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kos,
I was very close to building an 8x68S but then an 8mm Remington Magnum came along and I bought that instead. Haven't hunted with it yet as it needs a few small repairs and modifications first. If your after dies for your 8x68S let me know as I know the location of a set of RCBS for around $100 (3 die set!!) and cases as well.
Cheers...
Con

I just ordered one for my Blaser, good ballistics and balance. I think the round is one of the best kept secrets in the US

Aleko

I shot one in namibia last year. It worked just as you'd expect it would. I used 196 grn RWS factory stuff, and except for one blow up on a shoulder of a kudu, I couldnt ask for anything better on warthog through eland. It was maybe a little to fast for some of the brush country shooting in the northern part of the country, but nothing shoots through lots of brush anyway.

If you build it spend the money for the RWS brass its worth it in the long run.
Shayne

It is a nice cartridge, just a little slower then the 8 Mag in like rifles (yes, I have both). Brass isn't common, but really, if you are a hunter, how many do you need? 100 is probably a lifetime supply. - Dan

Kos,
A mate nearby has had an 8mm Rem Mag (pretty similar to the 8x68S)for quite awhile. He's taken everything from pigs, donkeys, horses through to water buffalo with it and wouldn't part with it no matter what. According to him, most projectiles under 180gr are a waste of time, standouts on Australian game (surprisingly) are the 220gr Sierra BT. I currently shoot the 220gr Hornady but they're hard to find so will switch to a Barnes or Nosler Accubond when they become available. I'm also planning to pull out the 24" Rem barrel and replace it with a 26" as I feel the magnum 8mm's can make use of it. The Highland 8mm projectiles (196gr solid) make a great cheap practice bullet for the range by the way.
Cheers...
Con

The 8x86S is a non belted case, so avoiding the problems inherent to those.

Its absolutely max dia for Mauser actions. Its ballistically a perfect round, might be duplicated by a hypothetical 8mmS/.404. It beats the 8 mm S/9.3x64 Brenneke in diameter!!

But it has a long history, too, and quite a good reputation.

I�m gonna buy or build one ASAP, but using bullets under 200 ( 196 grs ) is a waste of that power!

Nosler Part, Swift A frame, Blaser CDP ( take note! They also factory load this case, which means Norma ( or still RWS :-( ) loads this case, too )!

If its under .375, as silly as any law, the 8x68S will do!

We should ask Ray, I�m sure there are 250 grs bullets out there, may even be in solid, and even better blunt nosed solid configuration :-)

Hermann

Hermann:
If you like the cartridge, have a look at KBP's self-loading rifle in 8x68. It is the most elegant semi-auto on the world market. Superb worksmanship.

And also by far the most expensive. Every single gun is virtually hand-made upon special order.

Carcano

Carcano 91,

Is this the KPB Shipunov design Bureau in Russia? I checked their website and they do not have the 8x68 and 9.3x64 that you mentioned on another thread listed on it. Please give a website link if you have one.

Thanks and good hunting!

An anecdote about 8x68,

I was working in Kiel Germany and was having gun withdrawels and finally found a gunshop "Hunting and Fashion" and somebody to BS with about my hobby. The gunsmith/hunter in residence was very friendly and had some nice trophy's about the shop. He started chiding me about why American hunters always needed to use Magnums for all their hunting, He said that he shot all of his trophys with his little ole 8x68.... .........DJ

A lot of very experienced hunters here in Central Europe swear by the 8x68S (note, the S is a part of the caliber sesignation, splitting hair, thank the Germans...). I have not owned one myself, but I have several hunting companions who have been very happy with theirs. I have also seen quite a few fellows for whom the recoil of the 8x68S was a tad much, and who would have been better served with a smaller caliber. But I guess that is the case with most high performance calibers. I did reload for my friend's Blaser R93 in 8x68S, and it shot well - even though recoil was definitely noticeable.

RWS 8x68S brass is the toughest, meanest, son of a gun brass I have ever run into. It may cost a small fortune, but the way it is built, it should last quite a while. You really have to lay into this brass when you work it. E.g. when I tried to deburr it, I really had to go at the brass to make any impression whatsoever.

All in all, nice caliber, if you can handle the recoil and the price and availability of brass does not deter you.

- mike

Dear Carcano!

In another thread I stated I would not buy a single shot rifle in .308. Now: I do not especially want a semi auto in 8x68S - ??

But I want a solid bolt action in 8x68S and a .308 in a self loader, but Politicians prevent me from buying the latter :-((

But even if its hypotetical, I am still not sure about which:

a reliable AR 10 with lots of reliable mags

a reliable Bushie 10 - " -

a SA ( FAL ) 58 with good trigger and good scope mount

a HK 91 with sniper trigger and lots of mags

But that belongs in onother Forum :-)

Hermann