Test Results: 8x57mm Mauser JS

[Lambo]

I had Loaded a few so I decided to put them to the Test today.
Cal.: 8x57mm Mauser JS
Bullet: Sierra BTHP Match King .323 200gr.
Powder: IMR 4064
Case: Mix
Primer: Winchester LR
Load: 44grs
Case Trim: 2.230
COL: 3.200
Rifle: German K98 Mauser
Results,
At 100 yds. 5 Shot Group within 1in. of each.
Note: To acheive Bullseye Elevation upped Rear Sight 1 click
Additions: I also Tested with Loads of 42,43, 45, 46!
42 & 43 were Low/Bad Grouping (over 3in)
45 & 46 were High/Bad Grouping (over 3in)

Anyone with Data for the Sierra 175gr Spitzer .323 8mm?

 

[Lupara]

You never can go wrong with a 98. Congratulations on the nice group. But, alas, it is not unusual.



15 rds, incl. 1 shot cold bore and 3 w/ hot barrel

 

[cracked butt]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Anyone with Data for the Sierra 175gr Spitzer .323 8mm?

I've never used that bullet, but my favorite bullet in that weight range is the Hornady 170gr RN bullet. I lload these with 50.0gr of IMR 4064 and they tend to shoot more accurately than any other load in all of my 8mms. As stated above, this is a hot load- it was the maximum load listed in Lyman #46 but I understand that <yman #47 has a lighter load listed as maximum for this bullet.

I've had similar results as yours with the 198gr siera and roughly the same load- around 43-44 gr of 4064.

 

[cracked butt]

42 & 43 were Low/Bad Grouping (over 3in)
45 & 46 were High/Bad Grouping (over 3in)

That is very typical of mauser 98 8mms for some reason. Most good rifles seem to shoot anything relatively well, but 8mms seem to have a very narrow sweet spot inside of which they shoot very accurately and outside of which accuracy goes to hell.

 

[dfaugh]

Wow. Thanks for posting this.

My buddy and I have tried a couple recipes for 8x57, using different (lighter) bullets (I've currently forgotten which ones, he's the reloader). Out of my sporterized Turk I can get 1.5 in. groups.

I've thought about trying the MatchKings, so this is cool, as we'll have a starting point to work from.