Thoughts On Best Overall Target Load for 8x57 Mauser to 100 Meters? (Details Inside)

[Savage Haggis]

Hi there,

I want to create point of aim (for 100 meter +/- 10 meters) via 200 meter sight target loads for my Yugo M24/47 Mauser rifle, that are lighter and less punishing on novice and 1st time shooters.
(...and also a little lighter on the pocket book when reloading over all.)
These would be strictly range loads and not hunting loads.
Had a quick look at some of the related threads but, so far, hadn't found the answer to my questions, so I pose them to you, the viewing audience...

Using the following:

* 175 grain Sierra Spitzer Bullets
* Once fired PRVI 8x57 brass
* Dominion Large Rifle Primers
* IMR 4064 in two separate test loads
(EDIT) * 3" (dead) bullet seat OAL

(a) x 15 test rounds with 42 grain IMR 4064
and
(b) x15 test rounds with 45.6 grains IMR 4064


Neither of these loads of have been range tested yet, waiting for the weekend.

However I would appreciate hearing from other Mauser reloaders and what their pet range/target loads might be.

Please chime in...

Cheers,

 

[Eagleye]

If you are only doing 100 yard "Plinking" with your 8x57, the Speer 170 grain Semi spritzer or even the Hornady 150 grain spire point would be good choices.

They could be loaded light with IMR or H4895, or IMR 3031, for light recoiling loads.

Regards, Dave.

 

[kamlooky]

Hornady 150's are what I've been tossing down wind as Eagleye has suggested.

 

[Savage Haggis]

Snuck out to the range at first light.
42 grains of IMR seems a good target load.

Still open to opinions and options though

 

[Savage Haggis]

Quick aside here...
I discovered this morning my 42 grain loads were leaving the neck of the casing quite black & sooty.
Should I be seating the bullet deeper in order to get the pressure up - or is this the curse of a lighter load?
Thoughts?

 

[Eagleye]

Normal with light loads. If you get really light, that soot may extend down onto the body of the case as well.

Regards, Dave.