8.2 Mauser

[KCSO]

Well we are ready to reload for the 8.2 Mauser. I have so far found out that O'Connor tried to introduce this cartridge in the 60's as the 338 O'Connor or the 338x57 but other than the name no loading data exists. The cartridge is still popular in Finland as a moose round as you need a rife of over 8mm for mooses. (Meese, mices, hell I don't speak canadian) Now the cartridge is just 1/2 way between the 308 and the 30-06 with a sharper shoulder so I figure it should fall about 1/2 inbetween the two balistically. I gathered all my 338-08 and 338-06 (yes the 338-08 was a Waters wildcat round in the 70's). Now 338 stuff is pretty scarce here and all I couold find were 250 grain bullets. My best guess is that powders between IMR 4064 and IMR 4350 shouold be best so I started with IMR 4064. I decided to start with 40 grains of this behind a 250 grain bullet and we will see where this goes. What I am expecting is velocities in the 2300 fps range. The biggest problem here is that in normal load development you use indicators from factory ammunition such as case head expansion and work up your loads and here there is nothing for factory ammo. I have used Bullseye to blow out some cases and they give me an idea of what the chamber will be but they give no pressure indicators. I do intend to stay on the milder side for this one as it is a prewar Mauser and will probably work best with loads at or under 48,0000. This wil still give me a significant increase in velocity from the 35 Remington and should make this a good Deer, Bear cartridge.

If anyone has any load data on the 8.2 or the 338x57 I would love to see what there is.

Come on Waksupi this is all YOUR fault!

[45 2.1]

Use the medium to heavy bullet data for the 8x57, 9x57 or 9.3x57 along with contemporary 338 Federal load data for resources. These can be had out of several of the older Lyman manuals and some powder manufacturers sites.

[KCSO]

I have all the data I can find for the 338-08, 338-06 and the 338-57 and am busy assimilating and winnowing. Like Waters I like to use case head expansion to check my loads as I have found other pressure indicators to be iffy at best. Normaly I would want the same or a little more expansion than a factory load but here ther IS no factory load and case head expansion doesn'r swap from gun to gon so I can't compare with my 8mm. I will probably read all I can and then start low and chonograph till I can get 1/2 way between the 338-08 and the 06. I have a book by O'Connnor where he mentions this as HIS latest invention, but quite frankly I don't put a whole lot of faith in Jack's loads. He tended to the hot side too much for me.

[hornsurgeon]

i have a 9.3x57 and had a 8x57. i used varget in both with jacketed bullets. small groups, good speed, and temp insensitive. varget has become my powder of choice where applicable.

[45 2.1]

Interpolating 8x57, 9x57 and 9mm Man data, your 40 gr. of 4064 250 gr. load should give about 2000 to 2100 fps velocity and looks to be a light load. You should just get into the 2300 fps range with top loads.

[waksupi]

I am sorry I led you down this path. Now that you have all the components and firearm together, you may go ahead and ship them to me now!

[KCSO]

Loaded up a few and tried the rifle today briefly. 3 shot groups at 100 yards with factory irons ran right around 2". This was with the 250 grain bullet and 40 grains of IMR4064. I will try and chronograph the load this week. I found a mould but am still stumped for gas checks.

[Nrut]

KCSO...Look under bullet molds at Buffalo Arms website for .338 gas chaecks...that's where I bought mine...Gator should have them also I would think...