I understand that Hornady has discontinued the 220 gr. in 8mm. They now have a 195gr. Is this bullet tough enough for 8mm Magnum velocities? If not what are you other 8 mag users using for bullets, and what charges etc.? I have only used Hornady for my rifle. Thanks-Karl

I have stuck with the 220s so I can't address the 195s. I have used the Sierra on deer and elk and they hold up "good enough".

For serious work I have switched to the Barnes X and Swift A-frame. I haven't used them on game yet but I'm sure they'll work fine. Either is accurate in my 700 Classic.

I used to use 78 or 79 grains of H-4831 but have switched to Reloader 25 now. Start at about 76 grains and work up.

I'm taking the 8 mag and the 220 Barnes Xs over 80 grains of RE-25 to Namibia in a little over a week. We'll see how it works.

Good luck, Joe

Hi Karl. I have heard the same thing. There is still the 220 gr Sierra (shoots wonderfully, but is a bit fragile), the 200 gr Nosler Partition, the 220 gr Barnes X (if this will group in your rifle, you're set for anything that walks on this continent), Woodleigh makes some heavyweight 8mm's (pricey) and Swift makes a 200 gr A frame (also a very tough bullet). That's all I can think of right now, and I'm just buying up all the 220's I can find. - Dan

Im a big hornady guy and have advocated their (carefull) use in many a magnum. I also aint real big on premiums, but in this case I would give something like the 200 grn partition or 250 grn Woodlieghs a hard look. Does North Fork make an 8mm? They would be a great match for the 8RM with their accurate tendancies, tough design and large mushrooms.

[ 09-13-2003, 19:28: Message edited by: Wstrnhuntr ]

Thanks for the heads-up on this. I'd better go get four or five boxes while the getting is still good.

Joe, we'll be looking forward to reading your results. I'm curious about which make, model and magnification scope you have mounted to your Classic.

I practice with 200 Speers and have a modest supply of Barnes Originals for a special opportunity should I be so fortunate.

Has anyone had expience with Woodleighs on game? I've yet to see anyone comment on their quality.

Bill