My new 8mm

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barktwid

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I had a 30-06 Rem. SPS stainless that I had no interest in using and I always wanted a new 8mm Mauser, I have had a few old ones, so I had Rick at Alberta Tactical Rifle Supplies put a new Lijla 8x57 barrel on it for me. The barrel is 20" and a little heavier than the original barrel. He also cleaned up the actions operation and adjusted the trigger to 2.5lbs. When I recieved the rifle I was very happy with it but I wished I would have put a better stock on it. So with out even firing it I ordered a used HS percision stock and installed it. I bedded the action and floated the barrel. I also refinnished it as I did not like the original color. It now looks like a very fine rifle even though it is not wood and blued steel. I then mounted a 3.5-10x40 VX-III with a Boon and Crocket retical wih Leupold mounts. I then procieded to try some reloads. I decided I was going to use one bullet and as I am a Nosler fan I decided on the 180gr BT as it is a well built hunting bullet with a good BC. I first tried IMR4064 and found that my best accuracy (.40" @ 100m) was with 44grns and pushed the bullet at 2450 fps. The accuracy was awsome but the speed was too slow as I wanted 30-06 preformance. As I increased the load accuracy went south fast. I then tried R15 and worked my loads up to 49grns with good accuracy, best group being .45" @ 100m. The bullet averages 2780 fps. I am very happy with the rifle. Rick Timmons did an awsome job on th gunsmithing and I did my best work on the stock. The rifle resembles a tactical rifle but I am goung to use it as an all weather, all purpose hunting rifle. I guess I am just posting this thread because this was my first semi custom rifle and it has been an awsome experience. I am also trying to spark interest in the 8x57 as a excellent north american hunting cartridge. Please forgive the spelling and here are some pics, if they work.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u203/barktwid/IMG_0014.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u203/barktwid/IMG_0016.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u203/barktwid/IMG_0013.jpg
 
I am going to develop a 200grn load for my Huskavarna 8x57 this year. It is going to be accurate but most of all very powerfull. The problem I find when reloading the 8mm is that even most of the manuals underload the cartridge so I decided that I would find the max limits that still seem safe. If I see any high pressure signs I will back off and then I will post the load for others to try, at there own risk of course. I've heard you can get up to 3300 ftlbs of energy safely out of an 8mm Mauser.
 
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That ought to do it. Nothing wrong with the cartridge, though not one that I have played with. Looks like a great hunting rig.
 
I've occasionally thought about getting an 8mm (probably a 325wsm), but the lack of bullet variety has dissuaded me, particularly given the abundance of 338 (8.6mm) bullets around.

Though I have a spare stock for a 98 mauser that I'm going to have to stick something in some day, and it may well be an 8mm. My current thinking is either 8mm or 9.3mm, or maybe even a 9x57 (sort of a .35x57 Whelen)
 
That is one nice rifle. In a great old cartridge. When you finish the blued and wood version, please post pic's. After all everyone could use a sibling.
 
Umm yeah, what is a 8mm? lol From what I know, it's bigger then a 30 cal but smaller then a 40? I dunno geez I suck. I take it they are more then adequate for moose and bear correct?

Looks nice. Way better then what I have. Does it have a limbsaver on it or is that a R3 pad?
 
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