Hand loading for 8mm Hakim

[roysclockgun]

I am hand loading cartridges for an Eqyptian Hakim, semi-auto rifle chambered for 8x57mm Mauser. This is the Swedish Ljungman design. I have read that too slow a propellent can damage the gas system of these rifles.
Anyone have a starting point to reload 150gr and 170gr bullets? The pressure must be high enough to cycle the semi-auto action.

 

[JD338]

I would try a web search but my thinking is to start with starting load data and maybe work to a mid range level. Similar to loading for most semi autos.

Hope this helps.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

If your gun was checked out by a gunsmith then you can shoot it. You're right about slow burning powders in these (and many other) semi autos. There is one rule of the thumb. If you're going to handload stay with IMR4064 and faster! Not slower. Find a powder burning chart
here is one http://www.reloadbench.com/burn.html .
The ideal powder is 4895 series just like it is for the Garand.

NowBrowning BAR's, Rem 742, 750, 7400 no longer have these issues.

 

[roysclockgun]

Okay! Thanks for the replies.
This load seems to work well and does not produce the violent ejection that I have seen in some Hakims. One must hold the butt tight against the shoulder, or the rifle will not cycle in the next round, because this load is right on the line of being too light.

150gr Turk FMJ bullet, pulled from Turk cartridges
Turk cases from the same batch with propellent dumped
26gr IMR4198
OAL: for this rifle 3.16"