8x68s velocity

[mauser98]

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.

224gr RWS was rated at 2850 fps

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

 

[DieJager]

Great classic European caliber.

 

[Odinsraven]

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 !

 

[dchamp]

Love the 8x68. I’ve had good results using VVN550 or RL16 with the 180gr TSX. Haven’t messed with 200gr bullets. For 220gr and 250gr bullets Alliant’s 4000MR works well.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

I use S&B 196 gn SPCE in mine, seems to work well. It also likes 200 gn nosler accu thingys, but they are too expensive for what they are.
Gumpy

 

[Warren Knudsen]

A very nice rifle in a rear caliber, well done.

 

[mooze]

I have a Sauer 90 in 8x 68, I load 160 gr TTSX to 3400 fps and 220 gr Woodleigh to conservative 2820 fps.
it likes H100 v with the 160 gr and H4831 or Superformance with the heavier loads.

Does everything you need to do in Canada.

 

[WAB]

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.

 

[PerH]

Woodleigh book have data for up to 250 grain load in 8x68S

Was one of Charles Askins favourite out of the box cartridges and that is a high praise from one that was perhaps the biggest 8mm wildcat liker .

 

[Beck]

I love my 8x68s - I taken it to Africa a few times now.

 

[Kevin375]

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.

 

[JD Noblin]

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.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

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.

 

[IvW]

Go heavy on the bullets......

 

[cajunchefray]

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

I like the picture with the cartridge in the crocs mouth!

 

[BC Tal]

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.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

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.

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