I have been using factory ammo but thought I might try loading for the 8x64. I am having trouble finding loading data, any have some recomendations where to look? Thanks.

Kebco You could start with 8mm-06 data and work up. Nosler & Sierra have data for bullets suited to the 8x64.

I take it we are talking 8x64S, if so here is a thread about my favourite load:

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/...=411107336#411107336

I got the data from AR's very own "Monastery-Forester". He gets about 2850 fps out of this load (not sure what barrel length he uses?), it generates about 2700 fps in my 22" barrel. Since the accuracy was so good, I never bothered trying to load any hotter - although I have a feeling pressure is pretty modest in my barrel.

- mike

Yes, it is the S version, I am using a 50's BRNO ZG47(did not know they ever made a J verison of the 8x64). Just what I was looking for and thanks for the hint on reloading dies.

quote:

Originally posted by Kebco:
...did not know they ever made a J verison of the 8x64

No "J" version of the 8x64. But there was an 8x64 (.318 cal bore) and an 8x64S (.323 cal bore). This is a rather sad story of an unfortunate German nomenclature to keep track of what is .318 vs. .323 caliber 8mm's...

The "J" (or "I" as you sometimes see it) designation is only used for the 8x57J(S) or 8x57I(S) calibers. Here the "J/I" designates a military caliber - presumably short for the German word "Infanterie".

But apart from cartridge nomenclature, the 8x64S is a great caliber. It is versatile enough to run with a .30-06, yet benefits from the increased bullet diameter. Not that I have shot a bunch of stuff with it, but it has worked with great authority on what I did have the chance to shoot. In fact, the 8x64S almost converted me to believing in the "bigger bore is better" theory, and that is some admission from a dyed-in-the-wool .30-06 fan like myself.

I have been very happy with the custom FL die Hornady made for me. It took two attempts to have it made (they orginally sent me dies for the 9.3x64...), but the final outcome was very satisfactory. You can also get dies from RCBS or CH4, but I wanted a die that I could use without an expander, so I needed a custom internal die neck diameter. Hornady dies have improved in the last couple of years, both in finish and design.

Unless you want to reform brass readily available in the US, the 8x64S brass from Sellier & Bellot has actually turned out very serviceable. The primer pockets are a bit shallow, but other than that the brass seems very uniform. I now run a primer pocket uniformer through the pockets and that takes care of the issue of the shallow pockets.

- mike