I guess it was bound to happen.

I went in to pick up an '09 to use as a donor action, and saw another Mauser.

It's a 98, matching, nice solid walnut stock, good blue, still a little cosmo, and the typical German cup butt plate.

So I got it.

Turns out it's Preduzece 44 Mod. 98: Presumably a k98 refurbished by the Yugoslavians at what is now the Zastava factory.

I guess there are a few of these around, but not as well known as the 24/47s or the Model 48.

I got it for what I consider to be a good price. Surprised me a little, but it turns out that among the collector crowd, even the Russian captures are more highly prized than these. Apparently Nazi proofs are at a premium.

Even though everyone agrees that the RCs are mixmasters, each rifle a random collection of parts, whereas the Yugos (I'm informed) strove to keep the parts together.

Anyway, it's my first 8mm. Although I'm already loading 6.5x55, 7x57, and 7.65x53.

What I'm looking for a nice accurate reduced load for the 150gr. bullet.

I'm not certain how long I'll be enthralled by this rifle, as my eyes are way past the point of working well with open sights. A scout mount might be an option, but I'll be reluctant to d and t, or pull this thing apart, as it's too beautiful.

Collector value or not.

In the meantime, I'd like to see what she'll do with the 150 at perhaps 2,300 fps or even slower.

That butt plate looks dangerous.

As to powder options, it seems like they're all over the book. I have 4064, but don't prefer to measure it. The cartridge likes 4350, but my guess is that it's a little slow for the 150. It will take 4895, but... looking at the relative burn rate charts, and going on the assumption that the lighter bullet will do better with a faster powder....

I have a can of Varget I haven't tried.

Anyone use Varget with the 8mm?

Thanks, gents,

flaco

My 8mm seems to shoot best using IMR 4350 and Sierra 150 gr. SPT bullets.

Since you have Varget on hand, try 49.0 grains with the 150 gr. Sierra.

Here is the 4350 load:

54.5 gr. IMR 4350
CCI BR-2 primer
Sierra 150 gr. SBT
Remington brass
OAL - 3.050"

Best of luck.

4895 is a great powder for the 150gr. bullet. 43gr. should be close to what you want. If you have any 2230-C that would be another good choice; perhaps 40gr. roger

hey bud i have loaded 150gr. speer bullets per Lee load data their chart calls for min. 46 gr. max gr. 50 i loaded 48 gr. h4895 and produced a shoot group with in 1 inch @ 100 yards with a yogo m48 8x57 Mauser hey good luck

SR 4759....

20 grains starting load to 35 grains max load...

large rifle primers...

work up your loads....

But I think you will like, both the reduction in recoil and the accuracy.... from the lightest 20 grain loads to the 35 grain max loads....

I shoot the same thing, but my bullet of preference is the 170 grain Speer SMP....

cheers
seafire

My favorite target load for the 8x57 is 150gr Sierra over 34.5gr IMR 3031 @ approx 2300fps. I up the charge to 42.1gr @ approx 2500fps for a hunting load. This is a mild load, but none of the deer in the freezer have made any negative remarks about it.

quote:

Originally posted by seafire/B17G:
SR 4759....

20 grains starting load to 35 grains max load...

large rifle primers...

work up your loads....

But I think you will like, both the reduction in recoil and the accuracy.... from the lightest 20 grain loads to the 35 grain max loads....

I shoot the same thing, but my bullet of preference is the 170 grain Speer SMP....

cheers
seafire

Seafires recomendation is a good one. I've not had good results with Varget for reduced loads in several cartridges including the 8mm. However with 4895 I've had good results. Between 38 and 42 gr (work up as always) with 150 gr bullets should give you your desired 2300 fps.

Larry Gibson

The go-to accuracy load in my k98's with the 150 grain Hornady bullet is 48.0 grains of Varget. Now that may not be considered a "reduced load", but in military trim the k98 soaks up the recoil pretty well. I find the 150 grain bullet recoil is mild compared to full load 195-200 grainers.

Nels

First off, Varget works very well with 8 x 57 IS. Usually best accuracy is obtained w/ lighter bullets (150 grainers are a good choice) and the heavier ones (i.e. 200 grs, 198 grs being the original weight of the bullets used by the German Wehrmacht).

My favorite load with the 200 gr Sierra Matchking is 46.2 gr /COL 3.100" which guarantees sub MOA groups (w/ scout scope mounted). Not bad for a 1937 veteran which has made all the way to Moscow and back.