Some 8X57 Loads with a 218 gr Bullet

[Andy]

Was out in the cold today: -8C with a stiff breeze

Prvi Brass
CCI200 primer
218 gr FMJ bullet (pulled from 8X63 brass)
3.250" OAL
23" barrel

1. H4895 - 45.0 grs - 2275 fps
2. IMR-4064 - 45.0 grs - 2250 fps
3. BL-C(2) - 46.0 grs - 2275 fps
4. H414 - 50.0 grs - 2250 fps
5. H4350 - 54.0 grs (full) - 2400 fps
6. H4831SC - 57.0 grs (compressed) - 2225 fps


These are all about max loads.

 

[jongun]

Sounds like fun! Happy with the results? What rifle?

 

[Northman999]

Looks pretty consistent with several powders.

I have not tried as many powders as you, but my loads with 220 grain Sierra's and 4064 run over 2450 fps, so I think you may be able to get more velocity out of some of your faster burning powders if you chose to.

 

[Andy]

Sounds like fun! Happy with the results? What rifle?

They were shot in a Persian VZ-24 Mauser. It was too cold and I shot too few rounds to really know, but the H4895 and H4350 loads were the ones that looked most promising at this point.

 

[BeaverMeat]

They were shot in a Persian VZ-24 Mauser. It was too cold and I shot too few rounds to really know, but the H4895 and H4350 loads were the ones that looked most promising at this point.

I'm no pro, but I'd stick with the H4350. 2400 fps or there a bouts is the proper C.I.P. velocity for 220gr bullets.

 

[jongun]

Nice Andy. VZ 24 or K98 has been on my want list for a while but other purchases have come up. Hopefully one of these days. Already have Czech in the form of the VZ 58 but I've nothing German so maybe I should go with the original.

 

[Andy]

I'm no pro, but I'd stick withthe H4350. 2400 fps or there a bouts is the proper C.I.P. velocity for 220grbullets.

Once I'm done load development, the "correct" load will be the most accurate one and it might not be the fastest. That said, H4350 seems to be the optimum powder for this bullet if max MV is the objective. I still have to try H380, IMR4007SSC, Hybrid100V, Superformance and Re17, and I might go to 52.0 grs with the H414.

I've found that for each bullet weight, 8X57 loads closely mimic 30-06 loads. There are many more 30-06 loads published with most rifle powders produced, so they can be a useful guide to load development for the 8X57.

 

[Andy]

Once I'm done load development, the "correct" load will be the most accurate one and it might not be the fastest. That said, H4350 seems to be the optimum powder for this bullet if max MV is the objective. I still have to try H380, IMR4007SSC, Hybrid100V, Superformance and Re17, and I might go to 52.0 grs with the H414.

I've found that for each bullet weight, 8X57 loads closely mimic 30-06 loads. There are many more 30-06 loads published with most rifle powders produced, so they can be a useful guide to load development for the 8X57.

H-380 - 50.0 grs - 2335 fps
H-414 - 53.0 grs - 2425 fps
Re17 - 54.0 grs - 2500 fps
Hybrid100V - 56.0 grs - 2525 fps
Superformance - 60.0 grs (compressed) - 2525 fps

 

[Eagleye]

H-380 - 50.0 grs - 2335 fps
H-414 - 53.0 grs - 2425 fps
Re17 - 54.0 grs - 2500 fps
Hybrid100V - 56.0 grs - 2525 fps
Superformance - 60.0 grs (compressed) - 2525 fps

Andy, I found Vihtavuori N150 and particularly N550 well suited to heavier bullets in the 8x57. Dave.

 

[Andy]

Andy, I found Vihtavuori N150 and particularly N550 well suited to heavier bullets in the 8x57. Dave.

They make great powders and those two have about the best burn rates.

I think that Winchester Supreme 780 would be good too, and I have a couple of pounds, but it's discontinued (like Winchester so often does with new powders) so I'm reluctant to spend much time with it.

 

[jethunter]

Those might be fun bullets for reduced loads or even sub-sonic loads. Seen people using 8x57 subsonic heavy bullets for pest control in South Africa.

 

[Andy]

 

[Kevan]

The VZ 24 and the 8X57 are a great combination.
I have had one since my teenage years ( now 70 ) and its put a lot of meat in the freezer.

 

[fiddler]

I personally find the 220gr bullet too heavy and gives more trajectory than I care for with 8mm. I haven't run them through a crony but a 175gr or 180gr soft point with 4350 powder gives me better speed and energy, especially for hunting. Its my opinion just like 30.06, it maxes out in efficiency in medium and long ranges shortly after exceeding 180gr bullets. While close ranges have a better burst of energy and is good for dangerous animals such as bears, it is quickly lost when entering mid-range.

I realize not everyone is looking for a hunting load. I shoot most 8mm with a Yugo M48.