(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
Reloader 12 45.0 gr. 2,720 FPS
Reloader 15 46.8 gr. 2,760 FPS
-----------------------------------------
150 grain Speer Spitzer SP
IMR 3031 49.0 gr. 2,757
H380 54.0 gr. 2,778
H4831 57.0 gr. 2,452
H4895 50.0 gr. 2,747
Viht. N140 50.0 gr. 2,695
IMR 4895 48.0 gr. 2,675
Reloader12 43.0 gr. 2,455
Reloader15 44.0 gr. 2,560
A2700 50.0 gr. 2,580
-----------------------------------------
170 grain Speer Spitzer SP
W748 46.0 gr. 2,410 FPS
W760 48.0 gr. 2,240
H4831 57.0 gr. 2,418
H450 49.0 gr. 2,138
H380 49.0 gr. 2,509
H4895 46.0 gr. 2,501
Reloader12 40.0 gr. 2,280
Reloader15 41.4 gr. 2,400
Viht. N140 48.0 gr. 2,574
A2700 49.0 gr. 2,486
IMR 4895 46.0 gr. 2,640
-----------------------------------------
200 grain Speer spitzer SP
H380 52.0 gr. 2,469 (mag primer)
IMR 4064 46.0 gr. 2,434
A2700 48.0 gr. 2,324 (Mag primer & compressed)
Viht. N140 43.0 gr. 2,242
-----------------------------------------
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.