160 gr TTSX or 200 gr NP in 8x57

MiG25

MiG25

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So my stock of 8mm 200 gr Nosler Partitions is running low, thinking of switching to the 160 gr TTSX. Use is for coyotes, deer, and elk. Ranges on Big Game 50-150 yards and out to 300 on coyotes. I'm thinking that I can significantly flatten the trajectory by switching which will make it easier to hit coyotes.

Thoughts or experiences, my current load with the 200 gr NP starts out right at 2500 fps, I'm thinking 2900 fps should be doable with the lighter bullet.
 
I think that the 160's will be the cats ass for Mauser fans. If you can round up some CFE223 you can get them moving really quick, one bullet for anything that you want to shoot.
 
The TTSX should do you fine, and should give you some pretty flat trajectories indeed.

However, plain old Hornady 195's are also a very good all around 8mm bullet and cost about $44 per 100.

I also use Sierra 220 grain gamekings; they're a very solid, tough bullet, and my sporter K98 spits them out at 2475 fps.
 
There's nothing a 200 can do that a 160 won't. And with less felt recoil. Not that you're likely to feel that.
"...If you can round up some CFE223..." And that's the only powder that Hodgdon shows coming close to 2900. Their site just happens to give TTSX specific data, but I'd go to Barnes' site too.
 
Barnes shows the 308 hitting 2980 with a 150 grainer so with the extra capacity and bigger bore, that same velocity should be doable in the 8x57 with the 160 grain bullet. Remember the S Patrone was doing something like 2900 fps (granted with a longer barrel) back in 1905, and powders have only gotten better. I'm mostly interested in flattening the trajectory for coyotes while still being elk capable.
 
What's the pressure rating on those loads. Anyone know what the K98 action was proofed at? I know the K98 is a very strong action, just depends how comfortable you are with cranking them up. I know that traditionally the 8x57mm Mauser cartridge was a lower pressure cartridge. I simply punch holes in paper or hit the gong at Silverdale so I tend to load on the low side to extend the life of my brass.
 
I have a modern Rifle [M700 "Classic"] chambered in 8x57.

With the 180 Ballistic Tip and VV N550, I am just over 2800 FPS in a 24" tube.
So 2900+ with a 160 should be no sweat.

However, many of the M98 rifles have relatively long throats, so being
anywhere near the lands may be pie in the sky, lol.

You need to try them to see how they shoot. It may work well.

I would be trying Reloder 15 or 17 behind that 160 TTSX.

Regards, Dave.
 
Barnes is limiting the 8x57 to 51000psi and still has 2872 fps as max. The Europeans load it to a max of 56000+. Proof is something like 71000 psi IIRC. I doubt that 2900fps would strain anything.

I've got a stock of RL 15.
 
Swede M96 actions have equally long throats. Interesting to learn that the Germans proofed the K98's at 71k psi. I had heard that the Europeans load the Mauser cartridges hotter than in North America (US "lawyer loads").

My own experience with using RL 17 @ 50gr. pushing a 168gr Hornady Match HPBT with very good results in my K31. I haven't thought about using it in my K98.
My buddy came up with the data using Quickloads at 98% case fill... est. at 2612 fps generating 40758 psi chamber pressure.
 
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