First time loading some 8mm Mauser. Question.

[desertrider]

I've read that 8x57 Mauser milsurps favor full power loads with 196gr fmj for best accuracy.

I've been shooting milsurp corrosive ammo for years and finally decided to roll my own. I plan on doing some full power loads, but I'm really interested in finding some accurate mouse fart loads also.

Does anyone here have experience with Hornady 150gr SP bullets? I'm thinking about trying some charged on the weak side.

I obviously don't want squibs, but I'm thinking that 1 ~2grn below the minimum loads should be safe to experiment with, or am I just asking for trouble?

I'll be reviewing all my load books to compare recipes and load a variety to test.

On hand I've got Hornady 150gr SP, Hornady 196gr BTHP, and some SMK 200gr BTHP.

Powders on hand are IMR4320, IMR4895, H335, RL15, and Varget.

[OpenSightsOnly]

I load for 100 or 200 yard steel plates using 198 grain bullets.

I have used the same powders as you have.

Buy Sierra or Hornady manual - what you are asking is found in the manual

[tabascoz28]

I think that should be fine but it wouldn't be historical nor would it perform like you're used to. But if kick and pow is all you want it should be ok. I'm about to take out of jail an Ishapore 7.62 Nato tomorrow and loading my normal low powered stuff.

I'm assuming Bolt Action? In which case I would load it up a bit low and shoot all day.

[kcheung2]

I've used 150 gr projectiles and they work fine. Using H380 and IMR4064, I found that mid range loads were the most accurate.

8mm Mauser cases are pretty big, and with most powders there's about a 5-6 grain range from the recommended min to max charge. That's a pretty large range to experiment with. So I'm not sure why you feel your only options are to either load near max, or 2 grains below min.

[tabascoz28]

I'd save that good powder for my accurate rounds too. If you're just plinking I'd use the bare minimum too. I shoot 4 different 308s and they have to cycle in 2 semis so they have to be midrange.

[desertrider]

Buy Sierra or Hornady manual - what you are asking is found in the manual

I've got a good selection of manuals and have looked through all. The current Sierra edition omitted 8x57, but I have a 1985 edition that gives loads for 150gr SP with 4895 and 4320.

I'm assuming Bolt Action? In which case I would load it up a bit low and shoot all day.

Yup, Yugo M48 milsurp. I've shot nothing but full power milsurp ammo for twenty one years through it. Finally decided to reload for it and want some soft shooting loads for a change.

8mm Mauser cases are pretty big, and with most powders there's about a 5-6 grain range from the recommended min to max charge. That's a pretty large range to experiment with. So I'm not sure why you feel your only options are to either load near max, or 2 grains below min.

I should have been more clear in my OP. I intend to use all three bullet weights in a variety of loads to test, but in addition to those I'd like to experiment with some very low powered rounds to see if they are successful.

I've been shooting milsurp corrosive ammo for years and finally decided to roll my own. I plan on doing some full power loads, but I'm really interested in finding some accurate mouse fart loads also.


Powders on hand are IMR4320, IMR4895, H335, RL15, and Varget.

I'd save that good powder for my accurate rounds too. If you're just plinking I'd use the bare minimum too. I shoot 4 different 308s and they have to cycle in 2 semis so they have to be midrange.

^^^ This also. If I can find a reasonably accurate low powered load for plinking, my powder will go farther and save me some cash to boot.

Thanks for the replies fellas. Hopefully I'll find the time to roll some this weekend.

[kcheung2]

If you're talking about Sierra #6, the data is actually in the back under Legacy Data. Probably the same stuff as your 1985 copy though.

[Toxic Shock]

If you want plinking loads, why not looking into cast bullets? The 8x57 is actually an excellent cast bullet cartridge. There's a shortage of bullet molds right now, (along with everything else), but gas checked/sized/lubed cast bullets are available from multiple vendors. This is a less expensive way to get those practice and plinking rounds. Powder coated cast bullets are also available if you'd rather not deal with lube. Lots of reloading information is also on the web.

[desertrider]

If you're talking about Sierra #6, the data is actually in the back under Legacy Data. Probably the same stuff as your 1985 copy though.

Well, lookit that. I've had the book about two years and never bothered to look at the Legacy section. Thanks.

If you want plinking loads, why not look into cast bullets? The 8x57 is actually an excellent cast bullet cartridge. There's a shortage of bullet molds right now, (along with everything else), but gas checked/sized/lubed cast bullets are available from multiple vendors. This is a less expensive way to get those practice and plinking rounds. Powder coated cast bullets are also available if you'd rather not deal with lube. Lots of reloading information is also on the web.

Obviously I need to expand my reloading horizon.

I've shot lead bullets through revolvers, but was afraid that the higher velocities of rifle rounds would result in excessive leading of the barrel. I don't mind cleaning, but I don't want to work at cleaning.

Plinking rounds are exactly what I'm looking for, so I'll check out cast as well as powder coated. Thanks for the suggestion!

[OpenSightsOnly]

The 200 gr SMK data is the same as Sierra #5 manual.

[NapalmCheese]

I'd like to experiment with some very low powered rounds to see if they are successful.

If you want plinking loads, why not looking into cast bullets? The 8x57 is actually an excellent cast bullet cartridge. There's a shortage of bullet molds right now, (along with everything else), but gas checked/sized/lubed cast bullets are available from multiple vendors. This is a less expensive way to get those practice and plinking rounds. Powder coated cast bullets are also available if you'd rather not deal with lube. Lots of reloading information is also on the web.

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?13425-Cast-Bullet-Loads-for-Military-Rifles-Article

Red Dot is my preferred powder for such ventures. Please note that at about 13 grains of Red Dot (give or take) you will have low velocity loads, but not necessarily low pressure.

While not 8 Mauser, I use about 5.5 grains of Red Dot behind 165 grain plain base cast lead bullets in .30-30 for enjoyable shooting to about 100 yards.

[desertrider]

NapalmCheese, thank you! Great info in that link.

[yoteassasin]

The Nosler BT shoot well out of my 24/47

[SkatinJJ]

Hodgdon has a web page for their powders and cartridges also. I cross reference loads for giggles (safety):

https://hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center?rdc=true&type=54

[For54]

2 grain under minimum published load data are doable in my book with IMR4895 and Varget. Might start burning dirty if you start going less.

I tend to load midrange loads with 150, 170 and 200 Speer HotCor with whichever powder i have available that has published data. I find that lighter bullets have a POI closer to the iron sights on the M48. Whereas all the milsurp ammo would shoot 18" higher.

For reduced loads...13 grains of Red Dot, also known as 'The load' is a good plinking round with any bullet, cast or FMJ.