BTW, as far as a clean kill, 8mm Mauser is ballistically similar to .30-30 or .35 Remington, so it's only about a 200 yard deer round.
Not the ones that have come off my reloading bench. I don't hunt with it, though.
I've fired the .323 spitzer ammo in my supposedly weak M88 commission rifle that has been rebarreled to the S specs. It was done pre-ww2 by German arsenals to be used for rear guard, Nazi youth, whatever. I've put probably 400 rounds of surplus 8x57S through it without a hitch. I don't shoot that old thing, much, more of a Manlicher than a Mauser action. Talk about a smooth bolt throw! WOW!
Even with light loaded American ammo, you're good probably to 300 yards PBR and plenty of energy on whitetail. I wouldn't worry about the load, just get one with a good bullet. The Federal Premium I'd certainly test. To optimize the potential of a very nice hunting rifle in a great old caliber, get some reloading equipment.
It's a good caliber, but kicks like a mule in that old commission rifle with that solid butt plate. Buddy and me bought these things for $27.50, sold as antiques. We didn't have FFLs at the time, but it was deliverable to the door. We split 800 rounds of surplus ammo. We were at his dad's farm shooting turtles off the tank (a time honored Texas tradition) one day and I put about 50 rounds through it shooting at turtles and various mud clods and cow patties around the tank. I couldn't move my friggin' arm the next day!
ROFL! I don't see how those huns could take that sort of punishment in a full blown battle. OUCH!