8x57 with IMR4064?

Walther_PPK

Walther_PPK

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Anyone using IMR4064 to reload 8x57 mauser?

I'm pretty inexperienced with reloading and I tried reloading before following the charges in the Lee manual. I'm using IMR4064 and 150gr Sierra spitzer bullets. According to the Lee manual, the "never exceed" charge is 36.0gr with this combination. Trouble is, with this load my K98 shoots super low @100yards, and my Hakim and FN49 are both jam-o-matics.

I see most people on other forums using a charge of 48~51grs of IMR4064. This basically almost fills the whole case so I just wanna see what some more experienced reloads are doing with this powder.
 
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This is the data that comes with the Lee 8x57 dies correct? It is very mild. Likely why the semi-auto's jam, although they both have adjustable gas systems, have you tried that?

Check out www.hodgdonreloading.com, 36 grains isn't even a starting load. I use 44 grains with a 200 grain bullet, one can use the same charge with a LIGHTER bullet.
 
The data with the dies and in "Modern Reloading - Second Edition" And yea the gas adjustment doesn't help much. They work fine with surplus rounds too.

I think the info in the Lee manual is kinda off. With 150gr bullet in 30-06 the Lee manual calls for a 47.5 starting load with this powder up to over 51gr and I would consider 8x57 comparable to 30-06.
 
Makes sense that load cant run a gas gun! Think I used to load 45 grains with a 200 grain bullet.

4064 is a good powder for the 8mm. That, Varget and H4895 were my go tos.

PS: With soft primers in that FN its something when they run away on you lol.
 
Joel said:
Makes sense that load cant run a gas gun! Think I used to load 45 grains with a 200 grain bullet.

4064 is a good powder for the 8mm. That, Varget and H4895 were my go tos.

PS: With soft primers in that FN its something when they run away on you lol.
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Be very careful with the FN49 in 8mm,they don't have a firing pin safety on them and have been known for slam firing!A gunsmith I knew had one blow up on him,swore he would never touch another one.
Before I shoot any of my semi's I make up a dummy cartridge with a live primer (and of course no powder)and cycle it several times,then take a look at the primer and see what kind of an imprint the firing pin made.

Use the hardest primers available. CCI 200 or CCI 34.
 
I have a Husqvarna 8x57, and it dotes on a healthy charge of Vihtavuori N550.
The 180 can be driven safely to 30-06 velocities with this powder.
With 4064, 47+ grains would be more realistic than 36 grains. Dave.
 
The Lee data is very weak, they even supply the same data with their 8x56R dies (which is an even higher volume case).
 
CCI 200 primers is what I have so I have a bit of luck there for the FN.

I got a box of 175gr sierras too I may try out in the future.
 
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