Anyone load for the Hakim?

[coosbaycreep]

I asked about this over at surplusrifleforum and didn't get a reply, so yesteday I took the hakim out and tried it with the only ammo I had on hand, which is 125gr hornady HP loaded with 38.5gr of IMR 4198.

I forgot to take the tool to adjust the gas system with me, so after the first two rounds both failed to eject properly and the case mouths got smashed bad enough that I won't be able to reload them, I quit shooting. (8mm brass is too expensive to ruin on the first load!)

I would imagine that heavier bullets would probably be better anyway, but the 125gr were the only affordable 8mm bullets in stock at the time I ordered them, and it'd still be cool to find a load that will work for them. I've got a mauser I can shoot them in otherwise though.

So, does anyone here have any experience loading for the hakim, or know what powders are the best/safest to use?

thanks

 

[pakmcc]

yeaaa, I load for the Hakim but I don't remember what the loads where. I'll try and find them and let you know. I don't hot rod any of my fire arms so any 8mm mauser ammo should be good. get a reloading book and find a good middle of the road loading and try it. and yes, a 180 gr bullet is better but I found a bunch of 150 gr. bullets and they worked just find. I also have the tool to change the gas setting. but there is the puff of gas into your eyes as you shoot the rifle. What you need to do is find you a nice Ljungman. now that is a sweet heart.(yes, have all three, but the Ljungman is the best of the bunch)

 

[NCsmitty]

It's a shame that all the surplus 8mm is corrosive, and it's a job just to clean that Hakim after shooting it.
I reload 8mm for my bolt Mausers, and it's nice not having to clean immediately after shooting.
The cheapest 8mm bullets appear to be the Prvi-Partizan that Graf has at under $20 a hundred. If you combine them with one of the 4895 powders that are available, it will function the action normally, and hopefully give you some accuracy.
IMR4198 is kinda fast burning, and as you found out, isn't providing the proper pressure curve to work the action with that load. If you push 4198 it can spike pressures in a heartbeat.



NCsmitty