Thanks for the report, we are now up to four guys on this side of the Atlantic that are 8x57 fans. I have been fooling with Lever evolution, or however they spell it...getting good velocities and accuracy, with the Sierra 175 (which is kind of a tough bullet at 8x57 velocities) maybe tomorrow if the wind dies down I'll see what Lvr does with 150's. Can't have too many powder options nowdays.
If you were to give your Sauer a report card...how would you rate it? I looked at one in Sportsmans Warehouse last summer, couldn't find anything to criticize just by appearance.
Honestly I bought the Sauer because I always wanted a 8x57 but I didnt want an old war horse of rifle. I have nothing against them but I wanted something I knew I could load to its full potential. I love the smooth bolt and the schabel forened coupled with the detachable magazine. It handles very well and makes for a really good woods rifle. Its not too heavy, its easy handling, quick pointing, and just a joy to carry. Ive killed a few deer with it well over 200 yds but most have been in the neighborhood of 150 or less. Last summer I worked up a good load with 4064 and the 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tip and in this particular Sauer it will put 4 inside of 1 inch at 100yds. I killed a nice doe back in December with a full frontal shot straight through the brisket and I was able to recover the core of the bullet. I assume the jacket was shed somewhere in the entrails as I didnt find it. The year before that, I worked up a load of H4895 with the Hornady 150gr Interlock and killed a big fat doe at 232yds and it left a large 50cent piece hole in and out. I also killed a button buck with the same load and it was a bang flop kind of situation.
I have almost 200 of the Sierra 175gr SP, Sierra 150gr, some Speer 150s, 170s, Hornady 170 SST and Interlock Round Nose, Barnes 160gr TTSX, and both Nosler 200gr Accubonds, and Partitions. I personally love the fact that not many people carry and hunt with the 8x57 and regardless of its original intent for development, I cant help but feel like I have a modern piece of history.
