Thoughts on the 8x57 rimmed

[tarawa]

I recently aquired a double rifle in 8 x 57 rimmed. Any of you guys had any experience with this round? Is it a good plains game round? With open express sights, what is a good working range?

 

[Red Leg]

I am a big fan of the 8x57 in both its rimmed and rimmless forms. I assume you have verified whether you have a .318 or .323? Both the S and J are found in rimmed form. I have used a rimmed .318 in a drilling regularly for three decades and have taken everything from red deer on down with it. I tend to shoot heavy for cal bullets (196 gr), for which many of the .318s were intended, and I get MOA groups with the scope in place. In such configuration, it is a 200 meter weapon and would be a fine plains game cal. In fact, I shared seating out of Frankfurt with a German hunter in route to Windhoek two years ago who was bringing his trusty drilling in 8mm.

The double rifle angle is a bit more complicated because you will have to find a load which regulates well. Sight and proof marks unseen, I would bet it is a .318. Regardless, I would start with the heavier S or J bullets. Open sights are a function of the rifleman and the terrain. I would hesitate to bet a whole safari on such a rifle - from a guy who is bringing a paradox sxs as his second gun this summer. No matter how many leaves you have, anything becomes a bit risky much beyond a hundred meters. You will pass up some good trophies by so limiting yourself; or greatly increase the risk of wounding game - and remember, in Africa, with a drop of blood you have bought it. On the other hand, as a second rifle once your main quarry are in the salt, it could be a lot of fun. As I say, finding the right load will be the real challenge.

 

[tarawa]

Thanks so much for the reply. The caliber is 8 x 57 JRS. I purchased the gun from a friend and I have not taken possession of it yet. I am getting a lot of brass, ammo (both factory and reloads), bullets and dies for it, so I will be able to come up with my own loads. Maybe my friends loads are the best for the gun. I have two back ups if I choose to take them, a Remington 375 H&H and a double 45-70.

 

[tarawa]

My friend told me that the factory loads that he is sending regulate very well. You can cover the 75' groups from both barrels with your fist. He said that was with his old poor eyesight.

 

[tarawa]

The factory loads have 196 gr. bullets.

 

[flyrod]

They are more or less like a 30-06. Whatever the 06 can do, I think these do as well or better with less recoil and larger bullet.
Rick

 

[Black Fly]

I have currently have two 8x57R guns, a drilling and an O/U. You will find it to be a great cartridge for plains game. The previous owner of my O/U was a farmer in Africa. He used it to take antelope on a regular basis. I have the list in a notebook. The one record that I cannot forget is leopards. He took forty leopards with this gun. He used 150 and 190 grain bullets.
Bfly

 

[AZDAVE]

I have a Zoli JRS double it is .323 diamater bullets. It shoot acceptably with the factory Sellier Bellot (S&B) with irons and a scope. With handloads I have been able to tighten the groups by about 25%. It is a good round for most all the plains game staying within the range you can accurately shot the irons.

 

[John Camp]

Don't have one. Want one. I am a big fan of rim cartridges in general and the 8x57R specifically. Not from experience. I have seen what the 8x57r can do however. I saw a man end a doe at 250 yards. Looked a lot like the work of a 30-06, just a lot cooler.

 

[Foxi]

Its a very common caliber in Germany .
The perfect wild boar cartridge.
A standard caliber here in double rifles,a standard caliber in a Drilling.
A perfect one for driven hunts .
I love it and I use it since decades.
But I would not go with an open sight double to Africa for PG and not in that caliber (if I understand you correctly )
My line ends at 150m with that.
But I don't love to shoot far either.

Can you tell more about the rifle and a few pics please.
Regards
Foxi