Remington Model 8, 35 rem, need cast load help!

[hgonc2]

I just picked up a model 8. It's shooting under 1" @ 50yds with Sierra's 200gr RN on initial load workup of 35 to 37gr of IMR3031. I still have more tweaking to do on that, but the hard to come by jacketed bullets got me thinking about trying some cast.

I have a #358429 180gr Keith mold, and a Lee 358-158-RF, both plain base, & lubrisized to .359 with a version of Darr lube. Making a few dummy rounds with each, they both seem to feed fine from the mag (the rifling imprints slightly on the 358429, but that may/may not be a bad thing, dunno yet).

If i can get either of these to run in the model 8, I'd be really happy having a source of boolits for range practice this summer.

Has anyone tried this combo yet &/or can give me some start loads that will also reliably operate the action? For powders, I have on hand IMR & H4198, IMR3031, IMR 4759, & AA5744 that may be applicable.

I did some searching, but most of what I found was geared to the Marlin lever gun. I've read the RCBS 200gr mold is ideal, but I'd like to work with what I have for now.

Thanks in advance!

[texassako]

I don't think you will get the action to cycle at plain base speeds with light bullets. It takes a bit of recoil, and your best bet would be to start with the 358429. I shoot slow plain base in my 8s and 81s and just cycle the action by hand. The spring makes it kind of recoilless and fun. I have also loaded the gas checked 358156 fast enough to cycle the action, and have a new 180 gr gc mold to try out when I have time. You might try ordering some .38 plain base gas checks and see if the will help you get there with your molds.

[rbuck351]

I've loaded my M8 using the RCBS 200 and j word loads of 3031. It shoots about 2" at 100yds and I can't remember if it was chrono checked at 2200fps or If I was just guessing. I don't even bother with J words in it as it works very well with cast.

[35remington]

At levels that will cycle the action the accuracy with plain base bullets will be poor. Find a gas check design to accomplish your goals as what you have will not work.

[dakota3c06]

I use 190 gr lyman with 20 gr 4227. Nice group but I can't find my Chrono data. I will try some this week and let you know.

[dualsport]

I've loaded my M8 using the RCBS 200 and j word loads of 3031. It shoots about 2" at 100yds and I can't remember if it was chrono checked at 2200fps or If I was just guessing. I don't even bother with J words in it as it works very well with cast.

There you go. The .35 Rem is awesome and will not benefit with jacketed over cast. Like the 30-30, jacketed is a waste and is pointless. Look up Ranch Dog's .35 Rem loads and his article, "The 100 Year Hunter". I shoot a Marlin so can't help you specifically with your 8 but the Marlin 336 will shoot anything.

[Dan Cash]

I bet plain base will work if you paper patch. You won't bother with jacketed bullets once you start with PP cast bullets.