8x68S owner's opinions

dchamp · Jun 1, 2026

Here are three loads I have for the 8X68s. The rifle is a Blaser R8.

Disclaimer: These loads work in my rifle, they may or may not work in yours.

Left - 250gr Woodleigh @ 3.54”oal, GM215M, 67.5 gr’s Alliant's 4000MR. Avg 2561fps
Center - 247gr Hammer Bullet @ 3.54”oal, GM215M, 65.0 gr’s Alliant 4000MR. Avg 2590fps
Right - 220gr Sierra Game King @ 3.425”oal, GM215M, 68.5 gr’s Alliant 4000MR. Avg 2760fps

Grumpy gumpy · Jun 1, 2026

Gert Odendaal said:
What action length do you have on your rifle?? Magnum ??Please send me your loads and muzzle velocity reading/numbers on the 200 gn and 225gn bullets ???

Mine is a standard action, I cleaned up the front loading ramp and then removed most of the metal from the back of the mag well, shortened the bolt stop etc. I have no idea on velocity, I just pick a middle level powder load from loading manuals, then get an average and vary it looking for accuracy. I did extend the metal on the floor plate to cover the increased mag well size

Miletic · Jun 2, 2026

Grumpy gumpy said:
Mine is a standard action, I cleaned up the front loading ramp and then removed most of the metal from the back of the mag well, shortened the bolt stop etc. I have no idea on velocity, I just pick a middle level powder load from loading manuals, then get an average and vary it looking for accuracy. I did extend the metal on the floor plate to cover the increased mag well size

Do you use any of the reloadnig software? I determine my charges with them. I don't use Manuel at all

Grumpy gumpy · Jun 2, 2026

Miletic said:
Do you use any of the reloadnig software? I determine my charges with them. I don't use Manuel at all

No software, I’m an old school paper type of person in regards to powder loads. I’ll check different manuals as they have been known to vary in load data
Gumpy

Miletic · Jun 3, 2026

Grumpy gumpy said:
No software, I’m an old school paper type of person in regards to powder loads. I’ll check different manuals as they have been known to vary in load data
Gumpy

If you are interested in calculating something, feel free to write. I will insert the data into the software and send you a picture

mauser98 · Jun 3, 2026

I've used the 180 GMX and TSX with good success at 8x57 velocities. It was shooting 2700+ fps. In the 8x68 3000 fps is very easy to get. I was running 180 barnes tsx near 3150 plus fps out of my BRNO 602.

Gert Odendaal · Jun 6, 2026

Made some progress , I believe this American Black wall nut rifle stock wood is of good quality...it really sands down to a fine finish..

This is where I am now, still need to do some fine sanding/shaping work to the rifle stock..it points beautifully, is heavy and robust as was my planning when I commenced with the building process....

The Alkenet oil finish will be a winner. I am going to use TRU-OIL as a final weather proof finish over the Alkenet Oil finish

Gert Odendaal · Jun 6, 2026

I will be fitting the WeaverWeaver KASPA 6-18x 44 with Side Focus and Ballistic - X reticle 8x68

oscar1975 · Sunday at 10:08 AM

With your permission, I'm posting some photos of my Voere 2165 in 8x68S. The rifle is from 1973. It doesn't have a scope.

oscar1975 · Sunday at 10:16 AM

I think my Voere has the problem that the ammunition magazine isn't long enough for modern ammunition. I don't really know how to measure that length.

Gert Odendaal · Sunday at 11:03 AM

oscar1975 said:
I think my Voere has the problem that the ammunition magazine isn't long enough for modern ammunition. I don't really know how to measure that length.

Oscar, it is a beautifull rifle, I love the double set triggers..mine I had to custom fit into the Mauser MOD98 action I build the 8x68 on..

oscar1975 · Sunday at 11:07 AM

Gert Odendaal said:
Oscar, it is a beautifull rifle, I love the double set triggers..mine I had to custom fit into the Mauser MOD98 action I build the 8x68 on..

Thank you, sir. These rifles certainly have a charm of their own. I believe this Voere is fitted with a Santa Bárbara action. I especially like the fact that the safety is mounted on the tang, as it makes operating it both easy and intuitive.

oscar1975 · Sunday at 11:10 AM

I hope I don't come across as being too forward or bothersome, but since this rifle doesn't have a scope, I would appreciate any suggestions on what scope might suit it well. I'm not looking for a top-of-the-line optic, as my budget doesn't allow for that. Many thanks, and have a great Sunday.

Gert Odendaal · Sunday at 11:38 AM

oscar1975 said:
I hope I don't come across as being too forward or bothersome, but since this rifle doesn't have a scope, I would appreciate any suggestions on what scope might suit it well. I'm not looking for a top-of-the-line optic, as my budget doesn't allow for that. Many thanks, and have a great Sunday.

Oscar, I am currently fitted a 4-16 x 44 rifle scope on the 8x68S..it is a scope I got for a good price. To me it is important to fit a rifle scope that financially works for you. Most scopes today is technology that is new and good ...I do not think there will be a scope on the market today that is not good quality ....the purpose of the scope you want to use determine the price on a scope....hunters like me really do not buy a long distance shooting target rifle scope ..

oscar1975 · Sunday at 12:09 PM

Gert Odendaal said:
Oscar, I am currently fitted a 4-16 x 44 rifle scope on the 8x68S..it is a scope I got for a good price. To me it is important to fit a rifle scope that financially works for you. Most scopes today is technology that is new and good ...I do not think there will be a scope on the market today that is not good quality ....the purpose of the scope you want to use determine the price on a scope....hunters like me really do not buy a long distance shooting target rifle scope ..

My main use would be for wild boar hunts, although it wouldn't be a bad idea to configure it as a stalking rifle, to take down animals of a certain size at respectable but not exaggerated distances.

cajunchefray · Sunday at 12:41 PM

Gert Odendaal said:
I will be fitting the WeaverWeaver KASPA 6-18x 44 with Side Focus and Ballistic - X reticle 8x68

Very nice work, @Gert Odendaal, looking forward to seeing the final Tru-Oil finish over the alkanet root. I am a fan of Tru Oil, as just a home hobbyist.

Sending a PM.

Gert Odendaal · Sunday at 1:02 PM

cajunchefray said:
Very nice work, @Gert Odendaal, looking forward to seeing the final Tru-Oil finish over the alkanet root. I am a fan of Tru Oil, as just a home hobbyist.

Sending a PM.

For sure, I used TRU-OIL ON MY .375 H&H Magnum build and I love it..now I want to take it a step higher..doing the deep penetrating Alkenet root oil and finishing it with TRU-oil..One of our members AZDAVE send me Alkenet Root product..I really am appreciating this very much..thank you Dave , it is much appreciated ..

Gert Odendaal · Sunday at 1:04 PM

oscar1975 said:
My main use would be for wild boar hunts, although it wouldn't be a bad idea to configure it as a stalking rifle, to take down animals of a certain size at respectable but not exaggerated distances.

You can load 300gn bullets at close to medium distances like feral hogs ..the penetration will be spectacular /......250 grain bullets at 2450f/s will be great as well..

oscar1975 · Sunday at 1:08 PM

Gert Odendaal said:
You can load 300gn bullets at close to medium distances like feral hogs ..the penetration will be spectacular /......250 grain bullets at 2450f/s will be great as well..

Hello, the problem is that with a 300-grain projectile, I don't know what LTC the cartridge would have and if it would fit in the ammunition magazine.

Miletic · Sunday at 1:09 PM

The optimal weight for 8x68 is 12.7g. Anything above that disrupts what it was developed for. And that's a long-distance trajectory. Some of us put heavier grains (220gr +) which does not support the previous theory. Grain weights from 11.7 to 12.7g (180-196gr) are the right weights for this caliber.

8x68S owner's opinions

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