I have just become the owner of what appears to be a pretty decent Model 98 Mauser in 8x57. Without taking the scope bases off, I'm not really sure of the model, but this is a photo the previous owner sent me:


It's got a Buehler, two position wing safety and what appears to be a reforged, or new, sweptback bolt handle.

Now to the point. My main question is, what are your favorite reloads for the 8mm Mauser? Surplus and new factory ammo may be fine for plinking but I would like to have something that I can hunt with on occasion. this will most likely turn into my practice/truck gun. I would, however, also like to upgrade the trigger, any suggestion?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Timney triggers are easily installed and anyone with half a brain can do it.....even me!!

American ammo is largely under loaded so I recommend you look to loading manuals.

Here's a fine load for game to 400 pounds.....

speer 170 grain spitzer, 54.4 grains Win 748, Remington Magnum primer.....yield about 2,700'/sec.

This is for '98 mausers in good shape and newer bolt actions.

Mine with open sights will print an honest 1" group when I'm having a good day.

This group I think is a bit more than 1":




I use the Rem 185 corelokts and AA2230C. I start with the min charge listed for 200 grainers and work up. I stopped when I got the smallest groups.

The 8mm is a fine cartridge. This rifle I built weighs only 7.25 lbs with 23.6" bbl.

What rear sight is that?

I made it but it's really just a copy of the XS sight. I made my own because I wanted to reatin the charger hump and theirs requires alteration of it.

Nice looking rifle!

I load 185 Core Lokts too, but haven't played with them enough to dial in a good load yet. Maybe over the holidays.