Why is the 8X68S almost obsolete. I live in Namibia where I see only a few. Most everyone says that a .300 or .338 is more desirable. To me the 8X68S looks like it has it all... flat shooting - big fast bullet with good numbers sd & bc. I think it may be my next project. I understand brass is expensive... so I'll just get 300 rounds the first time and get it out of the way. What do you think of this round?

Aaron, You're right, of course. There are no flies on the 8X68. It was really ahead of its time and it fits in quite well between the 300 mag and 338. The reality is that the 8mm is a European caliber and has never caught on in the US. Remington's 8mm magnum is quickly going the way of the dodo. I believe also that the 8mm is slowly fading in Europe. Many Europeans now use 30 caliber, esp. the Winchester Magnum.

If you have an 8X68 and can get ammo for it, you are well set. It is an excellent round.

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Well I just found something encouraging. Styer-Mannlicher still chambers for it:
http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.htm
click on "Jagdwaffen" and then "Classic Mannlicher" it's the last chambering under the "Halbschaft" modle.

Now I'm afraid to ask what the gun costs...

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When in doubt, do a nuclear strike.

I like the 8x68 and like the 8mm Rem mag fill a niche. We have had two clients use it on Eland with great success. I would like to see a CZ 550 magnum chamber for the cartridge. The 8mm is a sound diameter and a useful all around cartridge with respect to the time proven .375 H&H.

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I also wish CZ would chamber them, although the Steyr�s accuracy wise are good.

Nothing wrong with the round, now there are good 8 mm S bullets available. Nosler Partition 200 grs, Swift A frame 220 grs , and I believe up to 250 grs from Woodleigh or else. Also 220 Solids are available.

Brass from RWS or Hirtenberg ( factory 200 grs NP load ).

My next project.

Have fun Hermann

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Aaron, you heard it already : a most excellent round, a true magnum without the bothersome belt ! Its only weakness lies in the availability of factory ammo and handloading components. However, these shortcomings are dictated by sole demand. The same situation existed for the 9,3x62 a few years ago and look at its present rebirth. Keep asking for it and it will come, I sure hope so.

Alf, the Sauer 202 (I own one in 7x64) is the most accurate "out-of-the-box" rifle I know, being challenged only in this respect by the Blaser R93. I've shot the Sauer in many calibers and they all seem to shoot in one hole. The groups below were shot with Sauer 200's (the 202's predecessor but differing only in cosmetics and safety type), in 6,5x55 and 8x68S, respectively !

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Andr�

Aaron

I am with you on this one, I want one as well, presently I shoot a 300 Win, but intend to get me an 8x68, everybody I have spoken to who have used it have only good things to say about it. When you start let met know I would want to follow the progress.

Aaron

For a while I have been looking for a cartridge that has more oomph that my present 30-06 and specifically the ability to handle heavier bullets with a little more calibre width.

The two I am most interested in are the 8x68S and the 338 Win Mag. I lean with my heart to the 8mm even though my head says the 338. But I will probably go with my heart.

The 338 has a much wider range of bullets but the 8mm seems to be gaining more bullet brands and weights recently. I have put together a list for my own benefit and will post this in a separate message.

Also the 8mm (.323) with better sectional density is only about 100 fps behind the 338 with a 220 gr compared to a 225 gr respectively.

The old 333, and 318 (was this actually 323? - ie is this a "British" .318 ie from lands to lands?) were right in this range and were solid game getters. A number of "oldtimer" USA hunters also considered the 333 the ideal calibre for N America.

The main problem I see for the 8mm (other than getting the actual shooting stuff for it) was most US bullets were designed for the 8x57 and were in the range of 150 gr to 200 gr. Also not constructed well enough for the increased velocity. I see the 8x68S more from a light end of 180 gr to 250 gr, and 300 gr at the top end if required.

Alf,

Your Sauer in 6.5 and 8 x 68 sounds like my dream project! Now if only the 10.75x68 was the same case head and performed well or better!

Good Hunting everyone

Nitro

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Nitro@NitroExpress.com
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