Looking for an 8mm Mauser load for an 1888 Commission Rifle

[JONWILL]

Rifle has a 323 bore. Rebarreled by the Turks sometime
I am looking for a good powder that will work well with 150-196 grain bullets. I want to keep the pressure low. 35,000 psi.
I also want to load 308 and some close to full power 8mm loads
I have a GEW98 and K98 also

Is there a good powder that could cover all these needs

 

[troy fairweather]

the grove on the 88s are still 318 only the throats were opened up. use the low end of the manuel and you will be fine. i would use diffrent brss for the 98 and make it clear there for the 98 or the 88. for 318 bullets i use hawk bullets.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Go to Hodgdons web site and look at the data for H4895.
They list a lot of starting loads that are in the general vicinity of what you are looking for.
With H4895, you can reduce the loads to 60% of max loads. This will be a further reduction of the starting loads by another 20% or so by weight.

Personally I would just reduce the starting load by another 5% and load that. most are in the 37-38kpsi range.

I too have seen rebarreled ‘88 Commission rifles. I’ve been told they’re strong enough for nominal 8mm loads, but I’d do the same as you are intending to do.

Try over at www.castboolits.com. There are a number of very knowledgeable 8mm shooters over there using cast bullets to accomplish what you are wanting to do.

 

[kcofohio]

Rifle has a 323 bore. Rebarreled by the Turks sometime
I am looking for a good powder that will work well with 150-196 grain bullets. I want to keep the pressure low. 35,000 psi.
I also want to load 308 and some close to full power 8mm loads
I have a GEW98 and K98 also

Is there a good powder that could cover all these needs

Moyer's Cast Bullets carry some nice gas-checked 190 gr. bullets. I have only shot a handful. They are a little pricey, but good quality.
http://www.moyerscastbullets.com/rifle.html

Lyman's "Historical Military Cartridges" pamphlet list loads for this bullet.
https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Load-Data-Military-Caliber/dp/B008YEYDWA