What actions have people used for making 8x68S rifles with. I have a spare Winchester Model 70 New Haven Classic CRF in 280 that I was thinking of using as a donor for its action and stock.

Would a Magnum Magazine box from Winchester work?

I could also use a Mauser with a Swift Blackburn box designed for belted Magnums. The box is narrow for magnum rounds, but just the right width for the 8x68S round.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Lawndart While the 8x68 was originally designed to work in a 98 action a little more magazine length is a good thing. Mine is built on a commercial 98 action and a Mk X magazine box from a 375. A magazine box that would accept cartridges up to 3.6 " would be great for heavy bullets.I would suggest considering what bullets you would like to shoot and make up a dummy rd with the bullet seated so not to infringe on the powder capacity and build accordingly.

I have an FN Mauser and a BRNO 602 in 8x68s. The FN Mauser was a 270 Win that I had rebarreled. The BRNO 602, I think, is original. The FN mauser has the original magazine box. The COAL is limited to just over 3.4". The BRNO has a magazine box just under 4". Both rifles have a long leade. The picture below shows the different loadings I am currently working with. The cartridge on the left is loaded with a 200 gr Nosler partition to function in the FN Mauser @ approx 2,850 fps. The two cartridges on the right are loaded for the BRNO. The middle cartridge is loaded with a Woodleigh 250 gr Weldcore RN SN with a COAL of 3.65" @ approx. 2,600 fps. The cartridge on the right is loaded with a Hammer 221 gr bullet with a COAL of 3.800. I'm currently working up loads for the 221 gr Hammer and expect to get 2,750+ fps. The two longer bullets obviously won't fit in the magazine of the FN Mauser but both do chamber; however, they will not eject. They get hung up on the front ring. Something to check for when you make up your dummy rounds.

Yes it works well in a std. Mauser action but probably best in a pre 64 mod. 70..

There are about 30 8x68s rifles on egun.de right now or VDB.

They range from Mark V factory Weatherby, 98 Mauser, Voere/Kleingunther/Mauser2000 type rifles, Sauer 200, 202, 404, Blaser R93, R8 and quite a few single shots and even a combination gun.

Mine is being built on a 1908 Brazilian Mauser 98.

Wow! Thanks for all the feedback! I wish I could buy a rifle direct from Germany. I believe I will look at a 98 action with a long magnum box, or a standard Swift-Blackburn magnum box with the front and back walls milled out a bit.

Graybird, only if you wish, I would be interested in finding out what box your smith is using on your '98. PM would be fine.

I am planning on loading 200-grain Nosler Partition, and North Fork 8mm bullets.