8X57 cartridge clarification

[p_sircar]

Dear Friends,
i am thinking of buying a 8X57 rifle.As a replacement for my IOF 315.
Made by BRNO.
The following markings and sr. no. is engraved on the rifle.

ZOROKJOVKA BRNO NAR POD NIK

Sr.No: 18856 48

8X57 S

MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA 7.9

Full stock with double set trigger.Butter knife bolt head.
The rifle is now with a relative of mine.He bought it in 1952,
and has fired less than 100 bullets.

Any idea, if this takes the modern 8x57 cartridge? or the J variety only?

I wanted to get one old cartridge and measure it with micrometer.
None available.
Any help will be welcome.
Regards Prabir

[amjadkarim16]

Hi,
I too am in need of 8x57mm ammo for my mauser. so will be tracking your post.
If you have any information regarding availability of 8x57mm cartridges,please let me know.
Regards
amjad

[MoA]

The caliber stamped seems to 8x57 S which is 8x57S ...

[shooter]

whats the difference between the two?

[MoA]

.318 vs .323 bore primarily
Also I believe the J is a rimmed case or is it the JR or JRS. Havent actually seen one yet.. in either J, JR or JRS..

[Vikram]

Prabir,

Are you sure that it is 8X57 S and not 8X57 IS or JS? If you go through the article I linked below, there is no 8X57 S listed. If it is possible, could you please post a couple of pictures of the markings and the rifle?Thanks.

whats the difference between the two?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8x57mm_IS# ... _I_or_J.3F


The rimmed versions are designated as 8X57 IRS to be used in break-open action.


Best-
Vikram

[panther]

Hi Parbir,
That's a good choice you are going to have. No comparision between a 3rd grade, outdated, under powered IOF .315 calibre & a BRNO in 8 mm Mauser.
First, for your rifle; BRNO are still among of 'The Best' gun makers in Europe. The quality & craftsmanship is superb, handling is excellent & styling is ergonomic. The FS model (i.e. full stock) gives it an excellent balance & is a copy of Mannlicher style, it's still copied by BRNO (CZ) & well received all over. I've a long association & first hand experience with BRNO (CZ) guns starting with tiny .22LR to mammoth .458 Lott & .416 Rigby and still have more than half a dozen in my battery. They are all work horses. On a dangerous game hunt in north america I would prefer a CZ (BRNO) or a Weatherby to any other rifle because of their reliability. BRNO 602 are still the choice of PH in Africa.
As you mentioned this rifle (like most of high end BRNO rifles) has a double-set trigger, that makes it perfect for precision shooting and good for long drawn shots.
Now, the 8X57 J or JS is actually a German Military cartridge 7.92X57 'I' or 'IS' ('I' stands for Infantry & 'S' which was added later to high pressure cartridge & bigger diameter '.323' bullet stands for 'spitzer'). 'J' is a misrepresentation by american companies. 8X57mm or 8mm Mauser (as commonly known) is the civilian version of the same cartridge but with different loads. The 7.92 marked on your Rifle is an exact calibre designation. Your BRNO will take both style of cartridge (although I doubt if you could get an 'I' variety anymore). Ballastics for this cartridge are not very different from a .308 Win (7.62 X51 NATO) and if handloading can be matched to .30-06 sprg. Several years ago I had a Mauser 98 chambered for this cartidge & found it to be satisfactory at the range. 150 to 180 grain bullets perform very well in this cartridge. You've to find out what's available there in India.
NOTE: There was a 8X57 Rimmed Cartridge too, but it's quite rare & not used in bolt action rifle.
Now a final word before you go out & shoot this rifle I would strongly recommend this rifle to be checked thoroughly by some competent gunsmith for any signs of rust or pitting inside the chamber & barrel and also check the receiver/bolt fitting & locking mechanism for any malfunction.
It's really sad you cannot take this rifle on a hunt in India otherwise it would make an excellent choice for medium game. Anyways, enjoy it at the range.

[Vikram]

Welcome to IFG,Panther and thank you for the edification on the cartridge.I infer from your post that you may also have been to Africa to hunt dangerous game.If possible, please do post an introduction and share your experiences with us.Hope you enjoy your stay here.Thanks.

Best-
Vikram

[p_sircar]

Dear Friends,
My heart felt thanks to all of you for your time and expertise.
Vikram , I will try to post some pictures in about a weeks time.
MOA , I am positive the marking is 8x57S does it make it a .323?
Amjadkarim, I shall get in touch with you, when I buy cartridges for the rifle.
Panther, Thanks for the huge amount of info. I shall make sure to get it checked before I fire a shot.
Thanks and regards,
Prabir.

[MoA]

8x57 is .323

[eljefe]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/forgotten_8x57.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/8mm.htm