Took a couple of Zastava Mannlicher style rifles, one in 7.62x39 and one in 8x57, to the range today. Also a couple of Ackleys, a sporter Mauser in 8mm-06 AI and a Ruger Mk II in 7x57 AI. Doing some load development on all of them. 
First up is the 8x57. Tried some loads with 185 gr Remington bullets. I have a lot on hand from my 8 Rem Mag. It's wearing a Leupold VX-III in 2.5-8. Compact and powerful.
Second is the Zastava in 7.62x39. Loaded up a bunch of Hornady 125 gr tipped bullets. No good loads so far. Has a B&L 1.5-4.5 scope on it.
Third is the sporter mauser in 8mm-06 AI. Loaded with 200 gr Speers. It's a nice rifle to shoot, though it could use more scope. Or I could I guess, the eyes aren't what they used to be. That 4x Weaver steel tube is clear as the day it was sold, but not great for groups at 100 or more.
And last but certainly not least, the Ruger in 7x57 AI. This really is a great combo, ballistically about the same as the 280 Rem, in a comfortable rifle. Topped with an old Redfield 5 Star 3-9 scope, it's a great hunting combo. We hit 10 today, little wind, sunny. Great range day. - dan
First up is the 8x57. Tried some loads with 185 gr Remington bullets. I have a lot on hand from my 8 Rem Mag. It's wearing a Leupold VX-III in 2.5-8. Compact and powerful.
Second is the Zastava in 7.62x39. Loaded up a bunch of Hornady 125 gr tipped bullets. No good loads so far. Has a B&L 1.5-4.5 scope on it.
Third is the sporter mauser in 8mm-06 AI. Loaded with 200 gr Speers. It's a nice rifle to shoot, though it could use more scope. Or I could I guess, the eyes aren't what they used to be. That 4x Weaver steel tube is clear as the day it was sold, but not great for groups at 100 or more.
And last but certainly not least, the Ruger in 7x57 AI. This really is a great combo, ballistically about the same as the 280 Rem, in a comfortable rifle. Topped with an old Redfield 5 Star 3-9 scope, it's a great hunting combo. We hit 10 today, little wind, sunny. Great range day. - dan
