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.