Berger,
There's a couple of considerations that weigh into your decision whether or not to purchase a K98. Remington, Winchester and Federal all make Soft Point 8mm ammo that should be available at any decent sporting goods store, though perhaps not at every Walmart or CT that carries ammo. It's price will be comparable, or just a tad bit more expensive than .303, .308 and 30.06. The only other issue with it is that US manufacturers load 8mm Mauser to lower velocities and pressures (similar to 30.30) out of a fear of liability in the event that they are shot in old Commission 88 rifles with narrower bores made before or left unmodified after the diameter of 8x57JS was changed from .318 to .323 some time around the turn of the last century. That said, anyone wanting a mauser as a woods rifle for deer or similar sized game would have access to reasonably decent ammo.
There's also several European manufacturers of 8.57JS ammo that vary in price and quality from several relatively inexpensive Eastern European companies (Sellier and Bellot, Privi Partizan and Igman are all available in Canada) to more expensive brands like Norma. These manufacturers load the cartridge to higher velocities and pressures comparable to .30/06 and .308. Much of this ammo needs to be mail/internet ordered (such as the Igman available at districorp for about $10 a box) or can be found on a hit and miss basis at the better sporting goods stores. The less expensive brands like PP and Igman can be a bit more cost efficient for the hunter who wishes to take full advantage of the loads best suited to a 98 action and big game hunting, plus the opportunity for a bit more practice with the rifle without breaking the bank. The availability of this ammo is comparable to finding soft point hunting ammo for a Mosin Nagant.
Regarding 8mm military surplus ammo, the other posters have already identified the availability (or lack therof) at the present and the dim prospects for the future. The Lebaron staff probably took it that you were solely referring to surplus ammunition when you asked about 8mm, whence their response that they don't carry any 8mm, even though they carry commercial production.
A longer term solution for a K98 owner would be to reload for that calibre, which would at least make it reasonably affordable to practice with the rifle several times over the summertime in addition to taking it into the woods come deer season. In the case of rifles like the Turk 1893 Mauser that I've just purchased, reloading enables me to develop lighter loads for added safety in light of the limited gas venting ability of that model. I cut my costs further by casting lead bullets, with which I've had some good success in my two 8mm K98s. Most cast bullet loads use less powder and generate less pressure than regular jacketed bullet loads, making them easier on the rifle, more pleasant to shoot, and allows me to also create small game loads for these mausers in addition to big game ammunition. That said, both reloading in general and cast bullet making/loading in particular do require some commitment of time and attention that you may or may not have at this time. It may however be worth keeping in mind over the long run.
K98 rifles are getting more scarce and pricy even with the lack of military surplus ammo for them, and it's not yet clear whether we'll be seeing any more Russian Capture rifles again, or if so when. Depending upon how many other rifles you have that can shoot less expensive and more readily available ammo, it might still be worth purchasing one. At the very least, their value will not diminish regardless of whether we ever get any large shipments of surplus ammo, and might become more valuable if we ever do.
With Regards,
Frank
