flat primers. Upon decaping I found the primers were also "top hatted". I'd like to have had a chrono to see just how hot those crazy Germans were loading them.

 

[byf43]

I would like to start loading for my Mausers.

I've read where some people have used '06 brass successfully. (?????)

I've still got several cases of 'surplus' 7.92x57mm, and don't have to load, just yet.

 

[Agent6-3/8]

I would like to start loading for my Mausers.

I've read where some people have used '06 brass successfully. (?????)

I've still got several cases of 'surplus' 7.92x57mm, and don't have to load, just yet.

Yea, apparently case dimensions are similar enough you can run a .30-06 case through a full length size die then trim the neck down to the correct length. I'm a little too OCD (and don't have any .30-06 brass anyway) to try it. I'd also be afraid I'd somehow have a brain fart and try to run my .30-06 headstamped 8mm through a real .30-06 and blow myself up...:wow:

 

[GioaJack]

Forming 8 mm brass out of 30-06 brass is no hill for a climber, it's actually one of the easier conversions.

I used to trim the '06 brass down to approximate length as my first step... not really sure if that had to be done but that's how I was taught by an old hand many years ago.

The shoulder of the '06 has to be set back but it's so minimal that it doesn't really present a problem. There is a fine line however between not enough lube and ending up with a stuck case and too much lube resulting in shoulder dents.

It's been many years since I've loaded any of them but IIRC the neck had to be reamed for proper diameter for the '8 MM bullet. Again, no problem and only takes a couple seconds per case... you only have to do it the first time.

Simply use a permanent colored marker, (I think I used to use red) on the headstamp to avoid caliber confusion. Makes for a relaxing cold weather project.

Don't be afraid of trying it... it's how you learn.


Jack

 

[m2hmghb]

The 06 is a modified 7x57mm case. It was made due to us going against Spanish Mausers, we basically copied the spitzer bullet and lengthened the case to make the 1906 cartridge.

 

[garander]

it will meter poorly, but 4064 is a pretty good choice. i use it, and sierra matchkings in my 7.65 argentine mauser, which is pretty close to your 8mm.
like jack mentioned, it was easy to form up some 7.65 brass out of 30-06.
fun even!

 

[dougader]

I used to load for an FN-49 semi-auto, a nice old Egytian military rifle. I used Speer 150 grain spitzers with 49 grains of IMR 4064. The problem with the semi-auto was that the extractor would really beat up the case rims.

But man, some of that old corrosive ammo had jacketed steel core bullets, 198 grains, and it would slice through 5/8" steel plate like nothing.

 

[fredj338]

Any of the medium burners will work fine. For the heavier bullets, I would lean to Varget o/ H4895. Even the 4350 powders will work very well w/ low pressures. I shoot a 338-06, not a whole lot diff. RL15 was my powder of choice until I tried H43590, terrific accuracy w/ lower pressures & still good vel. It is my go to elk rifle w/ 210gr NPs.

 

[dougader]

Fred you won't believe it, but I finally picked up some 338 bullets for my 338-06! (Now I just need the dies, lol...) And, and... I loaded up some of those 45-270-SAA hollowpoints you sent! What was it, almost 18 months ago???

Just like the OP, it seems like I have more to do than ever, but less time!

 

[fredj338]

Yeah, we all get side tracked with life & work keeps getting in the way of fun, but I can't complain, I had been working part time in the Obama economy for hte last 2yrs+. I am quite happy to be working full time again & having less time to shoot (although I still manage to get out 2-3 sat each month).