"The Load" and heavy FMJ bullets for 8x57?

[Tudenom]

I was given a whole whack load of Sweedish 218 grain FMJ machine gun ammo bullets (originally intended for the 8x63) and would like to set up a plinking round for my girlfriend and her KAR98k.

Trouble is I'm not finding much data for a heavy bullet like this that won't be uncomfortable to shoot.

I did however find a few interesting articles on C.E. Harris and what he calls "The Load"; 13 grains of Red dot in prettty much any post 1898 actioned medium bore rifle.

Has anyone experimented with "The Load" and the 8x57 mauser? I've seen some pople are using it for heavier cast bullets in their 30-06, but what can I expect from a heavy jacketed bullet?

 

[Andy]

I have a whack of the same bullets and have shot them in 8x57, but not with a cast bullet load which is what 13.0 grs of Red Dot is typically used as. The problem with using cast bullet loads with jacketed bullets is that the bullet will offer more resistance than cast, and at bottom end cast loads (say 1000 fps or less), can yield a bullet that does not exit the barrel, which would constitute a barrel obstruction.

I am confident that 13.0 grs of Red Dot will not do that, rather will result in a nice low velocity (1300-1400 fps) load. I'd try it, or 15.0 grs of Unique for much the same velocity. Be careful to ensure that the bullet strikes the target with each shot for the first few firings and then you can shoot it with confidence, taking the usual precautions.