[tiberius10721]

Today I fired my first reloads out of my k98 rifle.
bullet=8mm speer 150 gr spitzer soft point
powder=hodgdon benchmark
primer=winchester large rifle

43gr averaged 2600 ft per second
44gr averaged 2700 ft per second
45gr averaged 2800 ft per second

My oal was 3inches .I was using iron sights with this rifle and was easily getting 3 to 4 inch groups when using 44 grains of powder. I noticed the groupings started opening up once i went up to 45 grains of powder and beyond. My point of aim with iron sights was just under the black at a 100 yards. Majority of my groups were in the black i even had a few bullseyes. I plan on using this rifle to shoot pigs at 100 yards and under. I feel confident it will do the job. honestly it was kinda scary firing my first reloads for a rifle in a k98 mauser

[cottontop]

Good job. Now there will be no stopping you. Have a pleasant journey into the world of reloading.
cottontop

[The_Kid]

Good job!

Stay safe!

[robocop10mm]

As you have found, max loads rarely give the best accuracy. Save a little money and some wear and tear on the gun as well as the brass and have fun.

[tiberius10721]

Originally Posted by robocop10mm

As you have found, max loads rarely give the best accuracy. Save a little money and some wear and tear on the gun as well as the brass and have fun.

At 47 grains I shot 5 rounds that chronographed at over 2900fps but accuracy was crap. at 44grains i shot 5 rounds that chronographed at around 2700 fps. thats when I got a nice three to 4 inch group. Which I consider good since I got them all in the black with military sights. The only modification Im going to do to this rifle is change out the nasty 7 lb 2 stage trigger for a timney trigger set at 4 lbs. I fired this rifle in its original military configuration and recoil was not that bad. It was about the equivilant to shooting my 30-06. I have a couple boxes of 150 grain bullets when Im done with them I am going to try a heavier bullet with this rifle.

[Trez]

Why so scary?? My first reloads were in a Mummed WWII Arisaka....

[tiberius10721]

Originally Posted by Trez

Why so scary?? My first reloads were in a Mummed WWII Arisaka....

It was scary because I didnt bother buying a chamber guage to check to see if the rifle was ok to shoot. I had previously fired 40 rounds of the loaded down federal ammunition with no problems. I like this rifle so much that Im going to stay away from max loads. For my next reloads im going to use sierra pro-hunter 175 grain bullets with hodgdon h4895 powder. Im thinking that with the right load and a timney trigger this rifle should get me a little better accuracy than a 30-30 lever action. I plan on going pig hunting and I want a rifle that is tough and reliable.I was suprised on how dead on the iron sight were with this rifle. No Kentucky windage needed at all. I Like shooting my Remington 700 but I love shooting my k98 more. Every time I see a mauser at a gunshow or big 5 for 200-300 dollars thats in good shape my mouth just waters.

[W. C. Quantrill]

I never chrono. Who can tell the difference of 50 fps after you pass 2500 fps anyway? I load for accuracy. That is all that is important to me. I want to be able to make the smallest group at 250 yards. Whether the bullet is traveling 2500 fps or 3000 fps will not be analyzed by the party on the receiving end.

[tiberius10721]

Originally Posted by W. C. Quantrill

I never chrono. Who can tell the difference of 50 fps after you pass 2500 fps anyway? I load for accuracy. That is all that is important to me. I want to be able to make the smallest group at 250 yards. Whether the bullet is traveling 2500 fps or 3000 fps will not be analyzed by the party on the receiving end.

Chrono can give you a good idea of how much pressure your reloads are putting on your rifle. Especially a 6o year old rifle like what I was shooting. Plus if you know how fast your bullets are traveling you get a better idea of bullet drop.