8MM Mauser

[HVFDfirefighter]

Hello. I have been reloading for a few years but still have a lot to learn. All of my reloading tools are from Lee. I have an 8MM Mauser rifle that my father brought back from Germany after WWII. I would like to reload ammo for this rifle as it is very hard to find ammo plus when I do find it, it is very expensive AND starting today (9/13/23), if you purchase ammo in New York State, you need to get a state background check that cost $2.50. I have read that 8MM Mauser is the same as 7.92x57mm and the 8x57mm Mauser. I see Lee sells the Pacemaker 3 die kit 8x57mm. Is this the correct die kit for my rifle? I am sure of the date of my rifle . I am assuming after 1905. I have read that some cases use a .323” bullet (1905 to present) while others use a .318 (1888-1904). I do have a couple factory loaded rounds I guess I can measure. I just want to make sure I buy the correct die set.

All help is greatly appreciated.

 

[theotherwaldo]

Yes, it's the same round in general.
There are two different versions that involve two different chambers and bores.
This Wikipedia entry should help.

 

[mkl]

Educate yourself on Berdan primers. You cannot reload cases with those primers without big trouble and trying to decap one will destroy your decapping pin. (don't ask me how I know)

Many if not most European cartridges use the Berdan primer system.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I've opted for the Lee Decapping Die for anything that may have any Berdan-primed brass in the mix.
Lee decapping pins are more likely to just get pushed up rather than break.
Yeah, it adds a step, but it's better than have everything get stopped because you can't decap your brass... .

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

If you purchase brass, PPU is probably the most affordable for 8x57 IS (rimless, sometimes referred to as JS). 8x57 IRS (JRS) is a little harder to find, but PPU makes it as well and they are available. Nosler makes them as well (at least IS), but they are way more expensive.

 

[mkl]

use a flashlight to look down the mouth of the case to the base. If you see only one primer hole in the base, you are good to go since you have a boxer primer that your primer pin in your resizing die will punch out. IF you see two holes on either side of the case head, you have a burdan case and there is no hole in the middle of the case head for your primer punch to punch out.

Reloading berdan cases is possible, but not worth the trouble or expense to try.