Modern 8x57 QuickLoad?

[RPRNY]

I realize that this request is right up there with bumming a cigarette given today's prices (piss off and buy a pack!) but I don't smoke, so please would someone indulge me on this?

If you possess QuickLoad and have a moment, please could you give me a chamber pressure check on the following. I am having to estimate a little bit because Hodgdon's load data follows SAAMI's low pressure rating for 8x57.

I am looking at:

Sellier & Bellot Brass
Win Large Rifle Primer
Varget 47.0 gr
Barnes TSX BT 200 gr

Hodgdon doesn't publish for the Barnes TSX in 200 gr and Barnes doesn't publish for Varget at 200 grs. This is under Hodgdon's Max Load for the Barnes TSX in 180 grs and the mid-point for Barnes' published data for Varget with the 160 gr TSX, so seems like a good starting point. I have a 20" barrel Persian Mauser so would prefer the somewhat faster burning Varget.

I am shooting for Chamber Pressure under 54,000 psi. and velocity in the 2450 fps range. If I'm close to 54,000 psi, I will back it down for a starting load. Thanks very much.

Again my apologies for bumming QuickLoad....

 

[steve4102]

 Cartridge          : 8 x 57 IS (8 mm Mauser CIP)
Bullet             : .323, 200, Barnes 'TSX' BT 32320
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.228 inch or 81.99 mm
Barrel Length      : 20.0 inch or 508.0 mm
Powder             : Hodgdon VARGET

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-20.0   76    38.00   1984    1748   29622   7258     90.0    1.422
-18.0   78    38.95   2029    1829   31379   7487     91.1    1.390
-16.0   80    39.90   2075    1911   33235   7711     92.1    1.358
-14.0   82    40.85   2120    1996   35181   7931     93.0    1.327
-12.0   84    41.80   2165    2082   37219   8145     93.9    1.297
-10.0   86    42.75   2211    2171   39362   8353     94.7    1.268
-08.0   88    43.70   2256    2261   41628   8554     95.5    1.239
-06.0   90    44.65   2302    2352   44024   8749     96.2    1.211
-04.0   92    45.60   2347    2446   46558   8936     96.9    1.181
-02.0   94    46.55   2392    2541   49239   9114     97.5    1.150  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0   96    47.50   2437    2637   52076   9284     98.0    1.121  ! Near Maximum !
+02.0   97    48.45   2482    2735   55080   9444     98.5    1.092  ! Near Maximum !
+04.0   99    49.40   2527    2835   58262   9594     98.9    1.064  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0  101    50.35   2571    2936   61634   9734     99.2    1.038  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0  103    51.30   2616    3039   65211   9863     99.5    1.012  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0  105    52.25   2660    3142   69008   9980     99.7    0.987  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba     96    47.50   2539    2864   60699   9176    100.0    1.048  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba     96    47.50   2301    2352   43603   8987     92.4    1.212

 

[RPRNY]

Thanks VERY much! I'll back off the starting load a bit. I'm really pleased to see such a high predicted burn rate. I prefer no fireball...

Thanks again.

 

[john wall]

European CIP specs for the 8X57S is max of 61,400 PSI. Make sure your firearm is modern and in good condition before loading to these levels.

Military 98? Peacetime build will be okay. War years guns may not be in the shape to handle these loads.

My 1948 Husqvarna Sporter with FN commercial action will handle these loads with no issue, but it KICKS your head off.

 

[ForneyRider]

I went with 48gr Varget, 200gr Accubonds, comes out to 2550fps. Hope this helps.

 

[RPRNY]

Thanks. I have been using 196 gr S&B ammo at CIP ratings to get used to the rifle so it's fine above SAAMI ratings but I will stay below CIP max. 47 - 48 gr Varget seems like it will pan out. The Barnes TSX seats a bit deeper but the rings supposedly diminish pressure, so it's likely a wash. With a 20" barrel I won't get full velocity but Varget's relatively faster burn should work well. We shall see.