Soon, And Very Soon...

[DrMike]

Well, the action is in, the chamber is bored and the barrel is screwed on. Crowning and cutting to length (26 inches) this afternoon. It is an 8X68S built on a Winchester (FN) action and mated to a Featherweight stock. It will be Ceracoated in "Burnt Bronze." The first test round has been fired, and it does go "BANG!" Dummy rounds have been provided for checking the feed. I should be able to post pictures in a couple of weeks. I'll be building the first test rounds this week. It is actually happening. Of course, there is always the little issue of paying for what I ordered. Hmmm. Okay, so I sell a kidney. I likely will mount a Leica ER 3.5-14X42 ASV. It will be pretty, if nothing else.

 

[JD338]

Mike,

Sounds like an awesome project.
I can't wait to see pictures and hear how she shoots.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

I will definitely have it at the range asap. Somehow, this build excites me. It is a ballistic twin to my 325 WSM, but that big case is just exciting. The tool meister commented that the test load I had provided had quite a bit of recoil. I pointed out that though the cartridge was almost eighty years old, it was designated to generate 64K psi. Yeah, it can produce a bit of recoil.

 

[wildgene]

...Scotty needs to buy a .325 WSM... :roll: :shock: :twisted: :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

Bingo! How can he live without one? :?

 

[wildgene]

...the 8X68S sounds very 'Continental", but it's still faced w/ the same conundrum of MV/BC/SD. We need a better selection of high BC bullets to really let the 8mm's shine like they ought to...

...I'm certain this all hinges on Scotty's purchase... :shock: :roll: :twisted: :mrgreen:

 

[Elkman]

Mike that should be a real thumper, a super medium on a standard case, a winner for sure.!!!!!!

 

[Dwh7271]

Cool build Dr.
Can't wait to see what you can do with it.
That 68 case is fascinating although I'm leaning toward 6.5. :grin:

 

[DrMike]

Oh, yeah, I struggled with the decision on this build. The 6.5X68 was a strong contender in my mind. I literally flipped a coin. The fact that Hornady and Norma both make brass for the 8X68S was a strong inducement. Should be fun. Bill, I think it will be a great cartridge for about anything I might encounter up here.

 

[sask boy]

DrMike, I am sure it is a real beauty :wink:!! I am looking forward to your range reports with your photos I hope :mrgreen:!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Dwh7271]

For the big and sometimes toothy critters you play with up there, the 8 is probably more practical. A good call imo

 

[DrMike]

DrMike, I am sure it is a real beauty :wink:!! I am looking forward to your range reports with your photos I hope :mrgreen:!

Blessings,
Dan

And the bolt is put on correctly, Dan. :mrgreen: I don't have to hold it upside down in order to shoot it. :lol:

 

[IdahoCTD]

RWS makes brass too Mike. That's what I have in 6.5x68 for my improved. The guys that used the case to make several improved .30 caliber versions for long range benchrest reported up near 50 reloads per case with RWS brass. I should be able to wear out a few barrels with 160 rounds of brass if I get even 20-25 rounds per case.

 

[SJB358]

Very exciting Mike. When you get a chance can you put a picture of the loaded round up for us

Should be a beautiful rifle.

 

[pre6422hornet]

Oh boy Dr. Mike. That sounds like a sweet project.

I am with Scotty, put up a pic of the loaded round. I can't wait to see it!

 

[nvbroncrider]

Awesome man. Can't wait to see it.

 

[DrMike]

I will get some pictures up in the next day or two. As I near the weekend, my schedule gets hectic. I'm still taking John and Noah out for moose and black bear each Saturday. However, I will put up the pictures of some of the ammunition. Trust I'll be able to put up some pictures of the rifle shortly, and then a few of targets. Consequently, I do have some RWS brass. If possible, I'll likely order some more of that particular brass shortly. I am excited about this. When things started happening, it has gone quickly.

 

[preacher]

My South Africa friend said he knew a couple guys who hunted with him that used the 8x68 on Gemsbuk. They still used headshots ( most of those local guys are biltong hunters) but hit way out there. He also said the rifles they used ( some kind of continental with bad designed stocks) kicked the living snot out of them too, ha.

 

[sask boy]

Dewey, when I was up Moose hunting and we came across those grizzly prints I was sure wondering if my 35 Whelen was enough gun for the occasion.
At the range I saw DrMike shooting his new 358 Norma Mag with 280gr bullets all I can say is WOW :shock:! So this new rifle will be waiting in line for a chance at a bear I think :wink:!

PS. DrMike I know what you state about those bolts on the left side but in your eyes Noah, Gerry, Gil and I have seen the want & envy :mrgreen:

Blessings,
Dan

 

[DrMike]

DrMike I know what you state about those bolts on the left side but in your eyes Noah, Gerry, Gil and I have seen the want & envy :mrgreen:

Blessings,
Dan

Don't confuse my pity and sorrow at the handicap you poor souls are suffering for desire on my part.