I made a bunch of different loads for my brother's m98.
Primers: I went with CCI 200 out of availability.
Powder:
I used Varget with all. H4895 has higher velocities in load data from Hodgdon, but I had Varget powder on the bench for other cartridges.
Bullets:
125gr Hornady JSP and JHP (aside: both discontinued - too bad, I think the 8x57 with these bullets would be excellent for varmint/small game, Norma makes a 125gr FMJ)
150gr Sierra Pro Hunter(These have the highest BC of the 150gr commercial bullets)
200gr SMK
200gr Accubond - The gunsmith had the L-W barrel finished-reamed to this bullet. Hard to find now. The Sierra's have been the easiest to attain.
COL:
The COL varies quite a bit in load data. I used 2.96in for these loads, but load data can take the 220gr out to 3.14in. and the 200gr out to 3.04in.
I used an RCBS x-die for reloading spent brass in the m98. I noticed minimal scoring on the body of the brass, if any, and the brass fed excellently in the rifle. I used an RCBS f/l die for the 700 Classic.
Brass:
We have been using R-P and W-W brass. Norma and RWS make brass as well. We are going with Norma for some over-max loads with the 220gr Sierra Game King.
Performance:
They were all sub-MOA. The Sierra 150 Pro Hunter and 200gr Accubond were the most accurate. My brother complained of the recoil with the 150gr with his bad shoulder.
The 150gr Sierra came out 2750fps with 51gr of Varget. Pretty close to Sierra data. BTW, Sierra has been excellent at providing additional info via email.
The 150gr Sierra in a friend's 700 Classic has the same devastation as a 30-06 on white tail deer.
Currently, I am looking for 220gr target loads. The 220gr (.323) bullets are reported by Sierra as not offering good expansion at 8x57 velocities for hunting, but offer good accuracy. However, their accuracy loads are around 2000fps in their load data. Hodgdon's load data online offers max speeds ~2400fps with variety of powders including: H4895, Varget, etc. We may also try IMR 4350 to get 2600+fps.
Lot of the load data is limited by the SAAMI low pressure spec and even CIP pressure spec of 48,800psi. With quality brass and firearm, the load can be pushed to much higher performance than factory Rem/Win/Fed loads.