anyone use cast bullets for the 8mm Mauser

[lordgroom]

I am looking to begin reloading for the 8 mm mauser and I would like to try casting my own. I have a sporterized Mausker 98k, with an aperature sight that is fairly accurate.

What molds work well in this rifle?
Could anyone provide their load info including powder choice?

I have IMR4895 and Unique as well as another rifle powder for the K31 Swiss (I haven't actually used that powder yet and the specific powder escapes me)

 

[Papa smurf]

Cast for 8x57mm

I have a turk and yugo,they both like a 175 gr Lee bullet cast of wheel weight with nothing added and air cooled. Lube with LLA and add a gas check. Two loads work well in both,31.5 gr 4895 and 14.5gr Unique.These will give 1600 to 1700fps in my guns. Good shooting-------Papa smurf

 

[dmftoy1]

I've been playing with 2400 powder under the Saeco 196 grain gas checked round nose with pretty good results in an old RC K98. FWIW.

 

[fireflyfather]

Read Ed Harris' "the load" article or go over to castboolits.gunloads.org. The short version is that 13 grains of red dot is a nice load for cast bullets in that (and many other) calibers. That's good, because red dot (and promo) are DIRT CHEAP. Ed Harris designed a lot of Lee's molds for rifles.

 

[Sunray]

I have cast bullet data for a 115, 168 w/gc and 246 w/gc grain cast bullet in my old Lyman manual. Has the Lyman bullet number too. Unique is used for all of 'em. No loads using IMR4895 and cast bullet though. Shoot me an e-mail and I'll send it to you. [email protected]

 

[SCPigpen]

I do about 16-17 grs of 2400 with a W.W. 175gr G/C bullet. Usually run about 1600fps & decent accuracy. I love the fact you can form 30-06 bass to 8mm & get 400 powder charges from a pound of powder.

I also use 17 or so grains with 762x54, .303 & 30-06.

 

[David Wile]

Hey LG,

I have always had good results with the Lyman #323470 mould which is a Loverin gas check design weighing about 165 grains. The Loverin designs have lots of lube grooves and bearing surface.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile