|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 751
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 751 |
For those who hunt in Africa is the 8mm Mauser still fairly common in use for mid size non violent game? I know this old 7.92, 323 cartridge once was back in the 40's, just wondering if it's still readily available there on the ammo shelves. I was reading John Taylor's old book "African Rifles and Cartridges" where he spoke of a 240 grain load German manufacturers had made in those days. Wondering if such German ammo is still found there in that grain today for the old 8x57.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,418
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,418 |
I've read they are pretty common in Namibia but have not actually seen one in use there. A few nights ago, I bought an 8x57 from a run Tikka did 5-6 years ago. Eurooptic had them reduced to around $500 new. My daughter has asked to go to Africa when she graduates high school in a few years. My theory is it will be a good gun for her to use with mildish loads of 2300-2400 fps or so with 200-grain Partitions. I'm thinking there should be a lot of capability for the recoil with that combo.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,304 Likes: 2
Campfire Oracle
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,304 Likes: 2 |
That would be a great combo! I shot my first Kudu with an 8x57 and I have actually seen one in use in Namibia.That said, I never looked for ammo there, so no help...
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,751 Likes: 6
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,751 Likes: 6 |
We brought a custom receiver sighted Erfurt 8x57 Mauser over in 2012. Worked fine with the 180 gr BT.
Conduct is the best proof of character.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 437
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 437 |
I'm sure its a fairly common African truck gun. As far as ammo goes? Who knows?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,462
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,462 |
Took mine my first trip over, cull hunt, but killed everything from Springbok to Wildebeast to Gembok, one shot kills, 175 Sierra Por-Hunter, 2850 fps. Had no need for factory.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,016 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,016 Likes: 1 |
Slightly off topic, but I have heard that 9X57MM was very popular in Africa for many years.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 340
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 340 |
I have used the 8x57 with 200gr partitions for two trips to Namibia. Species taken were jackals, warthog, springbok, red hartebeast, blue wildebeest, kudu and Oryx. Both families I hunt with use 8x57s. I did see ammo at the gun store in windhoek. My rifle is a sporterized WW2 mauser I paid $225 for and I have a fixed power Leupold I bought used here at the fire on it. This will be the rifle I take when I go back. The 200gr partition at 2600fps is impressive.
"He is one of the Legion lost."
"You care for nothing but shooting, dogs, and rat- catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family."
|
|
|
|
637 members (219 Wasp, 1minute, 160user, 12344mag, 222Sako, 219DW, 72 invisible),
2,730
guests, and
1,181
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,854
Posts18,497,037
Members73,979
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
|