8mm Mauser for new rifle?

[mstirton]

I was getting interested in the CZ550FS and thought it would be neat to have it in a historic/european caliber. I think 7.92x57 would be great since I have a bunch of surplus that I could shoot with (I know it wouldn't be super accurate but this isn't a 500+ yard sniper set-up). I could buy commercial to sight in for deer or hogs. I was also tempted by the 9.3x62 but I would have to find ammo and end up rarely shooting it. I don't have any plans for grizzly, elk, or moose so the extra power isn't really needed. I already have a CZ550 varmint in 308 which is great and a 700 in 30-06.

I guess I'm mostly just attracted to the Mannlicher look (one of my favorites is my 452FS). Anyway, what are some of the +- of 8mm since it seems not to be very popular outside C&R. I know the 308 and 30-06 are better in many ways, but I already can shoot those out of hunting rifles and I have all that 8mm ammo sitting around.

Lastly, and most importantly, does CZ even import them in that caliber? I saw they stopped selling the 7mm Mauser here and figured that was more popular than 8mm.

 

[NCsmitty]

The CZ site shows the CZ550FS available in 8MM Mauser. It is more than adequate for elk or moose, and it's a beautiful rifle.
If you handload, it is the equal of the '06 and able to handle heavier bullets.
8MM is a great choice, but be aware that all surplus 8MM ammo is corrosive so cleaning your rifle right after using it is imperative.

NCsmitty

 

[SaxonPig]

The 8x57 is a little less useful than the 30-06 due to more limited bullet/ammo selection available but if you just want something different... classic... it certainly fits the bill.

 

[jpwilly]

8x57mm can be hand loaded with great results!

 

[Dr.Rob]

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with my 8mm Mauser.

A lot of surplus ammo is loaded hotter, but not necessarily for accuracy. I'd be leary of shooting too much old corrosive ammo when reloadable ammo is available on the cheap from Wolf Gold, Privi Partizan and Century Arms. As far as accuracy there's a great video of a guy shooting 1000 yard targets with an 8mm Kar 98 sniper. That bullet CAN get out that far.

 

[tnhunter93]

The 8x57JS is an excellent round. The big three here in the U.S. simply do not load it anywhere near it's potential worrying that uninformed shooters will stuff the .323 rounds into a very old .318 bore and then suffer the consequences.

You simply need to look online to several internet shooting sites at their much wider selection of 8mm Mauser ammo. The first one that comes to mind is the fine ammo sold by Sellier and Bellot (S&B) where they load a 196gr SPCE bullet at 2592 FPS, which is definate '06 territory. S&B also loads a lighter 180gr SP, though it's tougher to find.

These loads are no more costly than similar .308 or '06 hunting loads. Norma, and Nosler load premium bullets/loads and the bargain priced loadings by Prvi Partizan, Hot Shot and Wolf are inexpensive as well. Specialty loaders such as Stars and Stripes Ammo also have excellent loadings available.

Using a sporterized rifle or modern chambered rifle, such as the very fine CZ550, will give you every bit the economy and power of shooting a .308 or 30/06. I've not seen it advertised as chambered in the CZ550, but if it is I'd want one as the perfect companion to my 550FS in 6.5x55.

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/catalog1/index.php/cName/rifle-ammo-8mm-mauser

 

[Slamfire]

. I already have a CZ550 varmint in 308 which is great and a 700 in 30-06

.


While the 8mm is a great round, its range, on target performance, and accuracy will not be that much different from the rounds you have.

 

[jpwilly]

While the 8mm is a great round, its range, on target performance, and accuracy will not be that much different from the rounds you have.

That's true. Get a K98 with good bore and have at it! Save the big $$$ for another caliber or rifle that will bring more to the table.

 

[tnhunter93]

Personally, I see no need to ever talk ANYONE here out of a new rifle! I say, have at it and good luck!..lol.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Remington has made a number of 8mm rifles, if you CALL CZ they can get you one. I know when I wanted a 550 American Safari magnum in .375 and they 'weren't on the shelves yet' a CZ rep offered me one that had been on display at the shot show (true story) I turned it down because it had a laminated stock. Fact is you MIGHT not get that kind of response every day from CZ, but I thought that was pretty darn cool.

 

[k9870]

8mm is fun, i love my friends m48. wolf gold (prvi partisan) is 16 a box for jsp, 196gr. i see 30 dollar boxes of core lokts, and one box of those should last several hunts.

 

[Runningman]

Lastly, and most importantly, does CZ even import them in that caliber?

You have to look at CZ USA site to see what they import. CZ USA site does not list any of their CZ 550s in 8MM Mauser on the US site.