I have bought a used BRNO ZKK 600 in 8x64S and have never handload this caliber.

Hope somebody can help me with this:

*Good bullets (big game and short/medium range)?

*Loadingdata (use most Norma and Vithavuori)?

*Diffrence between 8mm-06 and 8x64S?

*Can I modify some other loading die (8x64S are very expensive!)?

Thanks!

Jonas

You can use any of the .323 bullets.

Loading data is the same as for the 8x65R.

150 jacketed bullet around 60 grains of IMR-4350

170 grain bullet around 52 grains of IMR-4064.

225 grain bullet around 61 grains of IMR-4831 or 57 grains of IMR-4350.

The 8x64 is close to the 8mm/06 in performance.

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http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

If you really want to try your hand at altering dies, maybe the 7x64 would be a place to start?? (Not that I'm advising this. I suppose it depends on the skills, tools and experience of your machinist...)

Typically the rimmed versions (in our case 8x65RS) are loaded to somewhat lower pressures than the un-rimmed cartridges.

If you started carefully, load data for the 8mm-06 might be a place to start too.

For "true" 8x64S load data: See if you can locate the RWS reloading manual (send me a mail if you need an ISBN - or a copy of the page/pages about the 8x64S). All in German though - plus unfortunately no Norma or VV powders in that book!

Also try posting a message on

http://www.f23.parsimony.net/forum47504/

With a caliber as German as the 8x64S, you really need German input and assistance...

Brenneke (in Germany) has started loading factory ammo for the 8x64S - at the usual exhorbiant European prices, though ...

Yes, the caliber is a bit of an odd-ball, it went out of fashion a long time ago. However, once you get your component problems resolved, rest assured you have one of the best calibers around. This has got to be close to perfect for Swedish moose hunting!

Good luck.

-mike

[This message has been edited by mho (edited 05-03-2002).]

8 x 64 S TIG 12,8 198 R 907 Rottweil 3,56 55,0 RWS 5341 Brenneke 84,0 810 3645 650 4050
8 x 64 S TIG 12,8 198 R 904 Rottweil 3,87 59,7 RWS 5341 Brenneke 84,0 815 3645 650 4050
8 x 64 S TIG 12,8 198 204 Norma 3,84 59,3 RWS 5341 Brenneke 84,0 805 3645 650 4050
From Brennekes site: http://www.brenneke.de/
Cheers
K9

For making cases: with 8x64 IS dies in hand, simply use 35 Whelen brass. This way you will have correct headspace. The tip about 8-06 loading data seems the best one.

Have fun! Hermann

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Yes, I will try the S&B ammunition untill a get my dies.
The info that 35 Whelen has same headspace was new for me.

K9, if you could send me a digicopy of that side o data I should be very glad!

30-06 will give a good hint where to begin with most bullet weight.

I gonna use 200-250grs bullets, depend on wich shoot best. The Woodleigh roundnose in 220 or 250grs would be fine I guess.

MHO, proberly have you right that 8x64S is a perfect moose cartridge, beside 9,3x62. This power will be enough for both me and the moose!

Thanks again!

Jonas

Hermann

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quote:

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Originally posted by aHunter:
The 35 Whelen does most likely not have the same headspace. The 30-06 also not. But if you use Whelen brass the neck is bigger than the 8 mm�s, so on first sizing you get a small auxiliary shoulder that will headspace properly. Use full loads only after that fireforming.

Hermann

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Hermann, I liked your last reply very much. I was a bit worried that Jonas had got the impression that dimensionally the .35 Whelen brass would be without problems. Basically, the decision to reform brass from one cartridge to the next is never one which should be taken lightly. Too many SNAFUs lurking with potentially disastrous results... In any event, one has to research the dimensions of the cases in questions - and not rely on (well-meant) advice!

I looked in my RWS book last night, and it specifies exactly the same issue as you mention when reforming brass to 8x64S: the issue of correct headspace. The RWS manual assumes you'll start with 7x64 (new) cases, and emphasises the issue of having to create a "false" shoulder by first necking up too far, and then necking down to .323 cal. Otherwise the case dimensions will create a headspace problem for you.

So it sounds like it may be less work (assuming you have done your homework!) to neck down .35 Whelen cases. In particular since there are also some restrictions how far you should neck up (like: 1 caliber at a time) to avoid loosing too many cases. Going from 7x64 above .323 and then down to .323 sounds like 3-4 seperate operations! However, simply necking down is not without its problems either: neck thickness may become a problem - requiring turning or reaming of necks! Others in this forum are much better qualified than I to comment on these issues.

I don't know of the quality of the Sellier & Bellot barss, but maybe this would a viable way to go: simply buy factory S&B ammo and reload the cases. At least it would save you the hassle of forming cases...

Having been made aware of the dimensional differences between 7x74 and 8x64S, I also have to second the opinion that dies should not be reshaped. Get 8x64S dies, cry at the cost - but stay on the safe side!

FWIW, my $.02

- mike

All are under controll, I don�t think that .35Whelen cases solve my problem.

I gonna suck out my last "hunting money" for a real 8x64S die.
Before I get a die the rifle will be loaded with S&B-ammuninton 196grs soft-points.

Buy the way the BRNO-rifle has both a great orginal peep/ghost-sight and standrad iron-sights.

My way for loading gonna be start with 8mm-06 loads and then work up.

Jonas