Israeli K98's are usually pretty nice rifles, IF they haven't been buggered with by bubba. I have at least two. Very nice to shoot with Norinco "surplus" 7.62x51.
I like the Israeli K98 rifles. I have one each in 8x57js and 7.62x51. They both are 90% or better with excellent bores. They both shoot better than my old eyes will allow. However, this summer a couple of fellows in their mid twenties put those rifles through their paces. They both like milsurps. One is a die hard 8x57 fan and the other is a die hard 7.62x51 fan. They both have several of each but wanted to compare calibers against each other for accuracy under controlled conditions. The conditions were a clear Saturday morning with temps around 20C. There would be 25 rounds of proven surplus ammunition, from a similar manufacturing time. All rounds fired from front/rear match rests off the bench, while seated. The rifles were freshly cleaned at the range by their respective shooters.
Luckily I had Israeli made surplus fodder for both of them. The only difference was bullet weight and diameter. All of the rounds were shiny and bright.
The results were quite surprising. The first five rounds, which counted for score but only by group size, to be used as a tie breaker were fired at the 100 yard targets. The groups were slightly over an inch and varied by 1/16 inch. The 8x57 shot the tightest group. The target was the standard 8 inch black with 2 inch white bull.
Remember, the rifles weren't equipped with scopes but the milspec iron sights normally associated with K98 Mauser rifles. All targets were shot at 100 yards.
The next 5 shots were on CSSA Match 200 yard targets used in Hunter Bench Rest. After the first targets were shot, we determined that both fellows were proficient enough to use these with success. One shot per target as there are six targets on each page. 5 score targets and one sighting. No sighters were allowed. Again, the scores were almost identical but this time the 7.62x51 had the best score.
Target #2 was the same with the 8mm getting high score.
Target #3 the shooters switched rifles. They were trying to determine which round was most accurate, not which shooter was better. They shared Kentucky Windage dope on the rifles before shooting this target.
To their credit, the scores didn't waver and the last target was a tie.
Target #4 was another group target, again with the 8 inch black with 2 inch white bull. Results were identical to the first group target with smallest group going to the 8mm but with a different shooter.
None of the targets were timed and the rifles were allowed to cool between shots.
From my own experience as well as this impromptu match there was one thing evident, to me as well as the other two shooters. IF the rifles are in VG or better condition, with excellent bores and consistent ammunition they will be accurate. The same can be said for just any milsurp I've tested for accuracy. Mosins, Carcanos, Arisakas, Lee Enfields, Mausers, Garands, Springfields etc. will all shoot as good or better than the capabilities of the shooters under controlled conditions.
If you have a preference for any cartridge than by all means search for a rifle chambered for it. The biggest consideration should be overall Very Good or better condition with an excellent bore if you're going to shoot for accuracy. After that, hand loads are always superior to mass produced surplus unless you happen to luck into a unique lot that your rifle likes.
