I bought some 1950's yugo 8mm. Most of it ended up being 1954 but some was 1953 dated. All of my ammo has gone off first try with no hang fires and it was fairly accurate ammo. I have heard complaints with some batches though. I guess it's the luck of the draw. If I were you, I would try to just buy a box or two to see how you like the ammo. If you like it and it functions well in your k98, I would buy it in bulk to save some money. If it's not too good, you could try something else, probably Romanian 8mm if you're looking for surplus ammo. Both are corrosive though so either way you go, you have to make sure that you clean the gun properly after firing. Good luck and happy shooting