I wanted to share some data that I worked up for my 8x57. I'd asked questions in the past on here and folks were very helpful. I hope this helps anyone else with an 8x57.

First, the disclaimer. Start below the loads below and work-up. Check speeds and cases.

My rifle is a Mannlicher with a 20" #2 barrel that I've posted on here in the Custom Built Rifles forums. It's built on a Spandau M98 action.

I originally tried some factory S&B ammo for it in June 2011 to prep for an Africa trip. The ammo didn't group and made the bolt handle incredibly difficult to lift. For my trip I ended up ordering some ammo from Superior Ammo after trying a sample pack and finding 200 gr Accubonds as the best grouping bullet (under .5 MPOA, everything else was 1-3"). When I ran out last year, I decided it was time to do my own.

I had 3 rounds of ammo left from Superior and clocked at 2,267 to 2,304 fps. Now onto my data.

Load Info:
Brass: Remington
Bullets: Nosler 200 gr Accubonds
Powder: See below, all loads at 46 gr. I measure each pour when developing a new load to make sure they are all spot on.
Primer: CCI-200 LR
COL: 2.980" (equaled COL of Superior Ammo)
FPS: Measured at chronograph at 10 ft from barrel

IMR-4350: 2,188/2,194. Didn't check grouping, to slow
IMR-4064: 2,373/2,456/2,457/2,483. .8" MOA
Varget: 2,420/2,428/2,430/missed a reading. .75" MOA

What's interesting is that the 4064 and Varget printed in the exact same 1" square on the target (I taped off holes between loads). From what I have read, they are very similar powders.

I decided to go with the Varget for my load for several reasons. First, it had the lowest deviation. Second, it was closer to the original load I had, which was sufficient to take trophy a waterbuck, 6x5 elk, and 7x8 red stag. So I figured ~2,425 was just fine and it grouped better.

Thanks for the data. One of my future projects will be a 8x57 built Mannicher style with a 20 inch barrel ( I have several 8mm barrels and M98 actions to pick from). Rifle is intended to be a light weight "dark timber" rifle for Elk where a long shot is 50 yards. A 200 grain bullet at around 2400 ft/sec would be deadly.

I'd recommend a #1 barrel versus a #2.

Yes, great rifle for tight spots. I'm sure it could do a lot more loaded to a longer COL, but as you state, a 200 gr bullet at 2,400 fps within 200 yards is deadly!!!