Need Load for Steyr M-95 8x56R
I have 3 M-95s with cracked stocks on order from Century. I have read that generally the cracked stocks are often easily repairable. I do expect to get at least 1 shooter, which brings me to my question. I am ordering brass from Grafs and will be using Lees 205 gr mould for the 8x56R. Would 10-12 grains of Unique be a good safe starting point? Or what other loads would you suggest. I am also going to need a few of the mannlicher type "clips". Would any one know a good place to get some?
Thanks Mike
Need Load for Steyr M-95 8x56R
10 Gr Unique works well in mine. The data that came with my Lee dies was the same as 8mm Mauser data. I believe you could use 8 mm Mauser cast bullet data so long as you start low and work up.
Need Load for Steyr M-95 8x56R
I use the Lee mould with some soft alloy that I have a lot of. The last time I shot it(95/34), the best performing load was 10 gr of Herco. This put 4 rounds into .7 inch at 40 yards with a 5th round flier. This is a very mild load. I would expect Unigue to perform about the same. If you look at the Lyman cast bullet book, they have data for a 214 gr bullet in 8 mm Mauser. I know this is not the same cartridge, but as I say the Lee data that came with my 8x56 dies was identical to 8 mm Mauser data. Therefore, with caution, I use 8 mm Mauser cast data as well. The Lyman book shows a starting load of 13 gr Unique yielding 1385 fps and a max load of 16 gr Unique giving 1580 fps. So, 10 gr of Unique would be quite mild, yes? I will gradually work up, but accuracy will probably go away long before 16 grains with my soft alloy. I don't like to use data for one cartridge in another but I know of no published 8x56 cast data. I do not worry about loading less than the "starting load" as long as I am using a fast powder such as Unique in this cartridge. The worst thing that will happen is you will get a bullet stuck in the barrel if you go too low. Ed Harris wrote about using as little as 5 grains of various pistol powders with cast bullets in rifles. If you Google his name, you can probably find his articles. In Phil Sharpes old reloading book, he listed lots of gallery load data as well.