Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 8X56 Mannlicher Schoenauer

I have purchased (but not received yet) a Model 1908 Mannlicher-Schoenauer in 8X56 MM. The rifle is in fairly good shape. The front receiver ring has a claw mount base dovetailed into it. The rear scope mount base is missing. It has the original open sights on the barrel.

My question...can any of you provide any load data and/or any other information about this old rifle? Anyone have a pivoting peep sight?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks...Bill.

Bill I've got some old 9x56 (that's niner) MS data which might help---starting loads of 44gr of either N-202 or IMR 3031 for 1900 fps and change with a 250 spitzer in carbine barrel. You have same case, same action, and smaller bore so reduce accordingly for starter loads.

FYI max listed loads are 46-47 grains for both powders. This data is in Big Bore Cartridges--don't have anything else even close.

Receiver sights for the MS show up now and then on the auction sites, and there's a real good MS site somebody at the fire gave me. I'll see if I can find it. Congrats on a very cool rifle.

You need to hook up with the Mannlicher Collectors Society or some similar group.

Mannlicher Collectors Association
PO Box 7144 Salem OR.
USA 97303.

http://discover-net.net/~kanotex/mannlicher/application.htm

German Gun Collector�s Association
http://www.germanguns.com

Thank you Steve!

Thank you Lee!

I recall seeing an article years ago. Can't remember where, but try THE RIFLEMAN. My recollection is that you have to drop down to very low end 8 x 57 loads. I believe that 8 x 57 brass can be adapted as well.

M70 the following two loads are from Cartridges of the World by Frank Barnes:

170 gr sp bullet 44 gr IMR 4895 Vel 2260 energy 1935


200 gr sp bullet 40 gr IMR 3031 vel 2050 energy 1875



No other details or handload data given

There is a RWS factory load noted with 202 gr bullet at 2170 and 2105 energy.

BCR

Thanks Boggy,

I'll try them too. I always wanted a M-S but could never afford one until I found this one. I hope I won't be disappointed with it. I think it was cheap because of the obsolete caliber. Appreciate the help.

Bill

mod70man,

The illustrious Ken Waters did a "Pet Loads" feature on the 8x56 about five or six years ago. I have the article. If I can find it, I could Xerox you a copy if you need it.

Welcome to the dark side. M/S rifles have great character. I am sure you will enjoy it. Good Luck.... the9.3Guy

Model70man,

The article wasn't hard to find. I walked down into the cave, over to the bookshelf and picked it up. Handloader #175; June 1995

Ok! so my memory is a bit foggy. It was 10 years ago. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ken Waters' claims that IMR-3031 is a bit on the fast side for this cartridge. Start at about 40 grs. and work up to 43.5 Maximum!. This is with 150 gr. bullets.

The first thing I would do, however, is slug the bore. If your's is .322 - .324, I would deem it acceptable. But if it is down around .319, I say you have a big problem. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I would caution you on the use of the 195 gr. Hornady. I talked to the tech at Hornady just after it was introduced. He told me it was intended for the 8mm Rem Mag. Kinda makes you wonder why they factory load it in the 8x57.... the9.3Guy

9.3Guy

Thanks...I'd like to get a copy of that article. I remember it but unfortunately my wife kept after me to thin out the old magazines and I brought most of my old Rifle and Handloader magazines to work and gave them away.

If you find it please PM me for my email address. I appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Bill

9.3Guy

This may sound stupid but...how would I slug the bore? Should I use something like a 158 grain lead wad cutter bullet for a .38 Special and drive it through with a cleaning rod? I've never done this before.

Thanks,
Bill

Attached is a table of loads from several sources that I have compiled. PM me with your e-mail address if you'd like me to e-mail it directly.

Regarding the Mannlicher Collectors Association, it would be quickest to contact the Membership secretary directly:

Membership Secretary
PO Box 10105
College Station, TX 77842

MCA Application

I would be happy to sponor any Campfire members for membership.

For brass, you can usually use 8x57 brass and trim and shape accordingly. Another alternative is Buffalo Arms - I've used their 9x56 M-S brass necked down since I also shoot 9x56.

Hope this helps!

Washougal Chris

For fun, you should be able to use 8.0 gr of Red Dot with the 125, 150 and 170 gr bullets, just like the .30-30.

Chris,

Thank you! I was able to print the attachment. I really appreciate the help from everyone here at the Campfire. Bill

Bill,

Usually I use an unsized cast bullet to slug the bore with. Or a slightly oversized muzzleloader's round ball. Perhaps someone with more smarts than I can chime in... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

the9.3Guy

8x56 M.Sch. is easily formed from NEW 8x57 IS brass. Using 8 mmS/.323" bullets you have to screw out the expander of the sizing die as the dia. is more .315" or .316". 8 mmS(.323") 12,7/196 g Softs are excellent. Here we load it (max. according to CIP) with 2,53 gr/39 gr Rottweil R902 650 m/s or 2,79 gr/43.0 gr Rottweil R903 655 m/s.
Rottweil R902 is in the IMR 3031 class, R903 is a tad slower compared to Alliant Re15, inbetween BL-C2 and H380.
RD

I apologize for a thread hijack here, but with so much M/S expertise focused here i could not resist.

Does anyone know how I can contact the M/S collectors netsite? I was in contact but lost touch during a computer redo and have not been able to relocate them.

Thanks and sorry,
1B

Dear 1B,

Here are some:

Mannlicher Collectors Association Website

Mannlicher-Schoenauer

Randy Rick's Steyr Page

Gunboards Steyr Forum

Hope this helps!

Washougal Chris

Thaks for the links. As of today, I have a Mannlicher-Schoenauer 1908 Carbine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!

Also have two full boxes of original Western 200-gr ammo, new brass, and four boxes of bullets. If I can locate some dies, I can at least reload for this one...!