Gew 98

[mausernut]

Took my Gew 98 and tried Hornady 196 gr match ammo today. Was pleased with the results. Only shot three rounds because it is about $40 a box.
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Later I took out my 1899 Oberndorf 6.5 x 55 and used PMC target ammo. You got to love Swedes. This time only 3 rounds because the wind started blowing down my target.
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[Calif-Steve]

I have shot my Gew98 in several Vintage Matches over the years. I have 2 crates of Turk 8mm ammo. I pull the bullets and dump out the powder and charge with 40gr of powder and the Turk bullet. Nice easy load. The rifle does its best, but after 40 rounds into the Match the rear sight with get very hot and freeze up. Germans must have found that out in WW1. Nice easy rifle with moderate loads, but the full-charge Turk loads are harsh and quite sharp to handle. Also, this ammo is corrosive so I clean with hot soap and water then Hoppes No9. Clean again the following day. Happy shooting.

[speckles]

Once you start to reload your ammo, it is possible to reduce your grouping size on both rounds. also it is cheaper, and adds a very interesting hobby to your life.

[Calif-Steve]

The Turk ammo was a real sweet deal, but not at its factory loading. A must to pull the bullet and start over again. I don't know how the Germans in WWI could handle that load. Very hard on the shoulder and I have never tried one in a Kar98a. Must be brutal. I realize the Germans had a short Cavalry carbine in 8mm that was so harsh the Germans withdrew them during WWI. They are very rare today. Handloading opens all sort of bullet/powder combinations and is fun to boot.