FNM 8mm tested in K98K and G43

[KneverKnew]

Got to range to test the two batches of FNM 8mm ammo I got. One with headstamp 71–11 and the other 73-5.

These are berdan primed cases but my understanding is they are non-corrosive. I cleaned both rifles the next day with Hoppes No. 9. I did not use soapy water.
I pulled one each of the ‘71 and ‘73 headstamps. I found same FMJBT bullet of 197.3 and 197.5 grains respectively. But I was surprised to find the ‘71 has 45.1 grains of a small spherical powder but the ‘73 had 43.4 grains of a gray square flake powder.


In my dou44 K98K the ‘71 averaged about 2434 fps with a 19.8 standard deviation. The ‘73 averaged 2348 fps and 19.9 standard deviation from same gun. Sampling size of 10 shots. 100 fps difference in production dates.


In my ac44 G43 I only tried the 73-5 rounds, 10 shots. Average velocity was
2314 fps and 31.1 standard deviation. Cases ejected 8’-10’ using second smallest gas port installed.


Accuracy in the K98K was pretty good at 2-3/4” and 2-1/4” respectively at 100 yards.
I had troubles with my zf4 scope on the G34 so no measurements for it.

Please share opinions on the supposed no-corrosive nature of this ammo.