I would like to convert my 8x57 IS to an 8mm/06 AI. Any one out there have the conversion info. as to what is involved. Loads would be appreciated. Do I need to have anything done to the mag. well of the standard mauser for the load? Thanks for any info.

I have about 25 8x57 rifles in storage.
I have fantasized about the 8mm-06 AI conversion, but have you seen how powerful the 8x57JS really is?

I put 52 gr of IMR4895 behind a 200 gr FMJ, and the bolt gets really sticky, but I can keep shooting at 50 gr. The noise and recoil are about as much as I can take at THAT point, so I don't know if I could really use the 8mm-06AI improvment.

The back of P.O. Ackley vol II has some old Norma data. It lists 8X57JS loads of 198 grain bullets @ 2624 fs 47,700 PSI and 165 grs @ 2855 fs 46,300 psi.

My 8X57 compares very well with my 30-06 on the chronograph.

Although the Ackley treatment doesn't usually gain that much, if you are rechambering to a wildcat cartridge anyway, the A.I. seems to make sense. You will gain a few FPS over a "standard" 8mm-06 and you will get the benefits of the sharper shoulder, less taper, and slightly more positive headspacing and all of the (slight) advantages that go with it. If I were rechambering for the '06 case, I think I would opt for the A.I. version myself.