8.8 x 57

[yamoon]

Is 8.8x57 marked on the barrel of a Mannlicher the same as a 9x57 Mauser?
Thanks Mike

[yamoon]

2nd question, if this is a proprietary round, can the brass be formed from a readily available brass?
Mike

[mike ford]

Mike,
What is the make and model of the rifle? If it is a Mannlicher Schoenauer Mod 1905, it should be 9x56; but if it has German markings, it should also have Austrian proofs. This would be pretty unusual. On the other hand, if it is a Haenel or Schilling or a rebuilt M88 surplus military rifle, it is likely 9x57. The 9x56 MS and 9x57 Mauser are different cartridges, but are very similar. Due to manufacturing tolerances in both rifles and ammo you sometimes find a rifle intended for one of the cartridges, but will accept the other. I am given to understand that at one time some American Firm offered compromise cartridges, said to be useable in both rifles. I don't know how this worked out. It doesn't really make that much difference, since you can't buy ammo at the local Mall Mart or Hook and Bullet. It is a handloading or custom loaded ammo situation so the ammo can be loaded to fit which ever chamber it has, using the same cases, bullets, and dies. It is a matter of adjusting the sizing die to "kiss" the shoulder and trim to the length the rifle wants. The easiest case to use as a base is 8x57, but I have made many from 30-06. Any of the cases of that head diameter and long enough can be used. I use .358" bullets in my rifle, you should check yours by the normal "slugging" the barrel and making sure a fired case will accept which ever bullet you intend to use. If this is confusing, don't worry, it is confusing to a lot of people.
Mike

[Axel E]

but if it has German markings, it should also have Austrian proofs. This would be pretty unusual.

Not unusual, but quite common on pre-WW1 guns as German proof was not recognised in Austria and vice versa. So any gun, already bearing Austrian proofmarks, had to pass a German proofhouse after import, before being released t te German public.

[Meinherr]

Where can I buy 8X56 MS ammo for my Mannlicher Schoenauer ?

[sharps4590]

Buffalo Arms did have it but, evidently it's on back order at the moment. My oldest son gave me a couple boxes for Christmas a few years ago and it was reformed 35 Whelen brass. I forget what brand. It was also a bit too warm for my rifle so I pulled the bullets and reduced the charge by 2 grains, reseated the bullets and it was fine. The upside was I didn't have to form brass for my rifle although I eventually did.

https://www.buffaloarms.com/8x56-man...of-20-amo856ms

[mike ford]

Meinherr,
The easiest way is to load your own. As shown by Sharps4590's experience, cases can be made from any of the 30-06 headsize cases that are long enough, but the easiest would be 8mm Mauser cases. Very little would have to be trimmed to make the case the correct length. The 8mm Mauser and 8x56 MS cartridges are so similar that you would use the same shell holder, bullets, primers, and powder. It is also likely that you could even use 8mm Mauser( 8x57) loading dies, which would be much cheaper. Once the 8x57 cases are trimmed to length, if the 8mm Mauser sizing die won't set the shoulder back enough to chamber, you can "face off" the die enough ( or grind) to do so( use a sharp carbide tool, cut from center out). Don't forget to chamfer the inside edge. Appropriate loading data can be found in older manuals or use reduced 8x57 data. Good luck.
Mike

[sharps4590]

I was in the shop and checked, my 8 X 56 brass from Buffalo Arms was Hornady, 35 Whelen.

[mikev]

For 8x56MS try Glenn Anderson of Aardvark Labs in Cape Coral Fla. Nice guy loads many obsolete rounds. I did get some 9x56MS earlier this year from him. Good stuff.
His phone was 630-957-7999. Call during business hours on weekdays.
Reeds ammo also shows it available.

[yamoon]

Decided against the Mannlicher, just can?t get away from those 98s, I am awaiting my birthday present from my wife. Another 8x57 Mauser sporter. I will post some pictures when it arrives.
Mike

[sharps4590]

You're a better man than me Gunga Din. I can't get away from either one of them.

[yamoon]

I own and shoot mostly Schuetzen and stalking rifles 8.15x46r, got interested in bolt action Mausers after joining GCCA .
I have found the 8x57 works great on Kansas white tails. The only loaded rounds available around here are the 196 gr. I went out this morning with an open sighted .318 bore Mauser useing hand loads, 175gr Buffalo Arms .318 spire point ahead of 44.5 gr of IMR 4320. No luck I?ll try again next weekend.
Mike