8mm Ammo

[Wrangler100]

What are the differences in 7.92x57J, 7.92x57JR, 7.92x57JRS, etc, etc. Can you safely shoot in all in the 98's amd M48/48A's?

What is the muzzle velocity of the newer (70's) Romianian in ~150 grain?

Why are there no handloads for bullets between 150 and 197 grains near 2900 fps, or are there?

[Rawles]

Originally posted by Wrangler100:
What are the differences in 7.92x57J, 7.92x57JR, 7.92x57JRS, etc, etc. Can you safely shoot in all in the 98's amd M48/48A's?

7.92x57J is the old J bore with a diameter of .318. Mostly used in the old Model 88 Commision rifle.
7.92x57JR is same round but with a rimmed case instead of a rimless one. Used a lot in drillings and zweillings.
7.92x57JRS, J bore, rimmed case, spitzer bullet.
The best rounds for most M98 type mausers in 8mm are the 7.92x57S. This is the modern round. You couldn't shoot a rimmed round in your rifle, and the J bore stuff is too expensive. Also note that most US commercial loads for the 8mm Mauser are very anemic, held to levels to be used in the old 88 rifle. Handloading is the way to go, Sierra makes a nice 196 grain soft point. I pull the bullet from milsurp loaded with the 198 gr bullet (NOT the Turk stuff) and pop one of these on. Tends to drop game with one shot and hold together well, as the bullet was intended for the 8mm Mag.

[FMF]

Great info, anyone have reloading specs (powder/weight)? I'll work up my own load, need to know which powder to start with for 2900 fps out of an M48.