Reloading The 8mm (8×57) Mauser Rifle

(Note: These are maximum loads , you should use 10% less to start.)

(See note on Powders below or read all about various
Powders.)

Bullet is .323″ diameter. These loads are for the stronger Model 98 Mauser and
other modern rifles. Do not use in the older Model rifles. Make SURE you don’t
have an older model that had the .318 bore instead of the modern .323 diameter
bore. These older rifles were made at the turn of the century. You should
certainly shoot some factory ammo, made for all Mausers set for the lower
pressures. This Mauser factory ammo is about on par with the 30-30 loads. For
the handloads below, you must have a modern rifle in GOOD condition. If
unsure, have a gunsmith check it out. These loads below approach those of the
.308 Winchester round. Because of type of bullet, seating depth, primer type
and other factors, you may not get near the FPS charted. It is just a guide
and the reason you should start under these charges and work up.

MAXIMUM LOADS – – DO NOT EXCEED

125 grain Hornady SP

150 grain Speer Spitzer SP

170 grain Speer Spitzer SP

200 grain Speer spitzer SP

Discussion: DO NOT USE ANY ABOVE LOADS, ETC. IN A 8MM THAT HAS THE SMALLER
.318 BORE. This was mostly earlier Mausers. Some mass sales of the old
Military rifles had parts interchanged, so if you have just bought one of
these, have it inspected first, before you shoot it. When you are sure of the
quality, parts, bore and condition, start out with mild loads and light
bullets to see how things go. Always check for signs of pressure, leakage and
parts problems. The original factory loads were designed for pressures around
36,000 and some of the loads above approach 50,000 cup. You can see why you
have to be sure of the rifle and condition before you use these modern loads.
This “32 caliber” bullet moving at speeds of the .308 makes a fine hunting
round.

#2400, Reloader 7, 11, 12, and 15 are products of Alliant (formerly Hercules)
Powders. H380, H414, H450, H4350 and H4895 are products of Hodgdon Powders.
IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 are products of IMR (formerly DuPont) Powder Company.
A2230, A2495, A2700, A3100, A2015 and A2460 are products of Accurate Arms
Company WMR, WSF, WSL, 760, 748, 680, 231 and 540 are products of Winchester,
Components Div. Viht N140 is a product of VihtaVuori Oy Company, Ammunition
Unit

References: Accurate Arms Co. 1996 Reloading booklet – – Alliant Powder Co.
Reloaders’ Guide (1995) – – Hodgdon’s Basic Reloaders Manual (1996) – – Speer
Reloading Manual, #12 – – Winchester Reloading Components Manual, 14th edition
– – Lyman Piston & Revolver Reloading Handbook, 2nd edition. – – VihtaVuori Oy
Company, reloading booklet (1995) – – Numerous magazine articles on reloading
special calibers and personal loads where noted.