reloading 8x68S

[alberto]

hi guys
I just bought a Steyr "S" model carbine 8x68 caliber.
I'm looking for suggestion about cartrige reloading with vihtavuori N160 powder and Barnex TSX 200gr bullets.

many thanks

 

[Serbian Hunter]

Hello Alberto!
You made great choice by choosing 8x68S, no matter what U hunt! I personally shot just one Kudu with Steyer 8x68S using my hand load but friend of mine took 2 more kudus plus a lot of plain game in my presence. If U want to hunt in Africa with this, Barnes is great choice (we used Nosler 200 grs – this thing broken everything in all 3 kudus but no exit wound on any of them). On the other hand we shot a lot of elk, boars even couple of bears – always with exit wound. Bottom line is that I’ll use Nosler as one of the best choices for hunt in Europe but for Africa use something harder which can provide deeper penetration.
My hand load is:
Bullet: Nosler Partition 200 grs; N-160, 71 grs: OAL=88mm; Vo=877m/s; Eo=5000J
For velocity test I used mine R-93 (650mm with Magnaport, so consider bar. length as 620mm) but cartridges were made for Steyer. My friend tested ammo at 118m (don’t ask me why he choose that distance) and he got one hole group with 2 rounds.
Since Barnes should be longer bullet, you must have lower starting loads. If U insists on Barnes, let me check with my Pro-Load software what will be the best charge.
You should try N-560 also.
I hope it helps,
S.H.