Tweet
I searched all the threads and found no mention of shooting cast lead bullets in combination or stalking rifles chambered in the the 8x57JR I bore. I just picked up a B. Behr stalking rifle that I plan on useing in an upcoming stalking rifle shoot. It requires lead bullets only which is good in that I can load them to a manageable recoil which will help my accuracy. I have other stalking rifles but they are in heavier black powder era calibers and the necessary velocities to stabilize the heavy bullets in 5 to 6 pound rifles results in pretty heavy recoil. This rifle also has a 29 1/2" barrel and has the best balance of any rifle I have for offhand shooting. I looked on other forums and found a few guys shooting cast bullets in 8mm bolt guns both I and S bores which many were useing fast burning pistol powders like Unique and red dot. They were getting velocities around 1300 to 1500 fps. I thought I would ask this forum if anyone has any experience shooting cast bullets in the IJR cartridge for combination guns and break action single shots. My bore measures .317" . I have 170 and 190 grain gas check bullets in .321" . I haven't shot the rifle yet so I don't know how large the neck is once formed in this rifle.
-
-
I recently acquired a Husqvarna RB in 8 X 58R Danish Krag. No, it isn't a German rifle or in 8 X 57 but it is a single shot and I cannot imagine there being much, if any difference other than yours probably being a stronger action than my roller. I'm using the same bullet in it I use in my 8 X 57 Mauser and 8 X 56 M/S, an Accurate mold at about 205 grs. sized according to the groove dia. of the respective rifles. I believe the mold # is 33-205T.
The 8 X 58RD load is 21 grs. of SR-4759 with an open cell foam filler. I have not had the opportunity to put it across the screens so I can't tell you the velocity. A Unique load was more accurate but shot 6-8 inches low at 50 yards. In my 8 X 57 with a .318 groove dia. I'm shooting 28.5 grs. of H-4895 with the same open cell foam filler. Weather has conspired that I haven't had the chance to chrono that load either. I have more complete data on the 8 X 56 and have records for 3 loads. Two might be a bit faster than what you're looking for. They are 24 and 25 grs. of IMR-4227 with the same filler. 24 grs. went an average of 1902 fps and 25 grs. at 1948 fps from my 1908 M/S carbine. I also have a Unique load of 16 grs. with the same filler at 1616 fps. Given how close the 8 X 56 and 8 X 57 are I would suspect similar performance. Were it me I would have no problems dropping the Unique or IMR-4227 charge if you are looking for lower velocities. 13-15 grs. of Unique seems a good place to start.
The above is my results in the rifles I own and I'm not recommending them for any other. That's kind of a backhanded way of saying you're on your own hook if you try them....
-
Leatherman,
sharps4590 always gives good advice, concerning cast bullets, and when you are trying his suggestions, you might try your 170 bullet and 13 gr Red Dot. This is what Ed Harris called "The Load", and works for a variety of different cartridges. I would try the .321 bullet in a fired case and if it won't enter, size it to .319. I also use a filler, where the chronograph shows it's necessary or desirable. I use different material for filler than Sharps, but his seems to be more suggested than mine. Whether a filler is used or not is controversial and that is a decision you have to make for yourself. I sometimes use Lyman # 32359 for a low velocity "plinking" load, but it is very short and you may not be able to seat it to an oal that gives useable accuracy in a chamber meant for a 200 grain bullet. Diz may offer some helpful suggestions or you might check "cast boolits.com".
MikeComment
Comment