Let's Talk Reloading the 8mm (7.92) Mauser...

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

I just ordered 20 pieces of brass, 50 200 grain 0.318" soft point bullets, and dies for my new, 119-year-old Gewehr 88.

From what I gather on numerous boards, since mine is "S" marked, it can theoretically take 0.323" bullets, but because it slugs to 0.316" or so, I'm not going to risk it.

Additionally, I've read that the locking lugs and overall steel aren't as strong as the later Mauser, so it needs to be loaded back, 2000fps to 2500fps max.

In looking at the data on Hodgdon's website, it looks like two of my favorite powders, Varget and H4895, are used on both the 8mm Mauser and the 7.62x54R, so one of the two make logistic sense for me to use.

Looks like my shell holder for my .45acp will work just fine on the Mauser round, as well.

So, recipes folks? Or do you just use the starting loads?

I can't wait to take a few shots from this ol' warhorse!

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Josh

Information

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[vintage hunter]

What slugs .316'' or so, the bore diameter( lands) or the groove diameter?

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

It slugs out to 0.310" on the lands and 0.316" or 0.318" on the grooves. It was made for the 7.92x57J.

Thanks!

Josh

[rugersworld]

With that old rifle I would start with the "starting" loads, and work up like normal. In my 7.9x57JS with 29" barrel, Varget works the best with 200gr bullets.

[browningautorifle]

Rugersworld's on the money. You need a couple of reloading books to go with this and Lyman makes a cast bullet hand book for this very thing. Get a new one not an old one from a gun show. That way you get new powder info.