Testing a couple 8mm loads

[crazysccrmd]

Took out the mausers today - custom 8mm and a slightly sporterized 1891 Argentine. Was testing out some new handloads for the 8mm (180gr Nosler BT over BLC-2 and H4895) and just having some fun shooting. Put 20rds of 7.65x53 through the 1891 with pretty good results and 71 through the 8mm (30 test reloads, 5 reduced recoil loads for the wife and 36 reloaded surplus rounds for fun).

I found out that the 180gr Noslers don't like light loads and get better approaching max. H4895 still seems to be this rifle's preferred powder (over BLC-2 and Varget). Would have been nice to have a more secure position to shoot from but it still was pretty stable just on the bipod. Pulled a couple which were totally my fault and I'm not the world's greatest shot.

The 1891 was pinging a steel silhouette at 300m which was pretty awesome. I was shooting surplus bullets/powder reloaded into PPU cases with CCI primers. It is definitely minute of dinner accuracy if I ever want to take it hunting and was shot today from the bench with minimal support.

Pics of the rifles:




10 shots with the 1891 at 100m with a Redfield peep sight:



100m groupings with BLC-2. Point of aim for each successive three shot group: top left, bottom left, top right, bottom right, center.



100m groupings with H4895, same point of aim as previous sets but on a new target.

 

[NCsmitty]

Decent outing for testing, but I'm wondering if you are using a magnum primer with the BLC2? You'll get inconsistent ignition with standard primers and BLC2 in that larger 8mm case. It's a good powder in most of the WWII military cases used.
My favorite powder is H4895, and I use it in many of my calibers that I shoot.


NCsmitty

 

[crazysccrmd]

I was just using standard CCI primers, haven't tried anything else yet. Would magnum primers be beneficial with H4895 as well? Still pretty new to reloading in general.

 

[NCsmitty]

Would magnum primers be beneficial with H4895 as well?

Nope, not necessary, it's an extruded powder and isn't hard to ignite. The older ball powders like BLC2, H335, Win760/H414 all benefit from magnum primers in larger cases like the 8mm Mauser, 30'06, etc. Without magnum primers, you can experience hang fires, and inconsistent ignition, especially in cooler climates.


NCsmitty

 

[crazysccrmd]

I'll have to pick up a box of magnums then. I'm still very satisfied with the H4895 but got the itch to experiment. I also have a full box of Sierra 175gr SPs I haven't gotten around to reloading yet.

 

[crazysccrmd]

Stopped by Cabela's today and grabbed a box of CCI magnum primers. The guy at the counter told me I would need to reduce the loads by 20% to compensate for the hotter ignition and prevent over pressure in the chamber. Any truth to that?

 

[NCsmitty]

The guy at the counter told me I would need to reduce the loads by 20% to compensate for the hotter ignition and prevent over pressure in the chamber. Any truth to that?

All you need to do is work up from the recommended start load listed when using a magnum primer. Most recommend a 5% drop from an original load to allow for a possible increase in pressure using magnum primers. There is no hard and fast rules when changing primers except to back off a tiny bit on the powder charge.

A 20% reduction would put you way below the recommended start load, and that in itself could be unsafe, depending on the powder used. The guy at the counter is likely not an experienced reloader.
Let's see your groups with BLC2 and magnum primers, when you get them loaded, and have time to shoot.


NCsmitty

 

[crazysccrmd]

I'm going to try and get out again this weekend if the weather is good enough. Just loaded up another 20rds with 44-48grs powder (4 each).