trying to handload Mitchell's "tanker" 8mm mauser

[ginge]

I bought a Mitchell's "tanker" 8mm mauser for my son-in-law. This a new gun with a 17.4 inch barrel. I tapped it and put a 6X42 Leopold scope on it. I used Nosler ballistic tip 180 gr and IMR 4350 powder and got inaccurate groups and velocities. Maybe the powder is too slow and doesn't work in this short barrel. Any advise on faster powder and maybe I'll try Nosler's 200gr Accubond bullet?

 

[gunnerh]

I have had good results with IMR 3031 and 200gr bullets in shorter barreled 8mm. Do not expect much better then 1.5" groups.

 

[dakotasin]

h-380 and 175 sierras are your friend. the 4350's are too slow.

 

[Cosmoline]

For 8x57JS I found IMR 4064 was about ideal.

 

[ginge]

thanks for the good info. I've got some 3031 I've used with my 30-30 Ackley with good results. What should be my minimal and maximal loads and which primers do you prefer? This is exciting. By the way my son in law is a first generation american who grew up in Los Angelos area. He has moved to Mobile,Alabama and has really taken to hunting deer. His Great grandfather was a General Officer under Field Marshall Rommell and was in charge of construction of Normandy beach defenses. My dad landed D+90 on Normandy in WWII and was a POW. My son in law's grandfather was a U-Boat officer and POW with the British. My son in law is really fired up about this mauser!

 

[280shooter]

8x/57

here are a few loads i used for over 20 years,now granted its for a 24 in barrel,first off in 1903 the cartridge was revised ,the 154 grain spitzer bullet of 323 in.was adopted for the new model 98,the new bullet was givin a MV of 2.800 fps,,ok so now enough of the history lesson,so i use the 150 gr,bullets,i got great results,i can shoot less then a in group at 100 yards, my load is 52 grs of imr 4320,but like i said thats what i use it works for my gun,here are a few i have too,,sierra 175 gr,try 51 gr of 4320,that give 2.700 out of a 24 in barrel,try also51 grns of 4064 for the 150,49 grns of imr 4064 for the 170 semi spitz, so be smart when your working these loads,watch for pressure signs,

 

[Mike 56]

Try Ed Harris's "The Load" 13gr Red Dot It works with 30-06 class and 8mm rifles use standard weight bullets jacketed or cast. I tried it in my M39 with pulled 147gr .308 pulled bullets. I only shot a few they shot very well. I have loaded more just waiting for better weather. If you want more information on the "The Load" just Google it.

Mike

 

[stolivar]

I have a turk 38

That I have drilled and tapped, with a Nikon scope. Lowered safety. only cost $50 for the gun and $94 to get the work done and all. Scope I already had.

I load it with 150 gr Sierra's and she will group at 1" all day long. It is my main hunting rifle.


steve

 

[transformerguru]

I liked the stories about you dad and your son in laws granddad. I salute them both. And have fun with that Mauser