Hey all, I just got back from the range after shooting 30 of my first 8mm mauser handloads in a russian capture K98. I tried three different loads, all three were 200gr sierra matchking bullets, winchester brass (full length sized, but will be neck sized now that they've been fired), federal primers, and IMR-4064. Three different groups with differing powder charges were shot. Here are the results:
42gr IMR-4064: top right group; 2.944in.
41gr IMR-4064: bottom group; total size - 2.17in, First 7 shots - 1.067in.
40gr IMR-4064: middle group; 4.351in, but only 2 inches at widest point?
All shots were taken at 100 yds with mojo iron sights with a front bag rest. I have never gotten phenomenal results from this rifle, so I was never very optimistic about getting great groups, but those first 7 shots with the 41 grain powder charge make me happy and hopeful that groups around 1 inch are possible. I may have very well been a large factor in these group sizes. The fact that the group of the cartridges with the 40gr charge was only 2in at its widest point makes me think I may have varied a bit with my sight picture...either way, only more shooting will tell what this rifle can do
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42gr IMR-4064: top right group; 2.944in.
41gr IMR-4064: bottom group; total size - 2.17in, First 7 shots - 1.067in.
40gr IMR-4064: middle group; 4.351in, but only 2 inches at widest point?
All shots were taken at 100 yds with mojo iron sights with a front bag rest. I have never gotten phenomenal results from this rifle, so I was never very optimistic about getting great groups, but those first 7 shots with the 41 grain powder charge make me happy and hopeful that groups around 1 inch are possible. I may have very well been a large factor in these group sizes. The fact that the group of the cartridges with the 40gr charge was only 2in at its widest point makes me think I may have varied a bit with my sight picture...either way, only more shooting will tell what this rifle can do
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