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The "S" stands for "Spitzer" (pointed bullet vs. the original rounded nose). An "S" (8x57 JS or JRS) is always a .323" bullet. An 8x57JRS cartridge is unsafe to be fired in an 8x57 JR bore, although apparently that does not stop some people from trying it.The S indicates the larger .323" bullet that has been discussed above. Absence of the S means a .318" bullet. I don't know what the German word is that is represented by the S, but that's the indicator of bullet size. (and often additional powder/pressure/velocity for modern guns too)
I was told that the WW1 mausers that were retained by the Germans were often so badly worn, they sorted those that could be repaired, yet had eroded bores into the .323" pile. I'm unsure if they just shot worn out .318" rifles, or if they remanufactured the bores to .323", but the impetus was reuse of old guns in the build up to the WW2 era.
The 8x57J (rimless, .318" bore) was used in the old M1888 Commission Rifles (Gewehr 88). The older barrels were bored out to .323" grooves (but interestingly, with .318" lands) in 1905; well prior to WW I. Many civilian / hunting rifles continued to be chambered for the 8x57 JR (rimmed) cartridge after that time, but not all. As always, check to see for which cartridge your rifle or drilling is chambered.