Both the 8mm and .30 cal are very early small bore diameters. Due to history the .30 cal became more popular. Otherwise they are so close (only about .015") that it can't matter a lot from a physics viewpoint.

From a practical view the 8mm is not as popular in the USA but the rifles exist. If you have one then use it.

The J bore is even more difficult to find bullets for but I have got by for 40 years. The closest USA bullet to a J bores .318" are those for the 32 Special and keep in mind that our most successful and popular schuetzen cartridge is the 32-40 which is 8mm.

I have a Brno full stock carbine thats missing an effective safety. Otherwise it would be hunting. The bullets are not all that hard to find for the ones that want .323" bullets.

Both bore diameters are just even numbers on arbitrary measuring systems. Thus they mean no more or no less than their current circumstances.

I have a few milsurp 8 mm Mausers and soon to have a left handed MRC 99 in 8 mm Mauser.

While it has been mentioned that there are fewer bullet choices, yes indeed, however there are good choices available and can be loaded up for whatever your particular rifle can stand for game up to moose.

While some say that it is no better than the 30 cal offerings, with handloading it can do better than the young 30-06, if you have a rifle in good condition. It can also be downloaded for milder loads as well.

My view is that any negatives for an 8 mm are insignificant. Besides, if you're a real rifle loonie, you'll try it out anyway.

The 8x57, as loaded in the U.S. is pretty anemic. It is about like the 30-30 with 170's. When loaded to European pressures, it is similar to the 30-06. Therefore, factory ammo in the 8x57 bought in the States is pretty sad.

Wayne

I think its silly to say that 8mm's are not popular in USA. I would bet that the 8*57 it the MOST popular centerfire chambering. There are millions of surplus Mausers. I have a turk, a VZ-24, and soon two 24-47's. I also have a few 8*57 barrels laying around.

8mm bullets are cheap.
Still lots of cheap corrosive surplus ammo.
Brass is available, or make it from 30-06.
Good deer cartridge.

MOST popular eh?

I know of a bunch o people who ain't never heard of an 8mm much less an 8x57... but if you say 30-30, you said it all...

I happen to really like the 8x57. I used a sporterized M98 on my first deer hunt. I'm currently building one for a custom. As for bullets the argument is BS BArnes makes 180 and 200 grain TSX's, Nosler a 180 BT- heavily built like the .338's a 200 partition and a 200 Accubond, Hornady makes 150, 170 and 195 interlocks and some 125 plinkers, Sierra makes a nice 175, and there are 170's too. All I could really want would be a 165 interbond/accubond boat tail,long and sleek.

No flies on the 8mm's they certainly have as much reason as any 6.5 or 9.3 to exist:)