I have been nourishing the idea of buying a new rifle to take to Namibia next year. And, after some consideration, have decided on the 8x68S calibre.
Just ordered it: Sauer 202, synthetic stock.
So now it’s time to look for all the usual paraphernalia: set of dies, bullets, shells, loading data… and then to start developing loads!

Where can I find all this equipment in Europe?
Is there anyone else that might have all that is needed, apart from Reimer Johannsen?

Thanks,

B.Martins

Sorry, I won't be much help on a European source.

I just wanted to point out, that Forster makes 8x68S dies these days. So, I'd personally either try to contact a Forster outlet (like http://www.lockstock.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FRU22292). Even with shipping from the States, the die can be had cheaper in the US than in Europe. With the Forster, you'd have a 1st rate seater.

Alternativly, you could buy the dies directly from Forster (http://www.forsterproducts.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=27), and have them modify the FL die to allow you to FL size without the use of the expander. This is a great setup. The dies are a bit more expensive when bought direct from Forster, but you'd save on postage.

The same set of dies can be bought for Euro 90 from Frankonia: http://www.frankonia.de/shop/Forster_Benchrest_Matrizen.../productdetail.html#.

Frankonia also sells brass and bullets, but I don't know if they'll ship this to Portugal??

- mike

P.S. Just googled another US supplier, that lists the Forster 8x68S FL die set (I'm sure there are others): http://www.bosesguns.com/product_p/for022291.htm. Compare at $64.63 vs. Euro 89.95 in Germany...

I stumbled across this website a couple of months a go. I haven't ordered anything from them yet but it appears their mailing address is in Italy.

Didn't look for anything you require at the moment but perhaps they could be useful for you?

http://www.smartreloader.com/

It's too bad I am not living in Cadiz anymore, I could just meet you in Seville with the goods. As I can order direct and have it shipped to my military address.

I have had good luck with www.triebel.de, but others here including Gerry don't like them.

What about Cortes Ingles, I bought ammo there for the 9.3x74R. I would imagine they have some RWS ammo. It would get you started.

Can Portegues buy ammo in Spain on your Portegues rifle permit?

Is his website only relevant to the Spaniards, or to all gunlovers on the Iberian peninsula??

http://www.midwayiberica.com

They have the Forster 8x68S dies - if nothing else. Price is higher than in the US, but that is to be expected.

- mike

Thank you all for your help.
I have checked on those sites and some don’t have all I need and others don’t deliver to Portugal.
Sent e-mails to Reimer and Frankonia (both have all I need) and have just received a positive response from Fanckonia. I am placing an order with them, after what they will send me a pro-forma invoice so I can make a deposit.
Hope to have everything in place (rifle, equipment and components) in two months time in order to start developing loads before the beginning of the hunting season: I intend to field-test the rifle and loads on wild boar before taking it to Africa!

B.Martins