8mm mauser(.323) loads..

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JimmAr

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Ive got a russian captured k98 Bnz in very good condition

Ive searched through google.. taking bits and pieces for the past 4 days.. anyone reloading these babies 200gr SMK or 220gr SGK?

What I could gather is IMR/H4350 in the area of.. 48.ish-52.5gr is best suited for the little historical beast..anyone who has any further data please post.

Thanks.
 
An SS rifle a rare find.

I've only done a few loads in 8mm and really have yet to hit on the best all have been good...far better than the old surplus I have. I've used 47gr Varget Winchester primer Privi brass and .323 195gr SP spire piont Hornandy bullets heading down range at around 2500fps.

Most US mfg loads are underpowered. The 8mm has plenty to offer with good loads in a strong rifle.
 
I have a BNZ as well dated 1944. I don't shoot bullets heavier than 150 grain to save on recoil and to keep the rounds shooting to the sights. If you're so inclined try 150 speer or hornady bullets with 50.0 grains of IMR4064 or 49.0 of H4895 both shoot to poa at 100 yards. Work'em up of course.

I would probably not use 4350 in that round. Faster powders like H380, BL(c)2, or Varget would be better choices even in the heavier wieghts.
 
I have a BNZ as well dated 1944. I don't shoot bullets heavier than 150 grain to save on recoil and to keep the rounds shooting to the sights. If you're so inclined try 150 speer or hornady bullets with 50.0 grains of IMR4064 or 49.0 of H4895 both shoot to poa at 100 yards. Work'em up of course.

I would probably not use 4350 in that round. Faster powders like H380, BL(c)2, or Varget would be better choices even in the heavier wieghts.
Click to expand...

Good to know someone who reloads their Bnz.. I repect someone who doesnt shoot corrosive trash through their beautiful piece of history..

Anyhow.. I already had purchased the 200 and 220gr before I made the thread.. back on Thur or Fri.. so.. the loads I was able to find seemed that people used the (4350) slower burners just to get those higher speeds on larger bullets while keeping the pressure down..while having good results.

Ill try to post details as I work up my loads that way anyone in the future looking.. hopefully will find this..
 
Hey JimmAr go to a place called stevespages.com. He has numerous loads in many bullet weights and he claims he has tested them all for pressure. I have used some of them and had good luck with them.
 
I shoot 196 gr FMJ BT's over 47 grains of Tubal Tu 5000.
 
A word of caution, JimmAr. Pushing the older Mausers, especially war-time production, could result in bolt lug set-back which can result in excess headspace.
You don't want this.
These actions are only surface hardened, unlike modern actions that are fully heat treated, and although strong, they do have their limits. A constant diet of high pressure loads, over design limits, can be detrimental to the rifle and shooter.
You have fun, but be safe.

NCsmitty
 
A word of caution, JimmAr. Pushing the older Mausers, especially war-time production, could result in bolt lug set-back which can result in excess headspace.
You don't want this.
These actions are only surface hardened, unlike modern actions that are fully heat treated, and although strong, they do have their limits. A constant diet of high pressure loads, over design limits, can be detrimental to the rifle and shooter.
You have fun, but be safe.
Click to expand...

No worries.. im sure resizing those 30-06 cases probably gave him the ability to push the normal pressures of the 8mm, ill be starting at 45gr's and working my way up..recoil will play a factor so ill end up stopping earlier as I do hate excessive recoil.

I appreciate the concern my friend and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
 
The recoil is very mild on the Mauser. At least when compared to the .300 WM.
 
For a great target load try 15g Red Dot with a 150g bullet. Dead accurate at 100 yds, inexpensive, and very easy on the gun. I shoot this load in an all original totally matching 1944 byf an uncle brought back from WWII.
 
IMR 4350 start 49.0gr 2141fps. 54.0gr.2403fps compressed charge. Speer 225gr jacketed bullet. Rem 9 1/2 primer <<Lyman data. I loaded IMR 4895- light load with 150 gr. bullet
 
Lyman note*
Before loading for this cartridge, we recommend that you slug your barrel. Do not use .323" diameter bullets in any rifle which has a groove diameter smaller than .321" . For non-standard (small groove diameter) barrels , we suggest the use of lead alloy bullets sized as near to the exact groove diameter as possible.
Click to expand...
 
Road kill two questions. Is that the max charge and what is the starting charge? I would love to try it out for my Mauser just to save money on powder
 
BsChoy.
Regarding Roadkill's Red Dot load, it may be a reference to "The Load" by C.E. (Ed) Harris from 1994. You can read what I believe is the original article here, about a quarter down the page. http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/reload/reload.pl?noframes;read=31006

I've tried "The Load" in a few different calibers and bullets and it works, at least in my guns.

I also like loads using H4895, applying Hodgdon's 60% rule for H4895.

The Speer Reloading manual lists reduced loads for 8x57 using IMR 4198 and the free IMR guides also had data for SR 4759, IMR 4198 and IMR 4227.

I've also tried most of these loads and they certainly are less wear and tear on my shoulder!

If you are looking stretch a pound of pounder, you might want to give any of these a try.

None of the loads come close to filling a case, though, so be sure to check carefully for double-charges.

Hope this helps!
Dan
 
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