I'm assuming you have a military barrel and looking for some more velocity. I don't think that a 8mmWSM would clean up the 8X57 chamber.

Nosler shows max velocity with a 200 at 2650-2698 from the 8X57. An old Hornady book and Loadtech show about 100fps increase from the 8-06 and maybe another 40-50 from the AI. That would put you potentially in the range of 2800-2850. The 8-06 velocity would be right in line with a 200gr 338-06. Unless you really want something different I would go with the basic 8-06 since you stated you were on a budget. The reamer, dies etc would be easier to find and cheaper.

I own a 8x57, and many times wanted more poop... Not that it needed it my ego wanted it. I felt the need for speed.
I did a lot of research on the subject. Wildcat Junkie did a lot of footwork, and showed the 8-06AI version to be the best compromise. UNTIL>>>>> Winchester found the 8mm (325) to be a better option for there new platform for me. Now I am going to sit back just a little longer, and enjoy my old Mauser. When the market starts running those Hi-performance 8s I will be looking to see who gets my dollars. The best thing is the dies etc. will be much more affordable. Then we will have to see who is smart enough to offer it in a long action. Otherwise I will build one to my own specs.

Just enjoy the 8x57 the way it is, surplus ammo is very affordable.

Have fun...

You may want to wait until Winchester releases their .325 WSM in '05 (.300 WSM necked up to 8mm). It would out-pace the 8mm-06 AI, plus dies and brass should be readily available. Just a thought.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

Anyone got one of these? What kind of velocities are you able to get(especially compared to 8x57)? Have a VZ 24 I want to do something with, but on a budget. Barrel OK except crown, will shorten and re-crown. Have accumulated all the other bits I need. Any/all info appreciated!

Thanks widlcat junkie, just the info I was looking for. As you said, almost .300 Win Mag performance without a re-barrel. And as mentioned one of the advantages of the AIs is longer brass life. General consensus is 200 fps or more than 8x57, which I think is signifcant. Have other 8x57s, which will remain as is. Can get dies for $69 (unless i can find some used ones. Can't aford any new guns(at least ones I want and don't already have), but since I have most pieces for this project, it'll give me something to work on, thi winter.

I load my 8mm-06 Ackley a little hotter than this, and several of the loads which are perfectly safe in my rifle chronograph 2900-3000 fps with the 200g bullet and 3150-3200 with the 175 Sierra. It is a 26" barrel. P.O. Ackley stated "since either of the 8mm-06 designs are a handloading proposition only, the improved version would be the better choice"(paraphrased).