Thought s on the 8 x 57 rimmed

I recently aquired a double rifle in 8 x 57 rimmed. Any of you guys had any experience with this round? Is it a good plains game round? With open express sights, what is a good working range?

I am a big fan of the 8x57 in both its rimmed and rimmless forms. I assume you have verified whether you have a .318 or .323? Both the S and J are found in rimmed form. I have used a rimmed .318 in a drilling regularly for three decades and have taken everything from red deer on down with it. I tend to shoot heavy for cal bullets (196 gr), for which many of the .318s were intended, and I get MOA groups with the scope in place. In such configuration, it is a 200 meter weapon and would be a fine plains game cal. In fact, I shared seating out of Frankfurt with a German hunter in route to Windhoek two years ago who was bringing his trusty drilling in 8mm.

The double rifle angle is a bit more complicated because you will have to find a load which regulates well. Sight and proof marks unseen, I would bet it is a .318. Regardless, I would start with the heavier S or J bullets. Open sights are a function of the rifleman and the terrain. I would hesitate to bet a whole safari on such a rifle - from a guy who is bringing a paradox sxs as his second gun this summer. No matter how many leaves you have, anything becomes a bit risky much beyond a hundred meters. You will pass up some good trophies by so limiting yourself; or greatly increase the risk of wounding game - and remember, in Africa, with a drop of blood you have bought it. On the other hand, as a second rifle once your main quarry are in the salt, it could be a lot of fun. As I say, finding the right load will be the real challenge.

Thanks so much for the reply. The caliber is 8 x 57 JRS. I purchased the gun from a friend and I have not taken possession of it yet. I am getting a lot of brass, ammo (both factory and reloads), bullets and dies for it, so I will be able to come up with my own loads. Maybe my friends loads are the best for the gun. I have two back ups if I choose to take them, a Remington 375 H&H and a double 45-70.

My friend told me that the factory loads that he is sending regulate very well. You can cover the 75' groups from both barrels with your fist. He said that was with his old poor eyesight.

The factory loads have 196 gr. bullets.

They are more or less like a 30-06. Whatever the 06 can do, I think these do as well or better with less recoil and larger bullet.
Rick