8x68s velocity

mauser98

mauser98

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Recently picked up a BRNO 602 in 8x68s. Came with some factory ammo and reloads from an older fellow. Any how, pulled out my Garmin to get an idea of velocity. I was impressed :)
Plan on setting this gun up for some hunting this year. Black bear, Mule Deer, and possibly moose is what I'll be going after.

I was thinking to load either 180gr TSX bullets or 180-200gr Northforks. I'll see what shoots better and let the rifle decide.

Factory ammo was pretty much spot on.
RWS 187gr H-Mantle rated at 3180 fps.

FuyhUF3.jpg


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224gr RWS was rated at 2850 fps

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Then I tried some 200gr Speer reloads from the older fellow, and they came out pretty fast. He definality loaded on the hotter side.

NHLjB30.jpg
 
Amazing calibre - I did have a Mauser 66 in 8x68 and 9.3x64 - the 8x68 I have hunted Africa with took everything from Springbok to Giraffe - choice of bullets getting better to be honest - basically you have a 8mm rem mag without the hassle of brass !
 
Outstanding caliber. I have a .325 WSM, which is very similar. If I were doing it again I would definitely opt for the 8x68! The 8x68 has the advantage of much greater magazine capacity (5 vs 3), and the cool factor of a classic cartridge.
 
Nice results and indeed, they are almost spot-on.
RWS used to overestimate their advertised velocity in the past most of the time. I remember with some ammunitions, despite a long barrel and a hot weather, results were far from the theory.
In 8x68 S, with the KS 180 gr, RWS used to write on the box a velocity of 3248 f/s (990 m/s) while in practice 3084 f/s (940 m/s) was more realistic from a 63 cm Blaser barrel. Later, they decreased the advertised velocity to 3116 f/s (950 m/s).
That was the same with the KS 225 gr that is now long gone. From 2919 f/s (890 m/s ), they reduced at 850 m/s.
 
I love my Steyr SM12 8x68S....I run 180gr Northfork SS in it. I am currently headed to Africa and can share my load details with you when I return if you like. I have not taken much with the 8x68S except a Croc but I certainly will in the near future.
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8x68S is a hammer! In the room with the 8mm Rem Mag. Great cool round, downside for a reloader is simply locating brass is all.
 
JD Noblin said:
I love my Steyr SM12 8x68S....I run 180gr Northfork SS in it. I am currently headed to Africa and can share my load details with you when I return if you like. I have not taken much with the 8x68S except a Croc but I certainly will in the near future.
View attachment 681419View attachment 681420
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I like the picture with the cartridge in the crocs mouth!
 
I have a Mauser 66 in 8x68s and find myself really intrigued by this cartridge. I have a bit of factory RWS ammo still, but really want that RWS brass to stuff 200gr North Fork semi spitzers in with Vihtavuori powder.
 
Ericedwinbates said:
8x68S is a hammer! In the room with the 8mm Rem Mag. Great cool round, downside for a reloader is simply locating brass is all.
Click to expand...
I was lucky with mine, when I brought the barrel and action from a chap who never got around to having it built( long story but basically no one would build it for nothing for him), it came with 200 RWS cases, and my gunsmith friend gave me the dies that the original chap had bought but not collected.
Gumpy
 
BC Tal said:
I have a Mauser 66 in 8x68s and find myself really intrigued by this cartridge. I have a bit of factory RWS ammo still, but really want that RWS brass to stuff 200gr North Fork semi spitzers in with Vihtavuori powder.
Click to expand...
how many do you need?
 
Phil Giordano said:
My favourite caliber, love it!
RWS 200 gr Evo is the best comercial cartridge I've found. There's also a good Brenneke 220 Tog, that I would try.
Click to expand...
Agreed with this! I also run 200gr RWS Evo in mine with Norma 204 at a conservative but deadly accurate 2880 fps.

Happy hunting with your rifle, 8x68S is also my favourite allrounder and I am sure you won't be disappointed!
 
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