Low Power Cast Loads for 8MM

[tkcomer]

Got a 8mm K98 Mauser last week. While looking through the Midway book, I spotted some 170gr cast bullets sized at .324”. I got to thinking these might make neat low power loads to plink with. I shoot low power lead loads in my 30-30 using .310” 170gr bullets and 9grs of Unique. Can anybody point me to some low powered loads for my K98? And would that .324 bullet be a tad too small for my gun? Thanks for any replies.

 

[Steve C]

 

[tkcomer]

I wonder how far down I can back that Unique load off? The bullets I'm looking at are not gas checked, so I really wouldn't want to push them over 1200fps. I have an old Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, but every load is for gas checked bullets. Trying to find something a little slower. Thanks for the reply though. That's good info I can use.

 

[NCsmitty]

Here's a PDF file containing Hodgdon's loads for using Trail Boss in different rifle/pistol loads. It does not have the 8mm Mauser, but Surplusfifleforum has some info on the 8mm. NOTE: The Hodgdon loads are jacketed bullets, but they state that the loads are for lead or jacketed bullets.

http://hodgdon.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=90928



NCsmitty

 

[tkcomer]

Thanks for that. I've seen the one on “The Load” using Red Dot, but those Trail Boss loads seems to be more “adjustable”. I went with Unique on my 30-30 because “they” said it was not position sensitive. That's one of the reasons I was trying to find loads using that powder. But it looks like Trail Boss fills the case like black powder. That may very well be a better powder. Thanks again.

 

[Kernel]

Rules for the safe operation of subsonic loads:
1. Drill Flashole to 3.5mm (9/64") to allow all the primer flash to enter the case and ignite the powder completely.
2. Use Magnum Primers for maximum primer flash and better powder ignition.
3. Lube all bullets. Moly is good, animal fat is better.
4. Lubricate the bore regularily while shooting.
5. Never crimp bullets into cases. Never seat bullets "into the lands."
6. Try not to use powder charges of less than 40% load density.

http://members.shaw.ca/cronhelm/DevelopSubsonic.html

 

[tkcomer]

The more searching I do on Trail Boss, the more I find is you can use this stuff in just about anything. I have a RCBS Uniflow. Does this stuff meter through that OK?

 

[Kernel]

"The 8X57mm... With the RCBS 08-170-FN over 21 grains of 4759, a 24 inch barrel, runs over 1700 fps...

15 [grains] Unique will give a nice round 1600 fps and excellent accuracy. While Green Dot with 12 grains will give 1350 fps.

8 grains of Red Dot will go 1000 fps... same with 6 grains of WW231."

-- SMALL CHARGES IN STANDARD CARTRIDGE CASES -- by: Paco

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/small_charges.htm

 

[KSCCHTrainer]

The more searching I do on Trail Boss, the more I find is you can use this stuff in just about anything. I have a RCBS Uniflow. Does this stuff meter through that OK?

In spite of it's big flake granular structure, Trail Boss meters very well in every powder measure I've tried it in so far, including the Forster "Bench Rest" measure.

I've been using it with bullets I cast with the Lee C329-205-1R mold which, using straight wheel weight alloy, drops bullets at an average of 209 grains at .329" diameter. I size the bullets to .323 and gas check them for my 98K Mauser. I use 13.5 grains of Trail Boss with this bullet and it's producing under 1" 5 shot groups at 50 yards.

I've also gotten roughly this same accuracy using this bullet and 16.0 grains of 2400. I don't have access to a chronograph, so I'm not sure what speed it's flying at.

 

[tkcomer]

Thanks for that web site. I'd seen Unique at loads around 10grs. At least I know I how far up I can go. I've found Trail Boss load data in the 10 to 14gr area to try. I have bursitis in my shoulder and can't take much pounding, hence my interest in low power loads. If I have any success at this, I may also try H-4895 at the 60% level for jacketed bullets. But I want to stick to the powder puff loads first. My range is only 100 yards. Still fun to try to hit pop cans.