8 mm

waltherp88 · September 4, 2011, 11:19 PM

I have a Yugo Mauser m48, 8mm. I am loading a 150 gr Hornady 8mm .323 cal. bullet over 45 gr. of rl-15. When I took it out to the range to fire it it scarred the casings and pushed powder residue all the way back to the bolt face. Is this a sign of too low pressure? It is not the start load grain according to my Hornady manual. What is wrong? Any help will be appreciated.

tahoe2 · September 5, 2011, 02:19 AM

powder residue should only be on the neck, down to the shoulder and that's it. I have never loaded 150's. I load 175 Sierras, 180 Nosler ballistic tips, and 200 grn Speer spitzers. using H4895 and Imr3031 and Imr4007. my groups average
1-1/2" to 3" @ 100yards out of my M24/47 depending on the load. best groups are with the 200grn bullet simulating mil surp ammo @ 2400fps. love my 8mm mausersmausers 001.jpg. to answer your question, I believe you are correct about low pressure.

Jimro · September 5, 2011, 02:51 AM

45 grains is a bit low for a 150 grain bullet. Add powder gradually until the residue is just on the necks.

Jimro

Mobuck · September 5, 2011, 04:48 AM

Keep in mind that most published 8x57 max loads are at or below the starting loads for most domestic rounds due to the variable nature of the strength of numerous vintage military rifles. RL15 is a fairly slow powder relative to the 8x57 and the result you got is typical. A faster burn rate powder like 4895 might be more practical with the 150 grain bullet. I have not had good results with 150's but do like the Nosler 180 BT and the Rem 185 although I don't think the Rem 185 would make a good deer bullet from the 8x57 since it's original use was the 8mmRem mag.

firewrench044 · September 5, 2011, 02:49 PM

When working up a load for my M48 Sniper
best bullet (150gr)- sierra GK
best powder- IMR4895

I tried a variaty of bullets, powders and primers
and found the best was-

150gr Sierra GK
Rem. case
CCI BR2 primer
50.5 gr IMR 4895
COAL 3.050

tried Hornady, was ok but Sierra was much better
tried RL-15- IMR 4064 was about the same, but IMR 4895
had the best patern at 200 yards (10 rounds most holes touching)

I agree with the others, 45gr is too low and would give you the problems you described

Jimro · September 6, 2011, 01:08 PM

Mobuck,

Remington 185 Corelokt bullets do fine from the 8x57. The Corelokt Ultra Bonded is probably what you are thinking about.

Jimro

September 4, 2011, 11:19 PM	#1
waltherp88 Member Join Date: December 29, 2009 Posts: 18	8 mm I have a Yugo Mauser m48, 8mm. I am loading a 150 gr Hornady 8mm .323 cal. bullet over 45 gr. of rl-15. When I took it out to the range to fire it it scarred the casings and pushed powder residue all the way back to the bolt face. Is this a sign of too low pressure? It is not the start load grain according to my Hornady manual. What is wrong? Any help will be appreciated.

September 5, 2011, 02:51 AM	#3
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	45 grains is a bit low for a 150 grain bullet. Add powder gradually until the residue is just on the necks. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

September 6, 2011, 01:08 PM	#6
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	Mobuck, Remington 185 Corelokt bullets do fine from the 8x57. The Corelokt Ultra Bonded is probably what you are thinking about. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

September 5, 2011, 02:19 AM	#2
tahoe2 Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2011 Location: Seattle area Posts: 661	powder residue should only be on the neck, down to the shoulder and that's it. I have never loaded 150's. I load 175 Sierras, 180 Nosler ballistic tips, and 200 grn Speer spitzers. using H4895 and Imr3031 and Imr4007. my groups average 1-1/2" to 3" @ 100yards out of my M24/47 depending on the load. best groups are with the 200grn bullet simulating mil surp ammo @ 2400fps. love my 8mm mausersmausers 001.jpg. to answer your question, I believe you are correct about low pressure.

September 5, 2011, 04:48 AM	#4
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Keep in mind that most published 8x57 max loads are at or below the starting loads for most domestic rounds due to the variable nature of the strength of numerous vintage military rifles. RL15 is a fairly slow powder relative to the 8x57 and the result you got is typical. A faster burn rate powder like 4895 might be more practical with the 150 grain bullet. I have not had good results with 150's but do like the Nosler 180 BT and the Rem 185 although I don't think the Rem 185 would make a good deer bullet from the 8x57 since it's original use was the 8mmRem mag.

September 5, 2011, 02:49 PM	#5
firewrench044 Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 381	When working up a load for my M48 Sniper best bullet (150gr)- sierra GK best powder- IMR4895 I tried a variaty of bullets, powders and primers and found the best was- 150gr Sierra GK Rem. case CCI BR2 primer 50.5 gr IMR 4895 COAL 3.050 tried Hornady, was ok but Sierra was much better tried RL-15- IMR 4064 was about the same, but IMR 4895 had the best patern at 200 yards (10 rounds most holes touching) I agree with the others, 45gr is too low and would give you the problems you described