Don't know if I have rocks in my head or not, but I have been thinking about building a 8x57.

Watcha think? I like the bigger bullet, but not bigger case idea.

Ketch-I've shot a really neat old Mauser in a 8x a bit, it is a neat old round. We used the Rem bullet if I remember right.

It is a neat old round.

From where I sit if it turns your crank the Powder River let er Buck and do it!!!

MD

Sounds like a good idea to me. Why not? It's been a standard for many, many years - just not in this country.

You could go with a 358 Win also. I like that little one for big bullets in a small package.

I have a 35 Whelen already. Thought about a 358, but I am using a long action Ruger, so I figure the 8x57 should be a dream.

Thinking of using a #2 or #3 SS barrel, 21-22", in a McMillan stock. Kinda of a running mate for my 250 AI set up the same way. Figure I can handle big and small that way........

You could probably find a used 8X57 for less than it would cost you to build one. The cartridge does not seem to be "in favor" just now. Perhaps the .325 WSM will generate some 8 mm fever, and then again perhaps not.

jim

I agree with the buy used recommendation. I see them from time to time in all states of modification for low prices. Nothing feeds any better than an 8x57 in an original Mauser, imho.

how about a 9x 57 with the reamer pilot for a .35 cal. barrel. it would be something that not every one has.

Mitchells Mausers has new unfired K98-M48 rifles and some accessories for $148. They are advertised in the August issue of American Hunter magazine. I think that is a heck of a deal for anyone that is thinking of shooting an 8X57. You could sporterize it any way you want, or leave it oringinal.

The Mitchel Mauser Idea sounds like a good one i own at least 5 mod. 98 in 8x57, two of which I have sporterized into scouts. When hand loaded the 8x57 does not take a back seat to the 30-06. Any diferrece in performance is in some ones tainted brain. Go with your 8x57 project. roger

I've been toying with the idea myself. Especially with all the bullets out now.
Doug

Go for it!!

My oldest son and I are shooting 8x57 milsurps with cast bullets and having a ball....I can't seem to keep the brass stuffed.

The 8mm is a very useful round that can do most anything needed in North America. The cheap prices for Turkish 8mm's make them the best bet in my mind. They are a little rough, but for $70 they are great bargins and some of them shoot real well (some don't).

Good luck with the project and hunt safe!!

Ketchikan,
Your project is a cool idea. I think that the 8x57 is a great big game cartridge - especially when handloaded with 200 grain Nosler Partitions. Your choice of components should make a great hunting rig. Good luck on this project.

I have a really odd gun that everyone who sees it likes. I bought it at Jaquas.It is an old Kar98 in original 8mm. Looks like it was sporterized in the 50's. It is a small ring 98, so is pretty light (like a G33/40 only 30 years older). Someone took what appears to be Mannlicher 1950 stock, and fitted walnut into the action cuts to narrow them to fit the mauser. They did it so well that you have to look really closely to see the joints. They turned the barrel down and mounted a pretty decent reciever sight. The stock remained essentially original. It looks like a 1950 mannlicher with a mauser action. Anyway, this is an incredibly trim and handy little rifle. A nice 8x57 mannlicher would be an ideal walk-around timber rifle.

Buy a cheap K98. Shoot the gun & see if you really like the 8x57 then is so build yourself one.

I certainly think you'd have a good, useful rifle. A few years ago I bought a new Steyr Pro-Hunter, just before GunSouth quit acting as their importer. I had them search every which-where until they got me one in 8x57. If you haven't already guessed, I love the cartridge. I've owned standard 8xs of various lengths, and both 8-'06 & 8-'06 Imp. Liked them all.

Isn't a matter of "if I like it", what isn't to like about a cartridge that is almost as old as my mother-in-law.

I love my 7x57, so I figure a nice weather proof 8x57 should be the just the thing.

Already have a couple "Mannlicher" stocked rifles. I just want an honest modern using rifle, what better for a modern rifle than the 8x57.........

Go for it.