wvbuckbuster
Handloader
- Nov 5, 2015
- 3,389
- 3,897
No guess but a nice-looking bear.
Experiences with 8MM's
- Thread starter 8MMX57JS
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 38,200
- 8,312
Can't see the photos, so no guesses.
- Thread starter
- #66
8MMX57JS
Beginner
- Apr 14, 2022
- 92
- 493
Close. 178kg= 392 lbs with guts and vitals removed. So live weight is guessed to be 415-420 lbs.
8mm Enthusiast
Beginner
- Jul 6, 2025
- 92
- 111
That's great expansion from that e-tip at 2550 fps. What range did you shoot the bear from?A late season color phase black bear. Husqvarna 8x57 with irons. Bullet was recovered. 180gr Nosler E-tip all copper at 2550 fps. Recovered bullet weighed 179gr. So the plastic tip is what was loss.
Weighed the bear with vitals and guts removed. Any guesses for weight?
- Thread starter
- #68
8MMX57JS
Beginner
- Apr 14, 2022
- 92
- 493
Under 25 yards. I would'nt use this bullet past 300 yards with that velocity, especially with the fact the the e-tip is a little harder than Barnes copper bullets.
8mm Enthusiast
Beginner
- Jul 6, 2025
- 92
- 111
I believe you are in Canada. Do you have any experience with the for export only Hornady ECX 180 gr round nose 8mm? It is constructed from a copper alloy that is supposed to expand well at long ranges and moderate velocity.
- Thread starter
- #70
8MMX57JS
Beginner
- Apr 14, 2022
- 92
- 493
I haven't shot any game with the new ecx but do have a rifle set up with that bullet. I have used the older GMX bullet with good success though. I wish they kept the original shape as the B.C. of that bullet was .450ish if I recall. Makes for a better bullet at 300-400yards. The ecx and it blunt nose is for sure a close range bullet catered more so towards European style hunting (sub 200 yards).
- Thread starter
- #71
8MMX57JS
Beginner
- Apr 14, 2022
- 92
- 493
Threw a couple loads together for more testing. 170gr SST with 49.5gr of IMR 4895 out of my tikka 8x57. Averaged 2710 fps, so a mild load. Shot 1/2".
- Thread starter
- #72
8MMX57JS
Beginner
- Apr 14, 2022
- 92
- 493
Also working on a new load with CFE223. Out of a 8x57 with a 24" barrel I did hit 3000 fps with a barnes TTSX 160gr, makes just shy of 3200 ft-lbs at the muzzle. So pretty much 7mm Rem Mag performance. 5 shot group averaged 1.25". Will play around with this load in hopes for 3/4"-1".
gerry
Ammo Smith
- Mar 1, 2007
- 7,107
- 2,375
Looks like a couple of good spring bear loads there!
8mm Enthusiast
Beginner
- Jul 6, 2025
- 92
- 111
That's one highly versatile load right there!
Blkram
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2013
- 3,467
- 4,399
Good looking rounds!Also working on a new load with CFE223. Out of a 8x57 with a 24" barrel I did hit 3000 fps with a barnes TTSX 160gr, makes just shy of 3200 ft-lbs at the muzzle. So pretty much 7mm Rem Mag performance. 5 shot group averaged 1.25". Will play around with this load in hopes for 3/4"-1".
Makes me think that Guy would name that "Blue Thunder" or the "Blue Hammer", or something similar!
