8x57J load data

[grsjax]

I picked up a very nice pre-WWI sporter based on a Gew88 action. It is chambered in 8x57J with the .318 bore. Kind of hard to find data specifically for the J bore rifles. Original load seems to have been a 220gr RN jacketed bullet at about 2100fps. Based on loads for the .323 bore rifles I should get something similar with a 200gr roundnose and about 45gr of IMR4350 without exceeding pressure limits for this action. Woodleigh makes a 200gr RN bullets in the right diameter and I already have IMR4350. Just need some idea if this is the right place to start.

Anyone have any experiance with this load or with the J bore loads in general? Would like to get some input before I start load development so I don't go down any blind alleys.

Also if anyone knows of a source of .318 bullets other than Woodleigh please post it.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Might want to look in older reloading manuals if possible.
Call, Hodgdon and ask for guidance since then dsitribute IMR powders.

 

[NCsmitty]

Perhaps you are already aware that some folks use bullets for the 32 Win Special which measure .320-.321 and are 170gr.
As far as powders, 45ACPUSERs advice to contact Hodgdon is probably the way to go.
I would think that H4895 start loads for 8x57JS per bullet weight, reduced another 10%, would be about right with the proper bullet diameter.
H4895 is the only powder that Hodgdon recommends for their youth reduced loads at their site.



NCsmitty

 

[Kernel]

The 8x57 “J” is a SAAMI 37,500 cup cartridge. Taking that into account, my Powley computer likes Varget and/or N540 with 200 grain bullets. Reduce charge by 10% and work up to 2,130-2,150 fps (if you have a chrony).

Powerwise, your looking at a cartridge that right between a full-up .30-06 and the .30-30. Wouldn’t be a bad deer getter, if you were so inclined. Recoil is 13.6 ft-lbs, about like a .243 Win - which has a reputation of having a light kick.