I have been reloading for some time now and am just now going to get started with the 8x57. What do you guys think is the "Go To" powder for this cartridge. I have had great luck with IMR4895 in the .308 and .243 just wondering if their is something better for the 8x57.
Thanx, Matt.

I think you already have the answer.
If you have to try something different maybe IMR 4064 would be it.

Some 8x57JS load data:

http://www.realguns.com/loads/8x57mmjs.htm

I've used IMR-4350 with 220 gr bullets, and it worked great, but that powder is probably a little on the slow burning side for lighter weight bullets. I'm going to try RL-15 with 185 and 195 gr bullets but I just haven't gotten around to it.

-Bob F.

I've had super results with AA2460 or the near equivilent 2230C. My goto pig load is a Rem 185 grain Corelokt and a near max load of one of those powders. It has produced moa accuracy in every 8x57 I have shot it in and has more than enough oomph!

My best results were with 185gr Core LOKT, 49gr. of accurate 2520. This load has not shown high pressure signs in my rifles, but yours may be different. roger

I've used both IMR3031 and H414 and am happy with either powder.

quote:

Originally posted by matt_gu3:
I have been reloading for some time now and am just now going to get started with the 8x57. What do you guys think is the "Go To" powder for this cartridge. I have had great luck with IMR4895 in the .308 and .243 just wondering if their is something better for the 8x57.
Thanx, Matt.

4895 works very well in the 8x57 with bullets of 125 - 185 gr. Very well actually, that is my "go to" powder for the 8x57.

Larry Gibson

I use H-414 a lot and it sure works well in the 8 X 57 too.

IMR4895 and the 175 gr. Sierra BT are extremely accurate in my VZ 98/22 sporter. Sub MOA with the original military barrel. S40

I load the 170 and 175 grainers pretty exclusively in the 8mm Mauser....

I found a lot of the normally used powders had to have compressed loads to get any decent velocity out of them...and they recoiled a lot...

So I played with some data from a real old manual I was thumbing thru in a gunshop... I worked up...and found that the 8 x 57 is almost like a big version of the 223...

what powders that work well in the 223, work well in the 8mm Mauser...

So I tried IMR 4198, RL 7, Recently RL 10, H 322 and not only had excellent results, but also more accuracy and less recoil...

However, since I use my Mausers for shooting enjoyment and "casual" ( If I see anything, great.. and if not, who cares) hunting..... I use SR 4759 pretty exclusively with the 170 grain Speer SMP mostly.. it works with loads from 15 grains to 35 grains of SR 4759 just fine..

For 4198, I use up to 44 grains of that...
RL 7 I use up to 47 grains of that...usually tho, much lower, and I am just looking at 150 yd loads or so...

but the fast powders proved very accurate... with the lighter bullet weights...from 125s to 175s...

I have both military and sporterized versions of the caliber.. all Mausers, or CZs...

Many powders will work, but the trick is loading to 65,000 psi and not the SAAMI registered pressure of 35,000 psi.

At 35,000 CUP, the trajectory out of an 8 mm Mauser rivals a mortar shell....

IMR 4895 is the powder for 8x57

Thanks for all of the info, guys. I decided to start out with what I have, IMR4895. I loaded 10 rounds bumping the powder .3gr in each load just to keep an eye on pressure signs. After I get the chance to fire those, I will start to find the right load with a ballance of accuracy, velocity and comfort (felt recoil). Focusing on accuracy. This is my first rifle with a peep sight. I'm not really sure what to expect as far as accuracy goes. I am hoping to take a white tail with it this season.

Thanks again, you guys are a wealth of useable knowledge.

Matt.

With bulk IMR4895 that is on the fast side, more like H322:


200 gr Sierra Match King 47 gr, 2613 - 2650 fps 1" 5 shot group 100m, 29" barrel
working up higher, bolt very stiff to lift by 50 gr.

220 gr Sierra 2630 fps, 48 gr, 1.3" 4 shot at 50 yards, no extractor groove growth
220 gr Sierra 2650 fps, 48 gr, 1.1" 5 shot at 50 yards, bad extractor groove growth [different rifle]

What does it all mean?
Every rifle is different, with a different max load for long brass life.

IMR4064 or RL15 if you have to buy powder.

If you HAVE IMR4895 or H4895 on hand it'll work but isn't
first choice with any bullet weight.

Likewise IMR3031, W748 or IMR4320 can be pressed ino service with most bullet weights

I usually have 5-6lbs of IMR4064 on hand because it is my Go-To propellant for my 30-06 semi-auto.

AD

I had the best luck with IMR4064 and Winchester 748. The bullets I used where from 150 to 196g, and all loads where at most 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards.

I use H380 and love it. Works well with 180 gr TSX and 196 gr Woodleigh and 200 gr A Frame.

Hornady 170g RN and 46g VN150. Not a long range load but super accurate in my Brno Mod. 98/22 Mauser.

I also has good results with accuracy and IMR4064 but the velocity was low. H4895 and 150 grainers was much faster and about as accurate.