8mm Mauser as a hunting rifle

[shootr]

My scoped, sporterized K98 will shoot within an inch at 100 yards off a bench if I do my part. Handloads with 180 grain NBTs. Used it to take a large doe last year. Hits hard. Too hard in fact, the NBT did extensive damage on a side shot. Lost a shoulder.

Was within 60 yards though, so bullet was moving fast. Haven't chrono'd it, but it's a heavy load of RE 15. Very impressed with the accuracy I got.

Just haven't gotten around to working up another handload. Thinking something like Barnes XXX might cause less damage.

Wouldn't hesitate to use it anywhere I'd use an 06.

 

[CoRoMo]

My brother has been hunting elk with his K98 for years. Handloads will surprise you.

 

[SaxonPig]

The 8x57 is in the same power class with the 30-'06 and in Europe fills the same niche. Ammo and bullets for reloading are not as plentiful but otherwise there's nothing wrong with hunting the 8x57.

This has been modified beyond the sights but it's still in 8x57 and would do for deer under most conditions.





A friend foolishly swapped me this few years ago and I foolishly swapped it back last December. It's an 8x57 and he regularly hunts with it.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

With low powered american 8mm Mauser ammo, my Turk shot only a couple inches high at 100 yards and was perfectly suitable for deer hunting. I added a scout scope later to use hotter european hunting ammo, and used it to take a buck and doe in 2006.

www.scopemounts.com

has scout mount bases for Turks.

 

[Col. Plink]

+1 on the 8mm Mauser and Eldon "get yourself some Sellier and Bellot".

That is, it's a 7.92x57mm Mauser and buy ammo accordingly because American stuff marked '8mmMauser' is noticeably weaker. I shot both on my first outing recently with a nearly pristine VZ-24 from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, and you won't need a chrono to tell the difference. I'm guessing any European loads will be similar; anyone have specs on the Romanian milsurp 150-gr?

Also I was hoping to find out if someone could tell me if the VZ-24 has front sights like other Mausers or are they unique? They are, hands down, the best open sights I have ever seen. The front sight is shielded on both sides and, when raised, frames the target and shows elevation with a pointed post, kind of like this:

(]_A_[)

Absolutely brilliant!

Hoping others have sen what I'm talking about, maybe on K98's?

 

[czvz]

A Turk Mauser has worked for me...
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1hYjOA
I'm the one holding the gun.

 

[Cosmoline]

Just stay clear of US made 8x57JS. It's been downloaded to .30-30 levels by absurd SAAMI regs. There are a number of European makers who produce excellent SP hunting rounds. Norma, Lapua, S&B, and some outfits in the former Yugoslavia. Obviously the Scandinavian is the best, but it's also the most expensive.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

When you "bubba" a rifle, you end up actually spending money to make it LESS valuable. Not wise. Use it in stock form (or with just the mojo sights), or buy a different modern sporter for hunting in caliber of you choice.

 

[lefteyedom]

8X57 might work on deer if you can sneak up real close... like 350-450 yards ....

 

[stolivar]

there is no value to a turk

I have a turk 38 that I put a lowered safety, bent bolt and redfield mounts on it. I only have $150 total in the gun with rings on it.

I reload Sierra 150's for it. It will do 1" at hundred yards all day long.

Definitely a deer killer.

Here are some pictures





steve

 

[plateshooter]

That is a cool looking rifle Stolivar, now you got my wheels spinning for an upgrade on my 48A. I would think a set up like yours with a 1X4 shotgun scope would make a great hog gun.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Unfortunately, many of the modern 8mm loadings that utilize hunting bullets are very underpowered for the 8mm, they are closer to a 30-30 in ballistics. Still useable, but not really utilizing the true capabilities of the cartridge.

 

[jpwilly]

If your going to be shooting an 8mm just be sure to grab some European ammo. It's not that hard to find and still inexpensive. Keep your brass and reload it as hot as you dare. The 8mm has enough ump to get the job done. I find it hard to believe it's even in question. 30-30's been taking deer for a very long time what makes anyone think a more powerful larger bore rifle won't?

 

[Gordon]

Dear Saxon Pig:
This is my long deceased Uncles first deer gun he brought back from WW2. 8x57 and looks like he used RWS 196 grain SP ammo brought in Bergen NJ.He got his deer in upstate New York with the Obendorf Mauser Factory sporter until 1960 when he got the 1955 Model Mannlicher Schoenauer at the old Abacrombie and Fitch in NYC.Yup the 8x57 is a slugging fool IMHO and at least equal to the 3006 under 300 yards.

 

[Col. Plink]

Anyone know if the open sights on the VZ-24 are unique to that rifle or if they are 'stock' for the 8mm Mauser from elsewhere? Thanks!

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

They look the same, but a micrometer might say otherwise.

Contact

www.scopemounts.com

They make scout mounts the CZ 24, if that is the same and may know the difference.

 

[tju1973]

That round (and rifle) took millions of 2 legged critters-- and like another poster said, it will take anything in NA except I wouldn't trust it in bears...deer?

You bet!

 

[mdence]

8mm Mauser

How about Elk?
I've got a sporterized pre-WWII German 8mm Mauser that I'm taking when I go deer hunting next month, but I also got a late elk tag. Should I stick with this gun for both hunts, or should I be looking at something else for the elk?

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

This load will handle any elk:

http://www.sellier-bellot.cz/rifle-ammunition-detail.php?ammunition=12&product=528

Midway has it in stock.

 

[jpwilly]

8mm Mauser could stop a semi...same for 303 Brit, 30-06, etc. What's the debate about again?

 

[AZAviator]

The 8mm Mauser is an amazingly accurate rifle. I sighted in on a 300yd target with my 1944 german mauser from WWII and repeatedly hit it - that was my first day at the range with it!!! I have tremendous respect for that gun and only wish it was easier to find parts for it. BTW the original iron sights are very accurate as I can tell.