The 8X57 seems to be something of a red headed stepchild. It is not uncommon to see threads with mention of similar cartridges dancing all around that one and the old Mauser doesnt even get mentioned.

I think that may be because the real beauty of it as a sporting cartridge may be overlooked due to focus on its max potential from a power standpoint.

Meaning, it does get mention off and on as a potential Elk round. But I think it makes a simply outstanding deer round.

A 196 gn interlock @ 2400-2500 fs will certianly take an Elk @ reasonable yardage and the 8X57 has no doubt accounted for its fair share of the big critters. BUT! its ability to launch a 150 gn pill @ over 2900 fs, and to do it with no more recoil than a 7X57 seems to go largley unreckognized. That is potential for a simply outstanding deer round IMO.

Ive wanted to build an open sighted/classic mauser sporter for quite some time and by George I think Ill go with the good ol 8X57.

Do any of you guys use the old 8 as a deer round?

quote:

Do any of you guys use the old 8 as a deer round?

Not really.....at least not I!

Unless one wants to retain the original military barrel!

Here's the wrinkle.....once one chooses to rebarrel it just makes so much sense to use something like a .270, a .280, a .30-06, a .338-06, a .35 Whelen or a 9.3 X 62.....

I have nothing against the 8 X 57...it's everything it's owners claim.....but I'd never rebarrel to that when for the same money I can have more.....maybe not much.....but clearly more!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

Here's the wrinkle.....once one chooses to rebarrel it just makes so much sense to use something like a .270, a .280, a .30-06, a .338-06, a .35 Whelen or a 9.3 X 62.....

I have nothing against the 8 X 57...it's everything it's owners claim.....but I'd never rebarrel to that when for the same money I can have more.....maybe not much.....but clearly more!

You just made "my" point very well! The red headed stepchild! You are comparing it largly with potential Elk rounds and when it comes to taking deer the 8mm is no "less" than any of them save possibly the flat shooting 270 and will shoot said 150 gn slug "flatter" then several that you mentioned! More is relative..

Anyone who has shot an 8X57 knows that there is a certian "aw" in realizing that what you have in your hands is every bit the equal of the 30-06 with a noticably milder recoil. Not only is it more than adequate, but it is a pure pleasure to shoot as well. A combination that I have come to appreciate.

quote:

Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
The 8X57 seems to be something of a red headed stepchild. It is not uncommon to see threads with mention of similar cartridges dancing all around that one and the old Mauser doesnt even get mentioned.

I think that may be because the real beauty of it as a sporting cartridge may be overlooked due to focus on its max potential from a power standpoint.

Meaning, it does get mention off and on as a potential Elk round. But I think it makes a simply outstanding deer round.

A 196 gn interlock @ 2400-2500 fs will certianly take an Elk @ reasonable yardage and the 8X57 has no doubt accounted for its fair share of the big critters. BUT! its ability to launch a 150 gn pill @ over 2900 fs, and to do it with no more recoil than a 7X57 seems to go largley unreckognized. That is potential for a simply outstanding deer round IMO.

Ive wanted to build an open sighted/classic mauser sporter for quite some time and by George I think Ill go with the good ol 8X57.

Do any of you guys use the old 8 as a deer round?

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
Unless one wants to retain the original military barrel!

Here's the wrinkle.....once one chooses to rebarrel it just makes so much sense to use something like a .270, a .280, a .30-06, a .338-06, a .35 Whelen or a 9.3 X 62.....

I have nothing against the 8 X 57...it's everything it's owners claim.....but I'd never rebarrel to that when for the same money I can have more.....maybe not much.....but clearly more!

Well, what's wrong W/keeping the original military barrel if it is in good condition?

A good military barrel can be turned down to a very pleasing contour if one does not try to do a straight taper but rather does a constant sweep radius to leave as much material as possible to retain stiffness.



Accuracy W/200gr bullets launched @ respectable velocity by loading the cartridge to modern cartridge pressure not only attains very respectable Mv, it is capable of very good accuracy.

NOTE: Load data posted on the target is incorrect, the powder charge is 53.5gr Vv N550, not 63.5gr.

As far as suitability for Elk or Deer?

That load developes 3310 ft# of Me, more than enough for Elk. It still retains @ least 2000 ft#s out to 300yds or so.

A 338/06 can't better those #s by much if @ all & the 8X57 does all that W/a MPBR + or - 3" out to 270yds. I doubt the 338/06 will shoot that flat.

For deer? That load flattened 1 Whitetail buck this year @ 240yds. He was DRT W/ a high quartering away lung hit. Another @ similar distance was hit W/a maginal shot placement when quartering on only nicking 1 lung & taking out the liver. That buck only went 20-25yds before piling up. Both were complete pass-throughs.

I would stay somewhere near 200gr bullets, even for deer. The aforementioned 195gr Interlock would probably work just as well as the more expensive Partitions @ the 2700ish Mv easily attained W/Vv N550 loads.

You will have less meat damage over the 150s & have a much better margine for error W/superior penetration on quartering shots.

quote:

Well, what's wrong W/keeping the original military barrel if it is in good condition?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that! Further most of them are quite serviceable.

I have a 7 X 57 rifle that retains the original barrel. Works just fine!

quote:

Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
Anyone who has shot an 8X57 knows that there is a certian "aw" in realizing that what you have in your hands is every bit the equal of the 30-06 with a noticably milder recoil. Not only is it more than adequate, but it is a pure pleasure to shoot as well. A combination that I have come to appreciate.

IMO, the 8X57 loaded to 60,000 psi is superior to the 30/06 W/heavy 200gr + bullets & is the equal, for all practical intents & purposes,to the 338/06 W/200 gr bullets.

The 8X57 is one of those rounds that seems to work better in the field, than it does in books, ballistics tables, and forum discussions. I have three of them, two Blasers, and a Sauer, and a fourth Blaser barrel on the way.

Having a classic European-style sporter built in 8x57 is one of my "bucket list" items. I used a borrowed military M98 (with some of the wood hacked off) to take my first deer at age 13, so I have a sentimental attachment to the cartridge.

It is silliness to say that it will "equal" a cartridge with both a larger bore and larger case (.338-06), but it is also silliness to disregard the ample power of the round for larger game like wapiti. The 8x57 is still rather popular in those parts of Africa which were German colonies, and in those places it has taken every description of game there is from smallest to largest.

And yes, with a 150 grain bullet (which is a bit light for caliber, but nonetheless effective) it makes as good a deer caliber as any you can name.

I have only shot WTs with my 8x57 but it kills them very dead. I have been using a 175gr Sierra Pro Hunter.

First cartridge I reloaded.That was in 1957. Used 06 mil. brass to make cases.Still have one scout with the original barrel and Three mod. 98s. Have a well worn 8mm-06 mil. barrel I recently took off but it still shot about 2 1/2" at 100 yds.as do most of those dark barrels. Makes you wonder some times why our government even bothered to come up with the 06. roger

quote:

Originally posted by wasbeeman:
I have only shot WTs with my 8x57 but it kills them very dead. I have been using a 175gr Sierra Pro Hunter.

+1

The 175 gr Sierra was the first bullet that I tried in the 8x57, and it worked so well, and was accurate, that I have seen little need to use other bullets for deer. I have tried handloads with other bullets, which were accurate, but only shot on paper so far.

KB

The point is that when you have taken enough lessons from reloading and more important, hunting, its clearer that you can have worry free biggamehunting and great target-results with a lot of mid size cartridges like 6,5 - 9,3 non magnums.

I have several old Husqvarna 1600 rifles. These are the Husqvarna mauser action not the 98.I have one in 6.5x55,one in 9.3x62 and one in 8x57.I load all of these to + P pressures. The 8x57 shoots very well with 51 grs of 4320 behind the 185 gr Rem bullet. This is a couple grains below max in this rifle but provides the best groups. I have used the 175 gr Sierra and the 200 gr Speer bullets with good results but the Rem bullet groups very well in this rifle. If I'm going to hunt in bush I will often take the old 8x57. If hunting in more open country my go to rifle is a 280 Rem.A well loaded 8x57 gives up nothing to the 270/280/30-06 at any reasonable range.

Some of the most experienced Hunters here in Norway have got barrels in 8x57IS for their Blasers and Mauser M03's. They report good effect on moose and deer with 1196/200 grain bullets.
Low recoil and report, and deadly effective round.

Bought an old Husquarna 640 from Sweden in 8x57, made in 1957. A bit battered up, but after cutting the barrel, recrowning and reamed to 8mm-06 she's a real dandy
Loaded with Woodleigh 220gr RN at nearly 2600 fps she puts down Moose real quick!

m

Wildcat Junkie; that is a beautiful group showing some great rifle control for an almost perfect cloverleaf. My own 8x57JRS is the bottom barrel in my Drilling. A Sempert ~ Krieghoff, Suhl, 16x16 x 8x57JRS (.323 bore) Model “Semper Supra.” It shoots cloverleaf and better groups, too.

A few years ago, I handed it to a friend when grouse hunting and he wondered if the rifle was accurate using the iron sights. So, he rummaged in his truck and found a white Styrofoam cup (typical hunting rig). We trotted down the road and pushed the cup on the sharp hinge of a stump, at about 100 yards (our typical Montana target range). The first shot was mine and the cup didn’t move. Fritz didn’t see any duff flying off the stump …and we thought I missed. I handed Fritz the rifle and he took aim, aligning exactly as I had, and took his shot …we thought he had missed, too.

We both shot two more times and we needed to get on with the grouse hunting, so we retrieved the cup. What we found was… 6 holes dead center in the space of a 25-cent piece. The only thing Fritz could say was, “Damn, now I have to buy one …it beats my scoped rifle hands-down.” He said he wouldn’t be afraid to shoot at an Elk at 200 yards with it. I lent it to him that Elk season and he did exactly that. What a great memory. Thanks for bring it all back Wildcat Junkie.

Jack O’Connor always thought someone should put a .33 bullet on a 7x57 case; maybe he didn’t remember the 8x57. In any version it is exactly that and more. I would not hesitate to hunt Deer, Elk, or Moose with my 8x57JRS. I’m an old guy now and I have firearms for the full spectrum of animals on our Earth, but of them all, I enjoy the 8x57 simply because it is pleasant to shoot and the accuracy is a plus. European hunters already know all this.

i've said it many times before .. there is NOTHING an 8x57 or 7x57 can't kill .. excellent round ..

and as vapo said, once you are putting money into a rebarrel, there's no reason not to change it...

ANYTHING a 308/30-06/338-06 can do, so can the 8x57

Here's one I bought in April 2010 at auction here in UK. Except...this is like an "better" version of the 8x57...the 8x60S!

Why better? 2mm longer on the case and 1mm longer on the neck. So almost the same capacity as if you did an "improved" job on the cartridge.

Belgian gunsmith made on a commercial no thumb cut-out or charger hump action (until recently 8x57 was in Belgium as still in France a prohibited military calibre) in the 1960s thus the 8x60S chambering.

It has claw mounts, 25" Boehler Blitz barrel and a bespoke (custom) stock. Plus the 4x 'scope - of German "Tell" brand - that you see and one fixed and one folding leaf sight on the barrel. A steal at the equivalent of US $320!

The barrel appears unused and at 25" I am going to keep it as a "heavy medium" using 196 or 200 grain bullets at about 2,400fps or perhaps Privi Partizan "Grom" 185 grain at 2,600fps.

The 8x60S is the cartridge that came into existence after WWI. I doubt that ANY rifles are "new made" in that chambering although war surplus rifles imported into France do still get re-chambered to it. Even into 2011!

quote:

the 8X57 revisited

It sure beats the snot out of the .338 Federal!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

the 8X57 revisited

It sure beats the snot out of the .338 Federal!

Ya know, I see some of the less informed hunters up here on the tundra getting all ga-ga over the 338 Feeble.

I was once approached by one of these starry eyed nimrods & asked what I thought of the "New" 338 Federal.

He looked @ me W/dis-belief when I expounded on the superiority of the 8X57IS when loaded to the same pressure.

I'm sure that somewhere, right now, someone is re-barreling a M9K to 338 Feeble & throwing away a perfectly good 8X57IS barrel.

Personally, although I have never seen one or shot one, if you really can't bear an 8x57 and want something with "33" in it I would have thought better to re-chamber to 8mm-06 than waste effort on a 338 Federal?

After all, all bar ten thousandths of an inch, an 8mm-06 is a 333 OKH in all but name. And I think 8mm 227 grain bullets as good as any 225 grain 338 bullet.

Anyone who doesn't think the 8x57 is a great all around cartridge doesn't know what they are talking about. I was one of those who looked at American factory loads and thought that this was a dog. Then I learned the true potential of the round. With 49gr of IMR4320 I get 2765 average velocity with 160gr TTSX from my milsurp sporter. Dead deer.

The 8x57 was still going strong in sniper rifles in former Yougoslavia in the 1990s!

I use the 195 grain hornady spire point over 50.3 of reloader 15 for 2650fps and excellent accuracy in my 51 series Husqvarna commercial FN 98, Its an excellent all around cartridge and just as good as the 06 in my books

dopeydave....check your PMs

quote:

Originally posted by enfieldspares:
Personally, although I have never seen one or shot one, if you really can't bear an 8x57 and want something with "33" in it I would have thought better to re-chamber to 8mm-06 than waste effort on a 338 Federal?

After all, all bar ten thousandths of an inch, an 8mm-06 is a 333 OKH in all but name. And I think 8mm 227 grain bullets as good as any 225 grain 338 bullet.

I started out my reloading (centerfire rifle) career W/an 8mm/06 Ackley Improved in 2000.

At that time I suffered from the common affliction in this country of the mindset that the 8X57IS was an inferior cartridge & the only way to get decent performance out of a M98K W/O a barrel swap was to rechamber it in the biggest cartridge that would easily fit into the standard military bottom metal.

I filed the rear magazine wall to .060" & took another.015 off the front. That left me W/a magazine box that was 3.380" internal length.

I was getting 2950fps W/180gr Nosler BTs & about 2800fps W/200gr Partitions. Right @ factory 300 Win Mag performance albeit W/bullets that were .015" larger in diameter W/the resulting loss of BC over similar weight pills in .308.

I shot several deer W/the 180gr BTs as I thought the 200gr Partitions were just going too slow @ 2800fps to shoot "flat enough". Those 180gr .323 BTs were pretty impessive on deer. On 2 occasions they blew walnut sized chunks of lung onto the ground beyond where the deer were standing when hit.

I thought I had something that far "outclassed" the pathetic old 8X57IS.

When I picked up 2 intermediate length VZ500 M98 actions a few years later I was all hopped up on wildcatting the 300 WSM to an 8mm WSM & even investigated an 8mm wildcat based on the 376 Steyre.

Somewhere along the line I picked up an outragiously nice 98K take-off barrel from Numrich in "very good to excellent" condition. One thing lead to another & I ended up having the steps turned out of it & screwed it onto one of the VZ500 actions. The headspace checked out & the rest is 8X57 history.

I did a lot of load developement Via "Quickload" for both the 8mm/06 A.I. & later, the 8X57IS. The Quickload data proved to be very consistant & accurate for both cartridges.

I dug up some old Quickload models I had printed out for the 8X57IS, 8mm/06, 8mm/06 A.I. & 8X68S.

All were modeled W/the 200gr Nosler Partition in 23 1/2 barrels. The pressure ceilings were 60,000psi for the 8X57IS & 8mm/06. The 8mm/06 A.I. was upped to 63,000psi ceiling as was the 8X68S.

The results might surprise some of you.

8X57IS 3.125" OAL W/Vv N550, 2730fps @60,000psi

8mm/06 3.315" OAL W/Vv N550, 2779fps @ 60,000psi

8mm/06 A.I. 3.315" OAL W/Vv N560 2852FPS @ 60,723psi

8X68S 3.500" OAL W/Norma MRP , 3033fps @ 63,000psi

The 8mm/06 only bests the 8X57IS by 49fps W/3.9gr more powder @ the same psi

The rip snortin' 8mm/06 A.I. beats out the 8X57IS by a whoppin' 122fps W/14.1gr more of a slower burning powder @ an additional 700+psi.

Now, the 8X68S is another story. Given that the model was done W/a less than optimal 23 1/2" barrel. It ran off from the 8X57IS by 303fps but burned 23.2gr more powder @ 3,000 more psi. Give the 8X68S another 2 1/2" of barrel & I suspect it might gain another 50fps, perhaps more.

quote:

The 8mm/06 only bests the 8X57IS by 49fps W/3.9gr more powder @ the same psi

Thank you for sharing that. It has educated me and I was certainly not expecting that little gain for that much extra powder.

quote:

Originally posted by enfieldspares:

quote:

The 8mm/06 only bests the 8X57IS by 49fps W/3.9gr more powder @ the same psi

Thank you for sharing that. It has educated me and I was certainly not expecting that little gain for that much extra powder.

I was surprised as well.....but we had a thread about that very subject some time ago and it was pointed out that magazine length forced the bullet so deeply in the case that the longer cartridge was mostly consumed by bullet but the 8 X 57 wasn't comparatively consumed.

When we realize that the powder capacity must increase greatly for any velocity increases to transpire then it gets fairly easy to believe....

On other threads we see that the 9 X 57 and the 9.3 X 57 don't take a serious rear seat to the 9.3 X 62 either.

Apparently those [bleeping] Germans actually knew something about efficiency and economy when they designed the 8 x 57!

quote:

I was surprised as well.....but we had a thread about that very subject some time ago and it was pointed out that magazine length forced the bullet so deeply in the case that the longer cartridge was mostly consumed by bullet but the 8 X 57 wasn't comparatively consumed

I had assumed it was because of the 8mm Remington Magnum that the cannelure grove on Hornady's 195 grain Interlock was "in the wrong place".

Certainly as said on 8x57 and 8x60 I can seat that bullet much further OUT of the case and still have it feed well.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
I was surprised as well.....but we had a thread about that very subject some time ago and it was pointed out that magazine length forced the bullet so deeply in the case that the longer cartridge was mostly consumed by bullet but the 8 X 57 wasn't comparatively consumed.

When we realize that the powder capacity must increase greatly for any velocity increases to transpire then it gets fairly easy to believe....

If you look @ the COAL of the 8mm/06 & the A.I. version of same used in the models, you will notice the COAL is 3.315 which is the actual length of an unaltered M98K magazine. That length cartridge would obviously have difficulty reliably functioning through the unaltered magazine W/bullet length variances, etc.

The 3.315 COAL was actually derived from my real world load developement W/the 8mm/06 A.I. The way the throat was cut (by Harry McGowen) some bullets that had long ogives would result in a COAL in the 3.340" range. The magazine box was 3.380" ID.

The 200gr Nosler Partition, having a blunter profile, had to have the COAL shortened a bit to stay "off the lands" by .010" to .015". So, the bullet seated deeply hindering performance does not really apply in this case.

Since my 8mm/06 A.I. ended up W/a 3.315" COAL W/200gr Nosler Partitions, I used the same data for the 8mm/06 model.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
On other threads we see that the 9 X 57 and the 9.3 X 57 don't take a serious rear seat to the 9.3 X 62 either.

Apparently those [bleeping] Germans actually knew something about efficiency and economy when they designed the 8 x 57!

The 8X57IS is a marvel in effeciency & performance.

IMO, as far as a medium game caliber that will not be used (much) over 300yds, the 8X57 is the most versitile, well mannered & reliable cartridge yet developed.

I would not feel under gunned on any N. American game @ moderatre range if I were carrying an 8X57IS loaded W/200gr bullets @ 2700+fps.

It is as good as the '06 when it is loaded W/175gr 185gr bullets, & W/bullets of 200gr or more it is marginally better.

Too bad it took me so long to realize all that.

Wow! I guess the proverbial stepchild has a bunch of fans after all!!

As far as loading it goes I have had excellent results from IMR 4064.

The classic project is underway..

I like the reshaped bbl WJ! That's nice! Ive been hesitant to try that though because Ive read of some guys loosing accuracy after taking out steps. I may just add a new bbl anyway but I have a few affore mentioned black bbls and one good bright one from a german 98. Ill probably just run with it, classic walnut stock, m-48 action and express sights. Should be a fun project..

quote:

I like the reshaped bbl WJ! That's nice! Ive been hesitant to try that though because Ive read of some guys loosing accuracy after taking out steps.

Now for the rest of the story.....

I've read the same thing.....but not once have I read of the same person documenting accuracy prior to removing the steps!

Years ago an older fella told me not to remove the steps.....I asked him how he knew that....he said because an (even older) fella told him! It reminded me of so many of the old wives tales still grounded in myth.

I see it like this.....It's not much anyway.....so what ya got to lose? If it don't work, an A&B barrel is less than $100!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
Wow! I guess the proverbial stepchild has a bunch of fans after all!!

As far as loading it goes I have had excellent results from IMR 4064.

IMR 4064 used to be my favorite & I had good results W/it behind .323 180gr Nosler BTs attaining 2800+fps. If you want to stay W/the lighter bullets you might want to try the 180gr BTs. On a broadside hit, they will literally blow the lungs out of a deer leaving walnut sized, pieces on the ground!

4064 was my favorite until I tried Vihtavouri N550 behind the 200gr Partitions. The Partitions, even though they start out a bit slower, actually shoot flatter than the 180gr BTs due to the better BC.

quote:

Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:

The classic project is underway..

I like the reshaped bbl WJ! That's nice! Ive been hesitant to try that though because Ive read of some guys loosing accuracy after taking out steps. I may just add a new bbl anyway but I have a few affore mentioned black bbls and one good bright one from a german 98. Ill probably just run with it, classic walnut stock, m-48 action and express sights. Should be a fun project..

My 1st experience W/having the steps turned out of the military barrel were not good either.

The way the dimensions are, trying to do a straight taper results in a pencil thin barrel & the 1st one I had done that way walked the POI vertically to 11:00 o'clock W/repeated shoots W/O a cooldown between. It would finally settle about 3 to 4" high W/repeated shots.

This was not acceptable to me so I did a lot of calculations & found that if one continues the clinder diameter of the muzzle a few inches to the rear & them does a constant radius sweep to the chamber cylinder, it will clean the steps up but leave ample material to prevent walking of the POI. I have fired 10-15 sucessive rounds W/O any walking of POI. My requirement is to keep POI for @ least 3 quick shots as if you need more than 3 quick shots @ a big game animal, IMO, you need to learn to shoot better.

I sent my barrel W/a detailed drawing to Dennis Olsen in Plaines, MT. He did exactly as I wanted & did a 320 grit polish for $60. I sent the barrel out on a monday, called him on friday & he informed me that the barrel was done & on it's way home. I received it the following monday, a 1 week turn around across nearly the entire country.

I would suggest that if you are planning on staying W/8X57 & your barrel has a good throat that will allow you to seat 200gr Partitions .015" off the lands W/a COAL that will fit withen your magazine, have Dennis do the contour.

In a classic Oberndorf style stock, it balances right on the floorplate & the all up weight W/a 3-9X42 Leupold V-X II is 7 1/2#. W/O the scope, it will come in about 1# lighter. It is a joy to carry & has just enough muzzle weight @ 23 1/2" barrel length to handle nicely.

I have no scanner, but if you like, I can send you a copy of the drawing via snail mail. Just PM me your snail mail addy.

Here's a picture of my 8X57 W/my bear hunting vehicle.



I can cover a lot of territory by using the mountain bike to access areas along the numerous mountain bike/snowmobile/ski trails in the northern Adirondack.

Why would anyone want to take the steps out of the barrel? It's easier to put in a couple more steps. Than you could get back on this forum and expound why it's soooo much more repeatable and less unbalanced, and more I'm sure. roger

Now that I think about it. An old hand gunsmith that I used to have do some work for me before I began to "roll my own" told me that there is actualy a purpose for the steps, he says they used them for tuning. I could see the reasoning behind that.

I also have seen some nice looking sporterized jobs with the steps intact, I guess thats what Ill aim for because I know the one I have now shoots good as it is.

How does your re-contoured bbl shoot?

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
[QUOTE]
I see it like this.....It's not much anyway.....so what ya got to lose? If it don't work, an A&B barrel is less than $100!!!!!

That is true. If I were gonna go that route I would just re-shape my own though.. Hmmm, decisions.

Maybe Ill try it with one of my dark bbls first before I botch up the clean one.

There has NEVER been anything wrong with ANY of the x57 chamberings. I think, for the most part, it is just the 30 cal took center stage on this side of the big water with more components and media garbage and the metric calibers stayed on top on the other side for basically the same reasons.

Then everyone gets on the "VS" gutwagon instead of looking at the positive aspects of the case and rifles. This thread points that out in spades.

And the krap about military barrels...
Jezzzzz...doncha think?

Do the same with a 30 cal military barrel and you will get as much inaccuracy...we just destroyed Europes ability to continue to produce excellent weapons later on in WWI and WWII.

The same thing would have occurred and DID happen in the later stages of WWII right here. As the war ramped up all those "hand made" weapons were continually redesigned to be made faster and cheaper and the quality went down.

Not only all the above but also the 8mm is a "tweener" caliber here in the good ol' USofA...in between 30 and 338...so when the average brainwashed american hunter wants to go up in caliber size they pick a 338 Something...hardly ANYONE thinks of the 8mm...look at what happened to the 8mm RM. But maybe the 325 WSM will take off just because of the name. I think it is an excellent cartridge.

I used an 8mmx57 VS-24 to build a 9.3x62mm but before I pulled the military barrel I worked up some excellent AND accurate hunting loads using Hornady bullets. I could see nothing wrong with the barrel bore so I greased it up and stuck it in barrel mailing tube and there it sits untill if and when I want to switch it back to the VZ and play with it a while.

I think the 325 WSM throated to seat the bullets out even with the bottom of the neck, 3.32" or thereabouts using the M98 action would be "so fine"...but so would the WSM case taken up to any of the larger calibers. I see nothing wrong with all the different previous iterations of the caliber on the '06 case OR a short belted mag cases.

The X75 case is just another toy to play with in my view, with certain "goood and bad" characteristics to consider and if you don't try to turn it into something it isn't or mindlessly blow it off, it will handle almost all the worlds game animals.

Anyone remember Mr. Karamojo Bell who killed all those elephants and buff with the 6.5 and 7mm shooters?

As to "WHY" people do what they do...if I knew that I would be richer than Bill Gates and I guarantee "I" would be running "THE WORLD".

Luck

quote:

Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
Now that I think about it. An old hand gunsmith that I used to have do some work for me before I began to "roll my own" told me that there is actualy a purpose for the steps, he says they used them for tuning. I could see the reasoning behind that.

I also have seen some nice looking sporterized jobs with the steps intact, I guess thats what Ill aim for because I know the one I have now shoots good as it is.

How does your re-contoured bbl shoot?

OK then here's another option.


If you continue the taper ahead of the sight cylinder (after you remove th sight sleeve) back to the chamber cylinder, you can finish out W/a small radius cut. & get this profile.


You can plug the locater screw holes W/drill rod, set them in red loc-tite & peen them to swell/set them in the hole. They will all but invisable once filled down & turned.

You can get anyone W/a lathe to do this simple proceedure.

I had this barrel done @ a local machine shop.

The 'wheel' is constantly being reinvented when it comes to rifle cartridges. Given the popularity of 308 in NA, and the fact that the 8x57 has little practical advantage over it (certainly not for the stated purpose of deer), there simply isn't any reason for anything to change.

quote:

Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
Now that I think about it. An old hand gunsmith that I used to have do some work for me before I began to "roll my own" told me that there is actualy a purpose for the steps, he says they used them for tuning. I could see the reasoning behind that.

I also have seen some nice looking sporterized jobs with the steps intact, I guess thats what Ill aim for because I know the one I have now shoots good as it is.

How does your re-contoured bbl shoot?

The "steps" where the turn of the century equivelent to our present day "fluted barrels.

The steps made for a stiffer barrel than a tapered barrel of the same length & weight.

It also saved material as the turnings could be (& I'm sure they were) reclaimed to make more barrels.