Playing with this rifle ( CZ, VZ 24). 24 inch barrel.
Cartridge is seated to an overall length of 80 mms. ( Long throat)

49 grains of RL 7 with a Remington Case and CCI Large rifle primer.

Accuracy was excellent ( but everything seems to be in THIS particular rifle).

Velocity was surprising, so was retested on another Chronograph. Also tested in Oregon, rainy and foggy winter weather....... SO WORK UP THIS LOAD FROM A MUCH LOWER POINT.

Lowest velocity chronographed at just under 3100 fps. ( 3090)
The highest was 3250.

Primer pockets were showing excess pressure at 50 grains of RL 7.

OK John,
I am starting to believe in fast powders for the 8mm.

And I have 10 more VZ24s that I bent the bolt, but have not shot yet, 1903 Turks, 1938 Turks, and a 98/22.

I will drill and tap, and take those boys to the range with Re7 as soon as the Christmas crowds are gone from the range.

I have Hornady 125 and 150 gr, Sierra 150, 200 MK, and 220 gr. and Liberty 220 gr w/ gas checks and all the 200 gr Yugo surplus I want to pull, and 150 gr Turk too.

Clark:

How much gunsmithing do you do? If you have that many VZ 24's, interesting in parting with one?. Am looking to turn a Mauser into a 6mm Remington with a heavy barrel and a 1 in 8 twist, maybe a one in 7 even for the berger 115 grain match bullets.

I am going to have to give you a call when I am going to be up in Washington on business next time. You live on Mercer Island, if I remember? would be fun to get together.

Still playing with loads with the 200 grain Speer. So far the best velocity I got was 2650 with no pressure signs. Rl 7 popped primers at 44 grains with a 200 grain bullet/.

When you handload those 175s and 170s make sure your seating depth gives you and overall length of 80mms for the finished round.

I am also going to play with IMR 4198 on the 170 grain Speers and then try IMR 3031 on the 200 grainers. 44 grains of Rl 7 blew the primers, and IMR 4064 at 50 grains gave no pressure signs but gave the velocity of 2650. with the 200 grainers. I calculate that 2800 should be possible with a 200 grainer. I estimate that 3031 or maybe Benchmark might be the powder of choice to try, slower than 4064 and faster than RL 7 and 4198.

Just don't deep seat your bullets. 80 mm is the length the finished case should be at with 8mm Mauser throats.

Hey, and have a Merry Christmas Clark! You and the family

OK,
You can call me, but don't be too shocked when you see me. That picture was taken 48 years ago.