Any of you experienced experimenters got a pet load that shoots the little 125 grain bullet out of a classic full stock 8 x 57 mannlicher?
All help greatfully received. I've tried the Vihtavouri powders up to maximum (54.3grns)but can't get it to print inside a dinnerplate at 50m, hardly good enough I think.

I am afraid I do not have the solution, but I do have most of a box of 125 grain 8mm bullets, left over from a batch I used for fireforming brass for my previous 8x57.

If you do come by a good recipe I'd be keen to hear about it.

Regards

About 20 years ago, I owned the "exception". As I recall, the barrel was very short, about 18inches and chambered for 8x57. Rifle had full stock and double set triggers. Best loads were with light bullets-125 Speer(I think.) Best powders were 3031 and Hi-vel#2. I could usually make 2 out of 3 touch at 100 with a 4x Lyman American. I have no clue why I sold that great piece. (Stupid!) Stoney

Carcano91, I'm sure your right. My 1905 9mm is actually 9x56 but the availability of ammo has led her to be fed a staple diet of 9x57 Mauser (don't tell her though she shoots 1 1/4 at 100).
The 8mm is probably as you rightly point out 8x56 but as I'm only neck sizing fire formed brass that is all fairly academic.

Stoneybroke, you wouldn't happen to recall the recipe you mixed using 3031 (enough roughly would give me a guide) The rifle is exactly as you describe your old one ot be, unlike my 9x56 which has a bolt mounted peep and has never been graced with a scope.

Captain: I tried to find my loading data for the 8x57 MS, but no such luck. My data sheet went with the gun and the owner is no longer with us. I have owned 4 mannlicher carbines and all of them liked mild loads. I tried some European 8x57 ammo in that little carbine. I think it was Norma or RWS, with 196 gr round nose bullets. Terrible accuracy and darn near ripped my face off. I would suggest you find a listed mid range load with fast burning powder like 3031 and it a try. Wish I could offer more help. stoney

Stoney, all help gratefully received. I'm trying to decide if the rifling
twist designed for the 196 grain bullet is fast enough to stabilise the
little bullet. I'll follow your advise and start mid range up a faster
powder (I'll also use a 1970's load chart as they where less lawyer-proof
back then) I'll post the results for everyone info (esp. Deerdogs)

Deerdogs - Peoples Republic of Yorkshire ????? The War of the Roses started
over less (the conflict not the Movie)

I load my Brno 22 with 160 gr. GS Custom HV bullets and they sizzle and kill like the hammer of Thor on deer and elk....

I also shoot the 200 gr. Nosler and speer along with the 185 gr. Rem Corelokt, but the GS Custom monolithic bullet puts the old 8 in a whole nuther league.

Capt I played with some 125 gr bullets in a couple 8x57s.With the long throats found in most military barrels I never found a load that was very accurate.The same rifles would group 200 gr bullets into an inch at 100 yds so there was nothing wrong with the barrels.

[ 03-25-2003, 01:56: Message edited by: eldeguello ]