8,5x55 blaser Is it as good as it seems?

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Greetings.

I’ve read a lot about this cartridge and it seems clear that the 8,5x55 was designed to perform efficiently in shorter barrels, especially with suppressors. Of course, here in Spain the use of suppressors is currently prohibited, but even so, for our monterías the 52–58 cm barrels are perfect for fast, intuitive shots in thick cover, and also make for a more comfortable rifle on stalks.

Looking at the numbers, it seems to stay just a bit below the .338 Win Mag in terms of velocity and energy, but I don’t think that will make a real difference in actual hunting conditions. Have you tried it?

Overall, for a compact rifle with a shorter barrel, the cartridge offers a very interesting balance between power, recoil, and handling, that’s why I’m thinking of getting one. I’m curious if anyone has experience shooting it past 300–400 meters: does the energy drop feel significant compared to more traditional magnums with longer barrels? In the video mentioned earlier they hunt an ibex at 185 meters and a goat at 355 meters. It seems to work perfectly, although the rifle they are using appears to have a longer 65 cm barrel, and they describe the cartridge as a kind of “European short magnum.” It’s in Spanish, but I’ll post the link below.

@Stutzen
Advertising sells rifles people didn't realise they need. Whilst the 8.7 Blaser looks good on paper and in video I look at sales and how long similar cartridges Eg the 338RCM have lasted. Not very long. To me is it worth spending money on a cartridge that is possibly a flash in the pan and going to be difficult to impossible to get in just a few years.
To me personally despite all the good points the bad point out weighs them. Life expectancy of the new cartridge is short. It is after all another proprietary cartridge that is doomed at birth.
Bob

 

[Stutzen]

Thanks for your advice, you’ve made some very good points and I think you’ve convinced me.

Until I actually meet someone who bought one, has used it in the field, and can explain why they chose it over more established cartridges, it’s probably wiser for me to stick with the proven options.

Sometimes the old classics are classics for a reason.

 

[Stutzen]

If you're so fired up, then buy 8.5. I know for sure that it will work properly. I'm not sure what kind of recoil it has, but I believe it's decent (without mufflers). (the software says 32J, which is at the magnum level). If you have already mentioned the calibers that you consider to be the best in the world, and you imagine yourself with an R8, then my recommendation is the 8x68. I have been hunting with him for many years. The action of the Blaser R8 is significantly shorter than that of most carbines, so a 65cm barrel would be at your desired level. And, you will have a bullet for all distances up to ……

From what they say in the video, the recoil seems quite manageable for the level of power the cartridge delivers.

 

[Miletic]

Yes, but I think it has a compensator

 

[Miletic]

Calibers that have a thick and short case have an unpleasant recoil. The recoil also differs in the way it works. There are those who push and those who push. For example, 8x68 pushes. 8.5x55 is similar to 6.5PRC, .300WSM

 

[Muskox]

The Spanish answer doesn't include a silencer. As they are still illegal there.

So the option of the 8x68S or 300 Winchester and the distances would give a better result.

8x68s is also a bloody expensive thing to buy ammo for, even here in Germany where there are about 10-12 options.

The 300 Winchester will be cheaper and offer the same result.

Since you probably aren't stuck with lead free bullets, you could do well with the 180 Grain Interlock European Hunter.

 

[Miletic]

I said compensator, not suppressor.
The difference in the price of bullets between 300 and 8 is present.
8 is one of the most expensive bullets on the market. I don't pay attention to the factory price of ammunition because I'm full. I use several grain models that I test in different ways. Of the unleaded, I currently use GMX and TTSX and Evo Green. Among other calibers, I also have a 300 winmag for which I also load. I am currently installing Speed Tip Pro, SST and KS in it.

 

[Muskox]

Not to derail things, for the R8, I have four barrels. I have two 10,3x68 RWS, a 6.5 CM, and a 8x57. I would love to have something fast like a 300 Weatheby. But I can't seem to find one of those in Germany.

 

[Miletic]

I also use R8.
You can order from Blaser or Franconia .300 weath

 

[Muskox]

Thank you, I have not seen this as a possibility.