8x57mm Mauser Hunting Loads

[filmjunkie4ever]

I am just a week or so away from closing the deal on a Mauser 98 K sporterized rifle and got to thinking at work today that the only way I will take it elk hunting any time is if I can get some 195+ grain bullets to shoot in it. Otherwise what am I doing but taking a mildly loaded 30-06 into the field? I already have dies and some 150 grain Sierra Pro-Hunters that I plan to use for target and so forth but when I take this rifle hunting someday I want at least a good 195 grain Spitzer loaded in it. Hornady used to make some but they've since discontinued according to a friend at Wholesale Sports. I plan to get a bag of 200 grain Partitions for sure but I would like to try a variety of bullets. Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

You'd be well served to consider the 180gr Ballistic Tip for elk. I spoke to Nosler about it, and this is the one remaining BT that's still built stout enough for elk. Your K98 should be good for the 2600fps range with these, giving you about 250-300yds of elk range. Alternately, the 200gr AccuBond or Partition running 2500fps would likely make a good 200-250yd elk round, too. Of course, all this is predicated on your new Mauser being properly headspaced and in good condition, as you'll be generating pressures in the 55kpsi range.

Also, I'm not sure whether the 195's were discontinued, but I do know the 220gr Hornady was a few years ago.

 

[DrMike]

Hornady still lists the 195 grain 8mm Interlock SP (SKU 3236|100/bx) on their web site. I think your friend is mistaken on this point. They also market the 170 grain Interlock RN.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

+1 W

I'd load the 180gr BT. A 200gr conventional bullet at K98 velocities might not give you the best expansion. An old friend of mine used to hunt Elk with an 30.06. He loaded 200gr Spears at subpar velocites. He was alwaying chasing some wounded elk over the hill. Even at K98 velocities, you won't have to worry about that 180gr BT not opening up. 180-200 GR Bt's, regardless of caliber make good Elk medicine.

 

[JD338]

I would try the 8mm 200 gr PT and not look back.

JD338

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

That's what I was thinking JD was the 200 PT or a softer 195 grain bullet. I dont want to shoot anything lighter than 195 grain because I have my 30-06 throwing 165 and 180 grain Noslers at elk and they do just fine. That'd be more than duplicity as I already have a 308 as well. I was pondering leaving the peep sights on it and just using it for timber elk especially since I heard that the 195 grain HDY Interlock is still cataloged!

Still like I said I just would like to throw a slug thats different from what I already have. Once I have my gunny check out the headspace and so forth, I may just have him re-barrel it eventually.

Was thinking of joining the 6.5 club with either a 264 Win Mag or a 6.5x284...either one would be right at home in that 98 Mauser.

 

[FOTIS]

The 180 BT will serve you very well. It is a tough bullet. No problems with the 8mm mauser speeds.

 

[SJB358]

Sounds like a cool rifle buddy. I would imagine some 195gr Interlocks or 200gr PT's would be pretty awesome, especially if you are going to leave the peep sight on that rifle. Talk about a cool timber rifle. Sounds like a good plan to me! Never messed with any 8mm's, but they are really some neat cartridges/bullets. Scotty

 

[Jimbeaux82]

I~ve loaded 200 gr Speer bullets in my 98K to 2500 fps using H4350. I have shot several whitetail deer and gotten good expansion, so you should get even better expansion on an elk.

I would not hesitate to hunt elk with this bullet or the 200 gr PT.

 

[SJB358]

I forgot about the Speers, but judging how well they shoot out of my Whelen and 338WM, I would give them a try as well. Those HotCor's work really well. Scotty

 

[dchamp]

For what it's worth, I would purchase a box each of Noslers loaded ammo in BT's. Accubonds & Partitions. You should get some base MV's and maybe a preference for one over the other. My favorite hunting rifle is my 8X57 Remintgon Classic. I've used 180gr Nosler BT's on deer and pronghorn out to 350 yds and it does the job well. I would not hesitate to use them on elk. In my rifle I've used both Varget & Alliant RL-15 both giving good accuracy, MV's around 2690fps. I also had good results with 195gr Hornady SP's using H414, MV's around 2550fps. Hornady still sells their 195gr SP, Midway shows them back ordered until Oct.- Nov. they just don't sell their 8mm ammo any more. The qualifyer to all this is my 8X57 is of new manufacture. The problem I have now is I live in the PRC's (Peoples Republic of California) Condor country. Currently I am shooting 160gr TTSX's with good results. When their finished I plan to start working up a load with the 180gr E-Tip. Has anybody out there worked up a load for the 8X57 w/180gr E-Tip. If so what powder and primer are you using?

 

[onesonek]

I would try the 8mm 200 gr PT and not look back.

JD338

My thoughts as well :wink:

 

[Guest]

My vote would be the 180 Ballistic Tip then work with developing the 180 E-Tip. The E-Tip would definetly give you the penetration and weight retention over the Ballistic Tip.

Don

 

[wildgene]

Nosler lists the 180 BT @ 2669fps max, the 200gr. NP/ AB @2698fps, velocity/ energy, I'd have to go w/ the 200gr., probably starting w/ the AB. The 200gr. Sierra's, Speer HCSP's, & 195gr. Hornadys are all pretty good choices...

 

[Guest]

In my experience, Nosler's velocity on the BT is about 100-125fps low, and their published velocity on the 200 is about 80-100fps high. Trajectory favors the 180gr BT out to beyond where I'd shoot this round. But with an open sighted gun, like the OP has, it's a toss-up. Shoot whatever is the most accurate, and be done with it. However you go, you're good to 250yds or so, with or without slight holdover.